According to scientific research, about 71% of the earth’s total surface is covered by water; of that, 2,753,000 square kilometers form a part of the Caribbean Sea. This significant body that forms the sub-oceanic basin of the Western Atlantic Ocean has many prominent islands and countries flourishing on its shores. In the south, this marine body is surrounded by places like Columbia and Panama, in the West by Costa Rica and Belize, to the north by Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, and in the East by the north-south chain of Lesser Antilles.
Now, because of these small and large countries situated at its coast, the Caribbean Sea enjoys a complex, but rich pattern of trade and communication. Every year, many valuable goods and commodities from the Caribbean Islands are shipped via the Panama Canal to markets located in the U.S., Canada, and other large countries. At present, about 14,000 ships use this trade route annually.
However, this practice of shipping valuables via the Caribbean Sea is not new. On the contrary, the Caribbean route has been the favorite passage of Spanish traders for many centuries. During the Spanish regime, when the Spanish empire was growing and touching new heights, many ships were trading in the Caribbean waters annually, and carrying troves of gold, emeralds, silver and exquisite pearls across the sea. But, according to records, not all of these ships reached their destination on account of bad weather. In fact, about 4,000 ships carrying valuables reportedly sunk in Caribbean waters.
These sunken ships are now buried under deep blue waters in different parts of the Caribbean Sea, and to date, only a few of them have been recovered. According to the claims, most of these wrecks are lying near Cuba and Panama, while others are scattered in the Caribbean Islands of Hispaniola, or in Spanish Florida. The cargo manifest of a sole ship named Notre Dame de Deliverance found in the Caribbean waters shows that 1,170 pounds of gold bullion, 764 ounces of silver, 153 gold snuffboxes, six pairs of diamond earrings, 31 pounds of silver ore, etc. were retrieved from under the sea.
Now, if after reading all of this, your interest in hidden treasure adventures has increased, and you are craving to know more about the best treasure hunting spots in the Caribbean, then you are in the right place. Here goes the list!
What Are The Popular Treasures Hunting Spots Located In The Caribbean Sea?
When salvagers found a 300-year old ship lying on the bed of the Caribbean Sea some time before, it was claimed that the wreck was the legendary San Jose galleon, a Spanish ship that can be compared to a mini Treasure Island. The San Jose ship back in the seventeenth century used to trade in the Caribbean waters and was a part of the Spanish treasure fleet, a convoy that was tasked with the responsibility of trading valuables from different parts of the Spanish empire to Spain. Back in 1708, this ship came under fire and sunk in Caribbean waters with its stash of gems, emeralds, and silver intact.
Now, once this ship that was rumored to contain up to $17 billion in treasure was recovered, the interest of many people in the hunting spots situated in the Caribbean Sea was rekindled. Thus, in order to help them with their reignited interests, today, we have researched and prepared a list of popular hunting spots in Caribbean waters that you might want to check out. You know, just in case!
Bahamas
Now, if you believe in the possibility of coming upon a treasure someday, or you are simply a curious being who would like to visit the Caribbean hunting spots, then the Bahamas is an ideal place to start your journey. There, north of Freeport, off Gorda City, lies the wreck of a wooden ship. The wreck of another ship, the Nuestra Senora de la Maravilla that sunk in 1656, is also believed to lie off of Little Bahamas Bank. In addition to these two spots, while you are in the Bahamas, you are also advised to check out Morgan’s Bluff and Morgan’s Cave on Cat Island. These places are named after the well-known pirate, Henry Morgan. Whole treasure caches remain unrecovered to this day.
Hispaniola
The Hispaniola area consists of places like the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Back in time, when Spain was establishing a presence in America, the Dominican Republic was established as the Caribbean headquarters. It was from here that explorers began their journey in the quest for gold and silver, and it was here the ships were harbored before carrying off for Spain again. The Ile de la Tortue and Silver Bank are good places for a treasure hunt.
Jamaica
On June 7, 1692, when an earthquake and a tidal wave hit the lands of Jamaica, the city of Port Royal, often compared with the biblical city of Sodom, was literally sunk under the water. According to the claims, Port Royal was such a rich city that it had one tavern and an alehouse for every ten people. Some also claim that other wrecks took place in Negril and about six ships were also submerged in Montego Bay in 1780. So, if a treasure is what you are looking for, then maybe these spots can help you in hitting the jackpot!
Belize
Belize houses the world’s second-longest barrier reef just off its coastline, and the country is believed to be the center of many wrecked ships. This site is originally a colony of shipwrecked pirates and it houses some deep and undiscovered secrets and valuable treasures, just lying on its seabed or under the surface, waiting to be discovered. So, if you are interested in this kind of adventure, then maybe check out this place!
Cayman Islands
According to a local legend, in November 1788, a convoy of British merchant ships was passing the Grand Cayman area, but because of the dark, and as a result of inaccurate navigation charts, the chiefship of this convoy struck a reef. A warning sign was raised, but due to miscommunication, nine more ships struck the reef before anything could be done. Now, according to reports, some jewelry and a platinum bar have been recovered on the beaches in this area. So, if you decide to visit the Cayman Islands, maybe try keeping your eyes open for any shiny surprises!
St. Martin
If you believe the claims, then the Portuguese galleon, Santissimo Trinidad, was traversing the Caribbean waters carrying some 2.5 million cruzados in gold when it became lost off the eastern coast of St. Martin during the year 1781. So, if you happen to be in that area, maybe try your luck!
Conclusion
The Caribbean Sea has always been a prominent route for traders, both presently and back in the day. Many ships carrying valuables have traversed these tides, but not all of them reached their destination. So, if you happen to live in the Caribbean Islands or you are simply visiting the area on vacation, keep your eyes open! After all, you never know when you might find your treasure!
Good Luck!