▶️ In Short
The pirate cemetery of Sainte-Marie is the only known pirate burial site in the world. It lies 2 km south of Ambodifotatra and holds around thirty graves, some marked with skulls. The island was a pirate haven in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Sainte-Marie hides one of Madagascar’s most fascinating places. Its pirate cemetery tells a century of piracy. Here is its history, its legends and how to visit it.
Sainte-Marie, a pirate haven
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Sainte-Marie was the pirates’ favourite haven. Its sheltered bay offered a safe refuge in the Indian Ocean. Over a thousand pirates stayed here during the low season.
What you can see on the site
The cemetery sits 2 km south of Ambodifotatra. Around thirty tombstones still remain. Some bear skulls, facing the ocean.
The famous pirates of Sainte-Marie
Many legendary names are tied to the island. You meet Thomas Tew, Christopher Condent or John Avery. Two figures stand out in particular.
William Kidd and the Adventure Galley
William Kidd was accused of piracy then hanged in London in 1701. His ship, the Adventure Galley, sank near Sainte-Marie. The wreck was rediscovered offshore in 2000.
Olivier Levasseur, known as “La Buse”
La Buse captured a rich Portuguese ship in 1721, the Nossa Senhora do Cabo. Before being hanged in Réunion in 1730, he reportedly threw a cryptogram into the crowd. The message would point to his treasure.
The legend of Libertalia
Malagasy piracy inspired the legend of Libertalia. This pirate republic supposedly preached freedom and equality. Historians still debate it: fact or literary myth?
Île aux Forbans
The pirates left their name to an islet of Sainte-Marie. Île aux Forbans borders the bay of the same name, near Ambodifotatra. It makes a fine add-on to the cemetery visit.
Getting there and visiting the site
The site is easily reached from Ambodifotatra, on foot or by tuk-tuk. A short climb leads to the graves, facing the sea. A local guide enriches the visit with gripping tales.
Extending the visit from La Colombine
La Colombine Aparthotel sits in Ambodifotatra, very close to the site. The cemetery is visited in half a day, with no hassle. The team points you to a good local guide.
Our tips for the visit
💡 Expert tip
Visit in the morning, for the light and cooler air. Take a local guide for the pirate stories. Wear good shoes: the climb to the graves is short but slippery.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the famous pirates of Sainte-Marie?
William Kidd and Olivier Levasseur, “La Buse”, stand out. Thomas Tew, Christopher Condent and John Avery are tied to it too. All frequented the island in the golden age of piracy.
What was Libertalia?
Libertalia was supposedly a pirate republic founded in Madagascar. It is said to have preached freedom and sharing. Its real existence remains debated by historians.
Where is this historic site?
It lies 2 km south of Ambodifotatra, on Sainte-Marie. You reach it on foot or by tuk-tuk. The final climb leads to graves facing the ocean.
Related reading: Île aux Nattes · How to get to Sainte-Marie · Nosy Be or Sainte-Marie?
In short: a unique historic site
✅ Key takeaways
- The only known pirate cemetery in the world, in Sainte-Marie
- 2 km south of Ambodifotatra, ~30 graves facing the ocean
- Famous pirates: William Kidd, La Buse, Thomas Tew
- Legend of Libertalia + nearby Île aux Forbans
The pirate cemetery wraps Sainte-Marie in legend. A unique site, full of history and mystery. From La Colombine, in Ambodifotatra, it is within easy reach.
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