CULTURE PIRATE ET CIRCUIT PIRATE ISLAND

History. A combination of factors helped transform Sainte-Marie into a notorious bastion of piracy between the late ^17th and early ^18th centuries. Its privileged geographical position placed it on the maritime routes used by merchant ships linking Asia to Europe and Africa. The island's topography, studded with numerous bays and coves, provided safe anchorage for privateers. Finally, its geographical isolation made it difficult for the authorities to enforce the law. Emblematic figures of piracy, such as Captain Kidd, established their quarters here, giving the island the evocative nickname of "Pirate Island" at the time. Pirates raided nearby merchant ships and plundered coastal towns, erecting fortifications and warehouses to store their catches. They also interacted with the local population, some even marrying Malagasy women. The heyday of piracy on Sainte-Marie spanned some 30 years, ending in the early ^18th century as European powers intensified their efforts to suppress these illegal activities. Nevertheless, the imprint of this era of piracy remains palpable on the island, where various sites commemorate the period.

Pirate Island tour. It's possible to discover the vestiges of this culture with a very good tour, offered by the Tourist Office, which will keep you busy for 2-3 hours. The tour takes you to Forban Island and the pirate cemetery, and with its signposts, you'll learn plenty about this culture. One of a kind!

Excavations in progress and to come. The sea has not yet given up its secrets! Archaeological missions are still taking place in Sainte-Marie. In 2024, one of them involved the search for the wreck of the Fiery Dragon belonging to the pirate captain Condent. The team explored a potential wreck and an onshore site, discovering early ^18th-century artifacts including Chinese porcelain and a Kangxi-era figurine. Analysis of the wreck's wood revealed it to be teak, suggesting a vessel captured by pirates rather than the Fiery Dragon. Land-based discoveries confirmed an organized pirate occupation. Although the Fiery Dragon remains elusive, this mission has further enriched our understanding of pirate life on the island!