You could see them in movies. You could read fiction books about them, but you’ve never seen them in your real life. Hidden treasures buried in distinct islands are not just imagination; they really exist and every year thousands of people from all over the world try their luck and seek old sunken ships, pirate caches or caves and grottos with jewelry, old coins, gold bullions and other antiques. Do you want to join the army of treasury hunters and make your vacation truly unforgettable?

If the answer is “yes” then check up this list of the most famous treasure islands where you can not only get a wonderful rest, but also feel yourself the main character of adventure blockbuster.

1. Caribbean Islands

In this case movies tell the truth - thousands of sunken ships and hidden pirate treasures are yet to be found in this region, making Caribbean Islands the most popular destination for all treasure hunters. Pirates of the Caribbean became a legend - they managed to keep in fear whole region accumulating incredible gold, jewelry and money supply. In 16th century Spain, world’s leading marine country, explored new rich lands that cover the area of modern California and down to South America. This land was not only rich in minerals, but also full of Aztec and Incas treasures. Spanish conquerors called this land Spanish Main and started looting all treasures, directing them to Spain. The way to Spain lied through the Caribbean where strong and reckless pirates were waiting for the victims. Indeed the ships were very rich! For example, when Sir Francis Drake ambushed Nombre de Dios in 1572, his loot was 15 tons of gold and countless number of silver coins! Not all treasures from boarded ships were taken by pirates as often ships sank quickly, so treasury hunting in this region is potentially extremely profitable.

2. San Salvador, Bahamas

Bahamas are not only a perfect tourist destination. They’re widely known among all treasury hunters. The search for hidden gold never stops in Bahamas; gold diggers from all over the world continue their search as due to old maps several huge treasures worth not millions, but billions of dollars are still hidden in Bahamas. Old San Salvador inhabitants tell the story about gold hidden in a cave near Fortune Hills. That gold was considered a cursed one, so locals preferred stay away from it, but old people told they played marbles with diamonds or rubies and used gold bars as ballast for sail boats without knowing the real value of those things. Now young San Salvador inhabitants as well as professional groups with sophisticated equipment try to find these treasures. Specialists assume San Salvador hides the treasures of legendary Captain Kidd. This treasure excites the minds of historians, researchers and treasury hunters for many years and already millions of dollars are invested in expeditions aimed to find that gold. Around 300 years ago William Kidd created 2 encrypted maps and hided them in secret compartments of his furniture. In late 20s of previous century first map was found and starting from that time the search for mysterious island full of gold never stopped. Specialists think they are really close to find the exact location.

3. Maio, Cape Verde Islands

Maio is the island where the second part of enthusiasts seeks Captain Kidd’s treasures, as not everyone agrees with the theory unbelievable treasures are hidden in Bahamas. Captain Kidd created a map to his treasures. According to this map countless treasures are hidden in so called Skeleton Island. This name first appeared in 1935 when a book by H.T. Wilkins was published. However that book didn’t help treasury hunters much and many of them started own research based on Kidd’s maps. Pirate’s maps are encrypted and hard to understand, more than that they were created in 17th century when navigation differed much from what we use today. Cape Verde Islands were discovered in the beginning of 15th century and quickly colonized and turned into livestock. Although they were mostly used to get salt from natural tidal lagoons, travelers frequently used Cape Verde as a stop and water, meals and fruit replenishing point. Such useful location played bad trick as islands were attacked by many famous pirates like Francis Drake, Henry Long Ben Avery, Henry Morgan or Dampier. Captain Kidd also sailed these waters frequently, so many treasury hunters created a theory his Skeleton Island was nothing else but Maio Island.

4. The region around Corpus Christi, Texas, USA

The region around Corpus Christi in Texas is a great place to search for lost valuables, as several treasures are yet to be found in this area. Locals can tell you numerous stories about sunken Spanish ships full of money and precious metal. St. Joseph Island is the last destination for gold that has been supposed to become a Vera Cruz Cathedral ornament. Treasure hunters say, on the southern end of St. Joseph Islands one may also find payroll for Spanish soldiers.

Padre Island has become the last resort for at least 3 treasures. Spanish galleon “Capitana” carrying over $1,000,000 has sunken there and yet nothing is known about this treasure. Another unlucky ship, this time French “Maria Theresa” sank at the mid-point of Kennedy Country. This one was carrying $100,000 to $200,000. In true, not only waters round Padre Island hide treasures – specialists believe more than 50,000 pounds of gold and silver are buried in the island. Large brass cannons were dug into Padre Island grounds. Keep searching and you will find out about lost Paisano streamer and its cargo – canvas bags filled with $200,000. No one knows how many yet unknown treasures one can find in Padre Island. If you decide to visit that place, start from northern tip of the island, then go inland for approximately 20 miles and start your search.

5. Tusket Islands

In Atlantic Ocean, South of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia (Canada) is situated a group of Tusket Islands. For years Nova Scotia was an asylum for many exiles from France. In the end of 18th century many of them were forcibly sent back to France. As among those people were really rich families, they preferred to hide own money, gold and silver jewelry and valuable utensils. Tusket Islands were the ideal place – Tusket Bay is full of cliffs and reefs, so one can easily hide treasuries there without the fear of being noticed by anyone else and the person without detailed description of treasury location won’t find it easily. One of such hidden treasures belongs to d’Entremont family. In letters to each other family members mentioned the treasure had been hidden in “la Baie des Chicanes” (Goose Bay), in the region previously called “Le Cabaneau”. There, “under the root of an uprooted tree” the treasure was laying for years. The part of it is already found and anyone can see it in Nova Scotia College of Art, however, no one knows how many secrets keep Tusket Islands misty shores.

6. Amelia and Gasparilla Islands, Florida

This place is ideal for those who are eager to have a treasure hunting vacation, but have no experience in this sphere and thus have no professional equipment like metal detector. Sunny Florida is not just a perfect vacation destination, but also a place with huge history and you have a real opportunity to find rare and valuable stuff like coins, gold jewelry, etc. Florida coast and Islands close to it are legendary places where pirates kept their chests with treasuries. Gasparilla Island is named after famous pirate Gasparilla who has been known for his cunning and ruthlessness. Legend says he robbed multiple ships and hided his treasuries in Gasparilla Island. Amelia Island lies on the northwest of Florida. This island keeps secrets of many famous pirates like Aury, Kidd, LaFitte, Blackbeard and many others. Some say Amelia’s grounds consist of pirate gold and that statement has its proof - every year hunters find treasures worth approximately $200,000 here and no one can surely say what treasures are yet hidden. These two islands attract various visitors, both professional treasury hunters and tourists who want to try something new.

7. Cocos Island

Cocos Island lay approximately 300 miles southwest from Costa Rica (Panama). This island is rather small (24 square kilometers) and at first look it’s just an ordinary tropical island with 2 bays, several nice waterfalls (some of them are 200 feet high) and the highest point of the island – Iglesias mountain 575 feet high. There is no direct proof, but many think the greatest hidden treasure in the world is buried here. The first belongs to Benito Bonito pirate who has kept in fear many cities around the pacific coast line. The second treasure was hidden by Captain Thompson in 1821. He had to do that saving the wealth of Lima from Simon Bolivar troops. Some assume this island keeps even third treasure, this time of Edward Davis, the captain of John Cook’s ship who has hidden some valuables there in 17th century. Treasury hunting is an amazing opportunity to spend an unforgettable vacation and maybe even become richer, so if you feel a call of your adventurous soul, open your heart towards new places and intriguing activities.

Tags: Amelia and Gasparilla Islands, Bahamas, Cape Verde Islands, Caribbean Islands, Cocos Island, Corpus Christi, Florida, Maio, San Salvador, Texas, Tusket Islands, USA

This entry was posted on Monday, October 6th, 2008 at 8:45 pm and is filed under Art of travel, Shopping, Travel, World's Top 10. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.