Tortuga

Tortuga, also known as Île de la Tortue, is a small island located in the Caribbean Sea, off the northwest coast of Haiti. The island has a long history, including being a stronghold for pirates in the 17th century. The name "Tortuga" comes from the Spanish word for "turtle", which refers to the abundance of sea turtles in the surrounding waters.

The Spanish were the first Europeans to settle on Tortuga in 1492, during Christopher Columbus' first expedition into the New World. Tortuga was founded by a small group of Spanish colonists under the Captaincy General of Santo Domingo. After aiming to settle on mainland Hispaniola, French and English colonists from Saint Kitts landed to Tortuga in 1625.

• Tortuga has been portrayed in many works depicting piracy in the Caribbean in the 17th and 18th centuries.
• In addition to being a pirate haven, Tortuga was also a center for smuggling during the 17th and 18th centuries.