Whydah Pirate Museum

The Legendary Pirate Ship: The Whydah

Wrecked off the coast of Wellfleet in 1717, the Whydah, a legendary pirate ship, remained lost for centuries. In 1984, Barry Clifford and the Whydah Project team finally located this elusive wreck, marking the first-ever authenticated pirate shipwreck. They not only uncovered the wreckage but also a portion of the pirate's massive haul of treasure and artifacts, offering invaluable insights into life in the 18th century and the often-misunderstood world of old-world pirates.

The Whydah Pirate Museum

Today, thousands of recovered objects from the Whydah can be seen at the Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth, home to the world's largest collection of artifacts recovered from a pirate shipwreck. Visitors can handle pirate pistols and sword hilts, walk through a partial model of the Whydah, and visit the SeaLab and Learning Center, an on-site conservation laboratory.

Tours and Activities

While self-guided tours are available, many recent visitors highly recommend the one-hour guided tour. The museum’s knowledgeable and engaging staff enhance the experience significantly. Highlights for families include talking to an archaeologist and touching some actual pirate treasures. With new artifacts excavated each year by divers, new exhibits are regularly added, making each visit unique. It takes about an hour to explore the museum, which caters to older children and adults. Additionally, a scavenger hunt activity keeps younger kids engaged.

Visitor Information

Hours

The museum is open daily in the summer, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and operates on varied days throughout the rest of the year. Check the museum's website for up-to-date information on hours.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Admission is priced at $18 for adults, $14 for children ages 5 to 15, and $16 for seniors. For more details about hours and ticket sales, refer to the Whydah Pirate Museum's website.