Under a Black Flag: The Pirate-Themed Pleasures of Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has a long history of piracy, dating back to early days of the Manila–Acapulco Galleon Trade. This immensely lucrative trade route was the means by which Spain funneled valuable resources—including gold, silver, silks, and spices—from its far-flung colonial holdings, which by the late 16th century included the Philippines and much of the Americas.
Cruises aboard the Buccaneer Queen evoke the golden age of piracy in Cabo San Lucas.
The trade route extended from the Philippines to Acapulco, then overland to Veracruz and finally to Spain. During the first half of this sea voyage, ships used the arch at Land’s End as a navigational aid, since the typical itinerary included taking on fresh water at San José del Cabo before proceeding down the Pacific Coast of México to Acapulco.
The incredible wealth these ships carried, combined with their predictable routes and the natural cover provided by the rock formations at Land’s End, produced a predictable result: Cabo San Lucas Bay became infested with pirates, particularly English and Dutch privateers, who were sanctioned by their governments to, in essence, harry the competition.
By the 1570s—the Baja California Peninsula has been claimed by Spain at this point but had yet to be settled by anyone but Pericúes (Native Americans)—legendary privateers like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Thomas Cavendish were patrolling the local waters, attacking treasure laden prey. Cavendish took the ultimate prize in 1578, sacking the supposedly invincible galleon Santa Ana and seizing a fortune in gold and silver. To this day local legends still exist about the final resting places for much of this haul, as well as other ill-gotten Spanish booty.
Comfort food favorites and pirate-themed memorabilia are highlights at Jack’s Bar and Grill, located in the Marina Golden Zone.
For history buffs interested in Los Cabos’ golden age of piracy—the Manila – Acapulco galleon trade officially ended in 1815, but piracy declined once Spain began to settle the area during the first half of the 18th century—the local museum of natural history, Museo Cabo San Lucas (624-105-0661), is a great place to visit. It’s located on the town square, and in addition to exhibitions about local geography and marine life, it features historical accounts of marauding and buccaneering up and down the coast.
For those less interested in factual narratives than the swashbuckling spirit of the age, however, there are many more activities available. Local businesses often revel in the region’s piratical past, and several area boats, clubs and restaurants that offer themed pleasures premised on the eye-patch and peg-leg wearing lifestyle. Here are a few of the top options:
Los Cabos has long been home to pirate-themed boats like Sunderland and Cabo Legend, but the black-flag-flying Buccaneer Queen takes the fantasy to another level: This 98-foot replica ship actually looks as if it could have sailed the Spanish Main. Afternoon tours are perfect for both children and adults. Kids will appreciate the sword fights between costumed crew members. Adults can get their fill of grog from the foredeck bar, and walk the plank before snorkeling in the fish-rich waters of Chileno Bay. Luau and sunset cruises also provide a suitably salty introduction to sailing the Sea of Cortés.
Nikki Beach Club specializes in sexy themed parties, like its recent Pirates of the Caribbean event.
Named for the most famous character in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, this scurvy stronghold in the midst of the Marina Golden Zone is filled with nautical memorabilia, from statues and skulls to ship models and a ceiling that doubles as a giant treasure map. It’s the perfect place to sip rum and watch the latest sporting events— hopefully, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Raiders, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers are playing—or to replenish your own ship’s stores with comfort food favorites like chicken wings and the Jack’s Burger topped with bacon, cheese, and caramelized onions. The menu is noticeably short on hardtack, but that’s probably a good thing.
Theme Parties
Costume parties and other themed entertainments are a staple of the local social scene. Nikki Beach, a hip poolside club at the boutique ME Cabo Hotel on Médano Beach, occasionally hosts Pirates of the Caribbean events—the latest was last weekend, August 16—with all the paraphernalia and idioms one might expect, as well as the sort of thumping house beats and bikini fashions not normally associated with coastal freebooting. For information about upcoming events, pirate-themed and otherwise, visit www.nikkibeachcabo.com.