This was on my husband’s “things to do in Salem” as he loves pirate history. Me, not a real history fan BUT found this museum fascinating! It is well laid out and has so many cool artifacts and vignettes. I really enjoyed it. Capt Johnny Depths is a really knowledgeable pirate and answered all of our questions and told some very interesting tales! Skip the witches and go with the pirates!

Very well presented and interesting museum. Had a great interactive section for kids. Would highly recommend.

If you want a serious, well documented history of piracy, of slavery and slave ships, of the horrible circumstances of those kidnapped and forced to be sailors or indentured workers in the New World, go to this museum. It is based on documentation, recent underwater expeditions to recover and preserve artifacts, and stories, from the Wydah, a slave ship overtaken by the pirate Sam Bellamy and his multinational crew. We wanted serious….this was a serious museum. But it was presented in an easy to digest and incredibly engaging fashion that held one’s interest from the beginning film, complete with a few special effects, to the final room that showed how recovered artifacts are treated and preserved. A democracy amongst the outcast and truly an inclusive society, it was however, a difficult one to survive in as all of these men, and some women, were pariahs to the rest of the world. But to each other, they were loyal and they offered a way of life that was in many ways, so much better than other options open to them as again, many came from the slave ships themselves, or runaway slaves of Black and Native origin. You will enjoy this place— but you will learn. And if you can learn how to do the sailor’s knots, let me know…..

Came to Salem for the witch museum but the pirate museum stole the show. Great exhibit and staff. Highly recommend!!! ———————————————-

This is one of the best museums we have been to - and we go to a lot. Other museums in Salem have been low on the history and high on sensationalism. Not this museum. Very well presented with real artifacts from the Whydah shipwreck. Clearly a labor of love by the owners who want to present clear history through the story of the Whydah and her crew. The staff clearly loves this place and knows about the ship and the people. Highly recommended.

My son and I loved this museum, it was so well done! The staff was helpful and informative. I loved the fact that it was actually from a local pirate shipwreck. A definite must see in Salem!

I went with my 2 kids and it was all our first time in Salem. At the end of the museum the kids enjoyed it very much and had learned so much. We’ll be back!

I went to this museum on something of a whim with my spouse and another couple during a trip to Salem, and it ended up being our favorite experience in Salem. There was a wonderful mix of immersive exhibits and real-life artifacts from a real pirate ship. We also got a chance to speak to the owner briefly upon exiting; he was very kind, and it was very clear that he'd put a lot of thought and care into it. I would highly recommend this museum.

The tour and museum was great I was pleasantly surprised and Jason the tour guide was very knowledgeable

Went with my mother, sister, and two kids (13 and 8) We all absolutely LOVED it! We had the best time. The directors tour is 100% worth the extra. Our guide was so informative and we learned so much! Such a wonderful experience and great memories!

We enjoyed reading and looking at everything this place collected from real pirate ships we were here for sight seeing and Thats exactly what we got definitely recommend a look around. And we got our kids things from the gift shop and they looove it

This museum is pretty awesome. It’s incredible the amount of real items they have from an actual pirate ship wreck and getting touch the treasure is beyond cool. I learned a ton and honestly would have liked to learn even more. The setup of the museum itself is also really great.

A fun learning experience. Love that there were actual items from a sunken pirate ship. Brings a reality to life on a ship. Highly recommend!

Such a well organized and authentic experience. Spacious and informative, self guided tour of the museum that allowed for individuals to explore at their leisure. Staff was also knowledgeable and welcoming.

We loved exploring this pirate museum. The museum tells the story of a real pirate and his wrecked ship off the coast of Cape Cod. It’s definitely worth the visit.

Amazing museum. Weaves information, artifacts and realistic sets around the narrative of a real life pirate. An absolute must visit on a trip to Salem.

This is a must see place in Salem! Everyone only thinks Salem as witch city, but the pirate history is second to none. This museum and the staff will capture you from the moment you walk in the door and you’ll leave in awe, requesting your own eye patch …. arrgh!!

Fun place to visit. You get to see actual pirate treasure. Love that they give a breakdown of how artifacts are cleaned once brought up.

This museum is very well put-together in comparison to most museums in salem. It’s updated, clean, maintained well. The collection of artifacts were interesting. The colors, effects, and displays are definitely of this time and not dusty old pieces that are only operated for Halloween.

The Museum was an amazing learning experience that put you there in the Golden age of Piracy. they have an exhibit of many artifacts from the wreck of the only confirmed Pirate ship from the era! The Staff were Very Knowlegable and informative ! we had a great time !