Legendary Pirates Filming Locations: Caribbean Island Guide

Where Pirates of the Caribbean Was Filmed: A Caribbean Adventure Guide

The Pirates of the Caribbean series transported audiences to a world of swashbuckling pirates, hidden treasure, and enchanted seas. But beyond the thrilling escapades of Jack Sparrow and his crew, the real stars were the Caribbean islands, whose stunning landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for these high-seas adventures. From mysterious jungles to crystal-clear waters, the islands themselves played a key role in creating the magic of the films.

Let’s dive into the islands that helped shape the Pirates of the Caribbean universe, revisit the epic scenes filmed there, uncover local tales of the production, and discover how you can visit these cinematic treasures.

The Caribbean: A Pirate's Paradise

The filmmakers of Pirates of the Caribbean chose the Caribbean for its authentic beauty, vast history, and connection to real-life pirate lore. The islands’ natural diversity—from remote beaches to wild, untamed rainforests—helped bring the 18th-century world of pirates to life. Combined with the region’s rich history and secluded coves, it was the perfect location to capture the spirit of the films. The Caribbean’s scenic landscapes became more than a backdrop; they became part of the story.

Dominica – The Untamed Pirate Frontier

Epic Pirate Moments:

• Titou Gorge: This narrow, hauntingly beautiful gorge was the entrance to Tia Dalma’s mystical lair in Dead Man’s Chest. Filming here was no easy feat—actors and crew had to navigate the gorge’s strong currents and slippery rocks, adding real adventure to the shoot. The waterfalls cascading into the gorge gave it a surreal, dream-like quality that perfectly matched the mysterious mood of the scene.
• Indian River: One of Dominica’s most recognizable locations, this river set the scene for Jack Sparrow and his crew as they journeyed to Tia Dalma’s eerie hut. The still, dark waters, surrounded by thick overhanging trees, gave the scene an otherworldly atmosphere. Locals helped maneuver the boats through the tight twists and turns of the river, making it one of the most complex shoots on the island.
• High Meadow and Twin Peaks: These stunning locations were used for the hilarious and gripping scenes where Jack Sparrow is captured by the cannibal tribe. The swinging skeletal cages and Captain Sparrow's daring escape sequence were shot in the rugged beauty of High Meadow and the nearby Twin Peaks. The set remains for travelers to explore, alongside breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and Soufriere Bay.
• Soufriere: This charming village became a secret pirate hideout, its traditional wooden huts and quiet beaches transformed into a bustling pirate base. The locals embraced the filmmakers, and many villagers were cast as extras. It was said that Johnny Depp took time between scenes to chat with the children in the village, much to their delight.
• Hampstead Beach: One of Dominica’s most famous black sand beaches, Hampstead Beach featured in several key scenes in Dead Man’s Chest. Although difficult to access, its dramatic beauty made it a perfect setting for pirate adventures, and it remains a must-see destination for fans.

Island Tales:
Meet Jean-Paul Larocque, a fisherman from Soufriere, who was hired to help transport equipment across the island during filming. "We were all fascinated by the ships and costumes. It felt like pirates had truly come to our shores," he said. Jean-Paul still proudly keeps a piece of pirate décor from the set, a lasting memory of his brush with Hollywood.

Island Tales: Meet Jean-Paul Larocque, a fisherman from Soufriere, who was hired to help transport equipment across the island during filming. "We were all fascinated by the ships and costumes. It felt like pirates had truly come to our shores," he said. Jean-Paul still proudly keeps a piece of pirate décor from the set, a lasting memory of his brush with Hollywood.

‍Set Sail for Adventure:
Join Sheppee Fun Tours on their Pirates of the Caribbean Tour, where you can experience the very locations where these famous scenes were shot. From a guided river tour up the Indian River to a hike through the mystical Titou Gorge, this full-day adventure lets you explore Dominica through the eyes of a pirate. Customize your trip with visits to High Meadow, Twin Peaks, and Hampstead Beach, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines – The Black Pearl’s Safe Haven

Epic Pirate Moments:

• Wallilabou Bay: This iconic bay was transformed into the legendary Port Royal, where Jack Sparrow makes his unforgettable entrance on a sinking ship. The scene took weeks of preparation as the production team built the docks and harbor from scratch. After filming, many parts of the set were left behind and remain today, giving fans a chance to walk through Port Royal just as it appeared in the film.
• Barrouallie: The serene fishing village of Barrouallie was used for epic wide shots of pirate ships at sea, adding a sense of grandeur to the film. During one dramatic stormy sequence, a real tropical storm passed through, delaying production but also providing raw, natural footage that added authenticity to the scene. The filmmakers later joked that Mother Nature became their co-director.

Island Tales: Margaret Charles, a shopkeeper in Kingstown, remembers the day Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom casually walked into her store. "It was unbelievable. They were so friendly and down-to-earth. Johnny even bought a hand-carved pirate figure, which is now one of our best-selling souvenirs," she laughs.

Step Into Port Royal: Wallilabou Heritage Park is unique chance to visit the original Port Royal set, including still-standing docks and pirate memorabilia. The tour includes a stop at Margaret’s famous shop and a guided tour of the village, complete with behind-the-scenes stories from locals who witnessed the magic. Tours cost $60 per person.

Bahamas – The Untouched Waters of Pirate Legend

Epic Pirate Moments:

• Exuma Cays: These stunning islands served as the perfect setting for the Black Pearl’s epic voyages across treacherous waters. The filmmakers chose the Exuma Cays for their unparalleled beauty and untouched landscapes. During production, a special fleet of boats had to be brought in to carefully navigate the shallow waters without damaging the fragile coral reefs, ensuring the ecosystem remained intact.
• White Cay: This remote island was used for the famous scene in Dead Man’s Chest where Jack Sparrow and his crew are marooned on a deserted island. The crew built several temporary structures on the island to create the illusion of a shipwreck, but after filming, the entire set was dismantled, leaving the island as pristine as they found it.

Island Tales:Benny Knowles, a local boat captain, fondly remembers ferrying the cast and crew between islands during production. "Johnny Depp loved the water. When he wasn’t filming, he’d go swimming or snorkeling with us locals. One day, he even borrowed my mask and fins!" Benny now runs pirate-themed boat tours, sharing these anecdotes with his guests.

Sail the Pirate Waters: Hop aboard with a tour, where you’ll explore White Cay and the surrounding waters. Usually the tour includes snorkeling, storytelling, and a chance to see the exact spots where the Black Pearl sailed.

Puerto Rico – Fortress of Epic Battles

Epic Pirate Moments:

• San Cristobal Fort: This historic Puerto Rican fortress was used for the dramatic battle scene in On Stranger Tides, where Jack Sparrow faces off against the British forces. Filming here was a logistical feat, with large-scale battle sequences requiring intense coordination. The crew built additional walls and towers to enhance the fort’s dramatic effect, though these were seamlessly integrated into the original structure.

Island Tales:Carlos Rivera, a local Puerto Rican actor, was cast as a soldier in the fortress battle. "We filmed all day in the blazing sun, and by the end, we were exhausted. But being a part of it was worth every moment. Plus, it’s pretty cool to tell people I fought alongside Jack Sparrow!"

Discover the Fortress of Pirates: Explore Old San Juan Historical Tours and their “Pirates of San Juan” experience, which takes you through San Cristobal Fort, showing you the exact spots used in the battle scene. Guides share not only film trivia but also fascinating history about the fort’s real-life pirate encounters.

Behind-the-Scenes Fun and Drama

Unexpected Monkey Stowaway: While filming a jungle scene in Dominica, a mischievous local monkey snuck onto the set and interrupted a dramatic dialogue between Jack Sparrow and Will Turner. The crew embraced the chaos, allowing the monkey to stay in the shot, but it became a frequent, uninvited visitor on set, amusing the cast daily.

Johnny Depp’s Surprise Dance Party: During a break from filming in St. Vincent, Johnny Depp surprised the entire crew with an impromptu dance party on Wallilabou Beach. Local musicians had been hired to provide background music for a scene, but Depp invited them to stay after-hours, creating an unforgettable night of laughter, dancing, and rum under the stars.

Shipwrecked Boats: During the Exuma Cays filming, one of the smaller boats used to shuttle the crew between islands ran aground on a hidden sandbar. The crew had to wade through knee-deep water to push it free, leading to a good-natured rescue mission. Local fishermen later helped navigate through the tricky waters, becoming heroes for the day.

Tropical Storm Delays: While filming a ship battle near St. Vincent, a sudden tropical storm rolled in, causing production to halt. The storm’s intensity sent set pieces flying, and the crew scrambled to secure equipment. After the storm passed, the breathtaking post-storm sunset was so beautiful, the filmmakers quickly shot it as part of the scene.

Goat on Set: One of the most memorable behind-the-scenes moments occurred in Dominica, where a goat wandered onto the set during a key scene. The crew decided to let it roam freely, resulting in a hilarious blooper reel. The unplanned goat cameo added some unexpected pirate-style comedy to the production.

Pirate Ship Surprise: In the Exuma Cays, a real pirate ship replica from a nearby historical reenactment festival sailed into the area, briefly confusing the filmmakers. Thinking it was part of their set, they later realized the ship belonged to another event happening nearby. The happy accident caused some lighthearted confusion but left everyone with a good story to tell.

Keith Richards’ Pirate Wisdom: Keith Richards, who played Captain Teague, Jack Sparrow’s father, became a local legend in Puerto Rico. After wrapping his scenes at San Cristobal Fort, he entertained the crew with rock-star stories and improvised “pirate wisdom,” giving advice in character to everyone on set.

From the jungles of Dominica to the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, the Caribbean islands played a starring role in Pirates of the Caribbean. Fans can now embark on their own high-seas adventures, visiting the iconic locations and reliving the magic of these legendary films.