Real Pirates Salem Museum: Authentic Pirate Treasure Display

Immerse yourself in the real-life stories of real pirates at the Real Pirates Salem Museum. Discover authentic pirate treasure, witness live archaeology, and become a pirate yourself through our interactive experiences.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Real Pirates Salem - Visitors tour an interactive exhibit featuring the story of real-life pirate “Black Sam” Bellamy and his fabled beloved Maria Hallett. Visitors will be able to see and touch real pirate treasure from the wreck of Bellamy’s ship, the Whydah Gally. The Whydah was a slave ship-turned pirate ship which wrecked off of the Cape Cod…
What's Included
  • Digital Photo
  • Audio Track
  • Real Pirates - Interactive Historical Exhibit Ticket
Additional Information

Delve into the vivid tales of actual pirates, highlighted by the exploits of Black Sam Bellamy, one of the youngest and most successful sea bandits ever, and Maria Hallett, his beloved and the infamous ‘Witch of Wellfleet’. Get to know Sam’s adventurous squad, track their exploits across the vast oceans, watch their triumphant victories, and finally…

Location
Real Pirates Salem
Derby Street
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(225 Ratings)
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305tonik
Jun 3, 2025
Join the Crew at the Real Pirates Salem Museum! - My family went and had such a great time. The narrative told throughout the museum was fascinating and well-told, with a splendid mix of artifacts and reproductions. All the staff, from the ticket desk to the costumed interpreter to the gift store worker, were wicked friendly. Plus we're fans of Gregory Manchess, so seeing his work featured was an unexpected bonus. (Lucky for us, it was a lightly-attended day so we had the place nearly to ourselves, but it would have been a delight regardless.) Take the first opportunity to sign the ship's articles and join the crew!
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Danielle
May 11, 2025
Pirates and treasure are real! - First time here and I don't regret spending the money. This is a great experience and you can actually look at real treasures and things that were recovered from the Whydem wreck! The people who work at the museum are great and I will definitely becoming back again!!! Thank you guys!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
900chaimk
Apr 21, 2025
Entertaining and informative - Very entertaining and informative! We had a great time seeing the first-hand pirate artifacts and the details of the life of the specific pirate, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
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Sarah
Apr 19, 2025
Pirates Museam - The Museum tour was a fun experience! The plaques of information was very clear to read and understand. Nice staff and great experience. You are able to touch real pirate treasure! Photo op at the end, no need to pay extra for because the photos are included with ticket price which I really enjoyed. Gift shop was also on the cheaper side :).
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Roberte136
Mar 28, 2025
Worth A Visit - Great hidden gem museum revolving around a lesser known pirate by the name of Sam Bellamy that sailed around the same time as Black Beard, as well as other more well known pirates.
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Christine
Mar 2, 2025
Treasure in Salem - The museum is a sister museum of the Whydah Pirate museum in West Yarmouth, MA. It contains real treasure and artifacts found in the Whydah shipwreck off the coast of Wellfleet in Cape Cod. The artifacts include cannons, silver coins, cannon balls, plates, spoons, tools, pieces of the ship itself, and more! The story of "Black Sam" Bellamy is a fantastic love story/pirate tale. It captures the imagination of all who hear it. The Pirate we met, who introduced us (and the other guests) to the museum and its tale was very informative and animated. The entire museum is a treasure in itself!
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Wendos156
Feb 28, 2025
REAL-ly great place to go in Salem! - Our second visit with our grandson, he loved it so much the first time, he begged to go back. The REAL items on display, the informative video, the exhibit showing the recovery of REAL pirate artifacts and how they are cleaned - fascinating. Clear connections to history which this history-buff really appreciated. Great gift shop too! A must see in Salem.
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Y5538gukimberlym
Jan 18, 2025
Yes! Do it! - We loved this museum, although it's a bit smaller than the one in Yarmouth. We are both pretty fascinated by everything Whydah Gally, and just devour all the incredible artifacts and history. The knowledge of Carolyn, who led us into a discussion about the Whydah Gally, Captain Sam Bellamy, and Barry Clifford just added to the whole experience. As I told her, the only thing that could make this better would be to meet Barry. The excitement of his find must just radiate from him. Maybe someday I'll cross paths with him, (I wouldn't say "no" if he wanted to slip me a couple pieces of eight!)
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Codypk5945qt
Dec 28, 2024
Everything is perfect 10/10 - We come back every year thank you so so much!!!!! My daughter is 6 and is obsessed. Me and my husband love it as well. Best museum ever !!!!!
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History73f
Mar 16, 2025
This is the museum to do in Salem - There are 2 pirate museums practically across the street from each other. Even when you put this one into the GPS, it takes you to the other. They are that close. THIS IS THE ONE TO GO TO! This one is next to Lulu's. This is a real pirate story not a pirate stereotype museum. Great hands on exhibits. Loved raising the flags and knot tying. Read the stories about what happened on this ship. The story about the play on ship was favorite!!! Most of our group said this was their favorite part of the Salem visit. Bathrooms were large and clean but please know once you enter the museum you can't use it until you complete the museum exhibition.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $22
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).