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Sainte Marie Pirate Cemetery

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Sainte Marie Pirate Cemetery (Madagascar)

Weather…

The Pirate Cemetery of Sainte-Marie is located on a hilltop overlooking the Baie des Forbans and is the only known burial ground of its kind in the world. During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the island was a strategic refuge for over a thousand pirates, including legendary figures such as William Kidd and Thomas Tew. The cemetery features weathered headstones made of black volcanic rock, some of which still display classic pirate symbols like the skull and crossbones. This site bears witness to an era when the island served as an unofficial hub for maritime trade and piracy in the Indian Ocean. Today, the graves are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and can only be reached via a narrow path that is partially submerged during high tide. For historians, the site provides valuable insights into the social structures and international connections of pirate communities of that time. Numerous legends of buried treasure in the vicinity continue to attract adventurers and tourists today.

Location: Madagascar
Nearby: Île Sainte-Marie (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	27	27	26	25	23	23	23	24	26	27
Rain mm	261	216	291	160	121	86	88	52	39	49	70	149

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Sainte Marie Pirate Cemetery is an open-air site typically accessible at any time. Visitors can walk among the old tombstones, though access to some areas may be hindered by vegetation.

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Typical hours

As an unmanned cemetery, there are no set opening hours. Daylight hours are best for a visit to clearly see the tombstones.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the cemetery grounds. Please respect the graves and avoid stepping on the burial sites.

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Time needed

A walk through the cemetery typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. If you take time to read the inscriptions, you might spend up to an hour.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the Pirate Museum on the island and the nearby beaches. Sainte Marie Island also gives boat trips to other historical sites.

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Getting there

Sainte Marie Island is accessible by domestic flight from Antananarivo or by ferry from Tamatave. On the island, you can reach the cemetery by taxi or rented bicycle.

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Insider tip

Wear sturdy shoes as the ground may be uneven. Bring insect repellent, especially during the wet season.

Geography

Coordinates

-17.00060, 49.83920

Facts

The only authentic pirate cemetery in the world
Key stronghold for Indian Ocean pirates
Believed to contain graves of captains like William Kidd
Headstones feature classic skull and crossbones motifs
Located on Île aux Forbans off Sainte-Marie
Peak pirate activity occurred between 1680 and 1730

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ambodifotatra Port1 km · NExplore →

Nosy Boraha8 km · SWExplore →

Île Sainte-Marie10 km · NEExplore →

Soanierana Ivongo29 km · SExplore →

Tampolo Nature Reserve53 km · SWExplore →

Mahambo54 km · SWExplore →

Fenoarivo Atsinanana55 km · SWExplore →

Mananara Avaratra60 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Sainte Marie Pirate Cemetery (1)

Pirates Cemetery

Cemetery on Sainte Marie island, burial site of 17th-18th century pirates.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the pirate cemetery?

A historic site where famous pirates found their final resting place.

Where exactly is it located?

On a small hill on the island of Sainte Marie.

Is the visit exciting for children?

Yes, the stories about pirates are very exciting for children.

What is the best time of day?

Early in the morning or towards evening when it is not too hot.

What else should one do?

Swimming and snorkeling in the area are fantastic.

Sainte Marie Pirate Cemetery: where is it located?

Sainte Marie Pirate Cemetery is located in Madagascar.

Sainte Marie Pirate Cemetery: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.

Sainte Marie Pirate Cemetery: why is it worth visiting?

The Pirate Cemetery of Sainte-Marie is located on a hilltop overlooking the Baie des Forbans and is the only known burial ground of its kind in the world.

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