Zihuatanejo’s Pirate Past: Hidden Treasures and High Seas Intrigue

Team StayPV
5 days ago
3 min read

Long before Zihuatanejo became a serene paradise for travelers seeking sun and solitude, its peaceful bay played host to a far more dangerous crowd—pirates. Tucked away on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Zihuatanejo’s naturally protected harbor made it the perfect hideaway for seafaring marauders who stalked the lucrative Spanish shipping routes between the Philippines and Acapulco.

A Hidden Gem on the Pirate Map

In the 1500s,

—was said to have prowled these waters during his daring raids on the Spanish Empire. While many accounts of Drake’s exploits center on the Atlantic and Caribbean, his journey along the Pacific coast placed him near Zihuatanejo, where the secluded bay offered an ideal refuge. Drake, sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth I, attacked and looted Spanish galleons filled with treasures from Asia, using remote anchorages like Zihuatanejo to rest and rearm before vanishing back into the horizon.

By the 1700s, another notorious British sailor entered the scene: Commodore George Anson. Known for his circumnavigation of the globe and for capturing the rich Spanish treasure galleon Nuestra Señora de Covadonga, Anson's fleet also took advantage of Zihuatanejo’s shelter. This calm and rarely patrolled bay allowed pirates to evade the Spanish navy while planning their next ambush. For months at a time, they could remain hidden—repairing their ships, storing stolen goods, or waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The Galleon Route and Zihuatanejo’s Strategic Role

Zihuatanejo lay just north of the critical Spanish Manila–Acapulco galleon trade route, which funneled immense wealth from Asia—silks, spices, porcelain, and silver—across the Pacific Ocean. These heavily laden ships were irresistible targets for pirates. And though the port of Acapulco was well-guarded, the quieter bays to the north, like Zihuatanejo, became strategic points for those plotting raids on this treasure fleet.

While Spanish colonial forces occasionally patrolled the coastline, the reach of their defense was limited. The vastness of the Pacific, coupled with Zihuatanejo’s jungle-covered cliffs and deep, calm bay, made it a perfect place for pirates to vanish into the shadows.

From Pirate Refuge to Peaceful Paradise

Today, the tranquil fishing village of Zihuatanejo bears little trace of its lawless past. Tourists sip cocktails on the beach where privateers once rowed ashore with stolen loot. Fishing boats bob in the bay where ships once lay in wait for treasure-laden targets. But if you look closely—at the hidden coves, the steep jungle hills, or the old paths leading inland—you might still sense the echoes of cannon fire, whispered plans, and the clink of ill-gotten gold.

Zihuatanejo may be a peaceful destination now, but its history is anything but tame. From royal-sanctioned pirates to legendary raids, the bay holds stories as rich as the galleons that once sailed its waters.

Planning a Visit?While there are no treasure maps to follow (that we know of), a visit to Zihuatanejo is its own kind of reward. With its deep history, secluded beaches, and laid-back vibe, it’s easy to see why pirates—and modern travelers—chose to anchor here.

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