Getting Ready

First inhabited by the Ciboney, Arawak and Carib Indians, the Virgin Islands were not discovered by the Europeans until the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. In the 1500's, the region became a favorite with pirates who would frequent the islands' sandy shores for hundreds of years to come.

In 1672, the territories fell into the hands of the British, who set up sugar, indigo and cotton plantations, and imported slaves. When slavery was abolished in 1834, the plantation owners deserted the islands, leaving the land to the former slaves.

In the 1960's, Laurence Rockefeller built a resort on Vigin Gorda, Little Dix Bay, thereby bringing the world's attention to the island paradise and single-handedly launching the Virgin Islands' thriving tourism industry.

Treasure Island

Written in 1883, this thrilling story of pirates, gold and adventure on the high seas was inspired by the Caribbean Isla de Coco. It’s the tale of young Jim Hawkins, who finds himself in a race against ruthless pirates to find a buried treasure. A well-loved classic filled with atmosphere, action and unforgettable characters like Long John Silver. Buy now

Silver: My Own Tale As Written by Me with a Goodly Amount of Murder

Witty and original, this fictional autobiography of Long John Silver begins with the pirate at the gallows. As he recounts his devious life, he tells of adventure and betrayal, love and murder – and maybe even where the buried treasure lies. Buy now

Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates

A vivid and informative look at the golden age of pirates. Cordingly, a former curator of the National Maritime Museum in England, uncovers the facts behind the legends of piracy and famed pirates like Blackbeard. Buy now

Pirate Spirit: The Adventures of Anne Bonney

This well-researched and skillfully written novel tells the true story of Anne Bonney, a rebellious Irish teenager who disguises herself as a man and joins the notorious pirates plundering the Caribbean Sea. Buy now

The Marine Biology Coloring Book

Not just for kids, this guide filled with detailed illustrations and descriptions of marine environments is an excellent introduction to the world beneath the sea. Buy now

Pirates of the Caribbean-The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

In this sweeping adventure based on the Disney ride, young Will Turner and rogue pirate Jack Sparrow set out to rescue Will’s love, Elizabeth, from the notorious Captain Barbarossa. But Barbarossa’s crew is under an ancient curse, and they soon discover they need Will’s blood, not Elizabeth’s, to lift it. Depp received an Oscar nomination for his unforgettable turn as Jack Sparrow. Buy now

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)

Jack Sparrow is back, and he has a debt to pay. To free his soul from eternal servitude to the ghostly Davy Jones, he must find the chest containing Jones’ heart – but others want the heart for their own reasons. Meanwhile, Will and Elizabeth are both sentenced to death unless they can deliver Jack’s compass to Lord Beckett. Buy now

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)

Lord Beckett has control of Jones’ heart – and thus, control of the sea. Will, Barbarossa and Elizabeth sail over the edge of the world to rescue their friend Jack from the land of the dead. Reunited, they must convince the nine pirate lords to join them in their final battle against Jones and Beckett. Buy now

National Geographic: Blackbeard – Terror at Sea (2006)

This exciting and colorful documentary takes viewers onboard the ship of the notorious pirate Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard. Wily and charismatic, he was feared throughout the Caribbean, confounding British and Virginian authorities while pillaging 40 ships in less than two years. Buy now

True Caribbean Pirates

Long ago scores of real pirates plied their brutal trade in the temperate waters of the Caribbean Ocean. In the 1600s and 1700s, Captain Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, Calico Jack Rackham, Ann Bonny, Mary Read, and Black Bart were among the infamous pirates whose crews lied in wait to violently raid the merchant ships of various nations. The true stories of who they were, how they operated, and their various successes and failures in this dark and deadly profession, go far beyond popular legend. Buy now

The weather is so amazing-and predictable in the Virgin Islands; this is your opportunity to pare down and pack light. Just the resort/summer basics will do, but consider a camera and binoculars for each member of your family.

Our travel partner will help you select a perfect captain, crew and yacht to meet your needs. A kid-friendly captain and crew are always at the very top of my list. They can really make the trip for the kids. The best ones, who often seem to have families of their own, enjoy bringing out the water gear and even taking the kids ashore to explore the islands.

Simply send in the My Little Swans food survey or complete one with our travel specialist or partner.