Summary
Have you ever envisioned yourself as a pirate, perhaps even as portrayals such as Johnny Depp’s iconic character? Depp vividly embodies Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, and contemporary adventurers can discover authentic Caribbean locations where these Disney productions were filmed.
Puerto Rico
A significant portion of the fourth POTC film, unveiled in summer 2011, was not filmed in the Caribbean but rather in diverse settings across Hawaii. However, the concluding beach scene was captured near the coastal city of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, specifically on and around the small offshore islands of Palomino and Palominitos. Palomino Island may be familiar to visitors of the renowned El Conquistador resort, which offers a variety of beach and water activities. Additional scenes were filmed in Old San Juan and at San Cristobal Fort.
Dominica
Prominent sequences from the original Pirates of the Caribbean film were shot on the verdant island of Dominica, which significantly enhanced its profile as a tourist destination, akin to how the Lord of the Rings films showcased the natural beauty of New Zealand.
The dramatic cliffs and lush landscapes of Dominica’s northeast coast provided a stunning backdrop for pivotal moments in the second film, Dead Man’s Chest, featuring boat scenes on the Indian River, a cannibal village where Jack narrowly escapes becoming the main course, as well as an intense fight sequence regarding a colossal water wheel.
Sets were constructed in Soufriere and Vielle Case, with scenes filmed in areas such as Pegua Bay, Titou Gorge, High Meadow, Pointe Guinade, and Hampstead Beach.
Breakaway Adventures has curated a nine-day walking tour in Dominica that includes many of the striking vistas featured in the films, such as the Indian River (serving as the movie’s “Pantano River”), “Cannibal Island” in the Valley of Desolation, and the films’ “Shipwreck Cove” near Capucin Cape.
“In light of the anticipation surrounding the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ sequel, we envisioned a tour that allows travelers to experience the sites they will witness this summer on the silver screen,” states Carol Keskitalo, co-owner of Breakaway Adventures. “Our guests will understand why this extraordinary island served as a perfect setting for epic sword fights, covert missions, and adventurous escapades.”
Bahamas
Addtional scenes for “Dead Man’s Chest” and “At World’s End” were filmed on Grand Bahama Island and Exuma in the Bahamas, including a sequence that features the dreadful minions of Davy Jones. Visitors to the Bahamas may also find interest in the Pirates of Nassau Museum, which offers insights into historical pirates and buccaneers, whose realities were less charming than Depp’s Sparrow character.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Reflecting the original film, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, an intricate set at Wallilabou Bay in St. Vincent stands in for Port Royal, a historically infamous haven for pirates situated on the northern coast of Jamaica. (Regrettably, the authentic Port Royal was devastated by an earthquake in 1692—some claim it was a consequence of its nefarious activities.)
The Wallilabou Anchorage hotel and accompanying restaurant are featured in the film, along with a natural stone arch at the bay’s entrance; the port retains a laid-back atmosphere despite its newfound notoriety.
A trip to the bay on St. Vincent’s northwest coast additionally allows for a visit to the Falls of Baleine, a 60-foot waterfall that creates a natural pool ideal for a refreshing swim. Scenes for The Curse of the Black Pearl were further filmed in Kingstown on the island of Bequia in the Grenadines.
The Dominican Republic and Tortuga
Samana in the Dominican Republic also served as a filming location for Captain Jack Sparrow’s adventures. Travelers can also explore the actual pirate hideout, Tortuga, a desolate island now part of Haiti, where Jack gathers his crew.
