Pirate Island of Tortuga: rest, reviews, photos

Someone may think that there is not a single corner left on the ground where the Russian tourist's leg has not visited. But it is not so. Located in the transparent waters of the Caribbean Sea, the picturesque island of Tortuga is a piece of land that travelers rarely visit. But those who managed to get on it, remain delighted. Tortuga is the best holiday destination for tourists who prefer to spend their vacation among nature untouched by nature, far from the noise of big cities. Here you can completely relax, having dissolved in tranquility and pacification.

Description of the island

Tortuga (modern name - Tortu) is a rocky island that is part of Haiti. Located in the northeast of Windward Strait. It is so small that it is marked on the map with a barely noticeable point. The area of Tortuga is only 180 square kilometers. This territory is inhabited by about 30 thousand people of the local population. Its unusual name of the island was due to its outlines, reminiscent of a sea turtle (this is how its name is translated from the Spanish language). There is another version of the origin of the toponym. In ancient times on Tortuga was a rare species of large turtles. Animals have long been extinct, but the memory of them has forever remained immortalized in the name of the island.

Opening

Tortuga has a long and very fascinating history. For the first time the island was discovered in 1499 by seafarer Alonso de Ojeda, traveling with the expedition of Christopher Columbus. The discovered piece of land was so small that, before 1570, it was not even applied to geographic maps.

Tortuga is an island of pirates

Since the beginning of the XVII century Tortuga was chosen by filibusters (sea pirates from France), engaged in the robbery of Spanish ships in the waters of the Caribbean. She attracted robbers for several reasons. Firstly, the island was near the Spanish colony of Hispaniola (Haiti), and many ships passed by it. Secondly, it had a special relief. It was possible to get to the island only through the southern harbor of Basseterre, on the north side it was protected from uninvited guests (colonial police) by high cliffs. Sea pirates based on a small piece of land chosen by a small piece of land. Gradually it began to grow at the expense of immigrants from Europe and merchants, who sailed to Tortuga and stayed here forever.

There was a rumor about the island. Living on it, filibusters regularly attacked ships that transported goods across the Caribbean from America to Europe, and then, together with the stolen wealth, hid behind the rocks of their impregnable citadel. Carrying serious losses from constant robbery, the Spanish colonizers in the early 30s of the XVII century repeatedly sent their fleet to the shores of Tortuga, hoping to destroy the pirate den, but all their attempts ended in vain. Robbery raids continued with the same constancy as before.

The heyday and sunset of a pirate refuge

In 1635, the island of Tortuga was attacked by the Spaniards. Filibusters in search of protection appealed to the authorities of France. They did it on quite legitimate grounds, as piracy in the Middle Ages was not considered a shameful occupation. It was not only poor people who resorted to it, but noble people too . The sea robbers gave part of the looted treasures from foreign ships to the treasury of their state, receiving in return the protection of the authorities. France appointed Governor of the island François le Vasser, who ordered to build a defensive fortress in Buster Harbor. After that, Tortuga became impregnable for the Spanish colonialists from all sides. The erection of the fortress contributed to an even greater outbreak of robbery.

The pirate island of Tortuga flourished until the end of the 17th century. Filibusters actively traded the looted treasures and lived in clover. France continued to patronize them, benefiting from this. The robbers did not know anything of the lack. To ensure that they did not get bored in their spare time from the robberies, the French government made sure that there were women on the island. For the entire period of the existence of the pirate freemen, about 1,200 women of the weaker sex were taken to Tortuga, the vast majority of whom were engaged in prostitution.

The base of the filibusters existed on the island until 1694 (according to other sources, until 1713), after which it was defeated by the Spaniards. On this legendary pirate past Tortuga finished. The island was for a long time almost uninhabited and only in the 20th century it was again populated.

Advantages for travelers

The island of Tortuga can attract tourists today? Rest on it is popular with people who prefer to spend time in complete silence and away from the benefits of civilization. Rocks, wild sandy beaches, clear sea, hot sun and coconut palms - that's what travelers come here for.

Colds on Tortuga never happen. In the summer months, air temperature often reaches +38 degrees Celsius, and in winter it never falls below 22 degrees Celsius.

Features of the holiday: reviews of tourists

Interested in traveling, is it interesting to know what Tortuga is? The island, which is difficult to meet on tourist sites, does not belong to the number of famous resorts. Five-star hotels, noisy discos and modern attractions are not here, but this does not prevent tourists from resting comfortably. The testimonies indicate that the local population, unlike their aggressive ancestors, is very friendly and attentive to the guests. When tourists are bored to luxuriate under the sun and splash in the sea, they are offered to ride a kayak, go diving or climb the rocks. Also, the local population has a reputation for fishing. The main products on the island are seafood and tropical fruits: from them they prepare simple and healthy dishes that will please any gourmet.

What else do you need to know about the island?

Unfortunately, almost nothing reminds of the pirate past on Tortuga today. There are no medieval sights that can interest foreigners here.

In the southern part of the island (right where the Vasser once built a fortress), numerous Haitian villages are located. The northern side of Tortuga, as before, is protected by rocks. The population of the island is not numerous, therefore every new person causes revival here.

It's easiest to go to Tortuga from the territory of Haiti. For these purposes, tourists are provided with yachts. Also, you can get to the homeland of pirates by air, renting a private airplane.

Tortuga brings a special, incomparable state. The island, whose photo captivates beaches with white sand, clear water and virgin nature, attracts romantics from around the world. Here you can forget about all the problems and, looking at the sun setting over the sea horizon, just enjoy life.