Private Tour: Uncover the Biggest Treasure in Mahé’s History
Seychelles · Mahe · La Digue 1 hour
FamilyAdventureCultureCultural Tour
Embark on a captivating journey with 'Treasure Man' John Cruise-Wilkins as he unveils the mysteries of the Bel Ombre Treasure Site in Seychelles. Explore lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and hidden secrets while basking in the magic of an Indian Ocean sunset. An intimate adventure blending history, legends, and natural beauty awaits – an unforgettable treasure-hunting experience of a lifetime.
HIGHLIGHTS
Guided Exploration by 'Treasure Man' John Cruise-Wilkins: Embark on a captivating journey led by John Cruise-Wilkins, the 'Treasure Man' himself. He will personally guide you through the treasure site, sharing his unparalleled knowledge and passion for the legends and mysteries of the Bel Ombre Treasure.
Breathtaking Scenic Beauty: Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Seychelles. As you explore the island, you'll be surrounded by lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters, creating a truly mesmerizing backdrop for your adventure.
Intriguing Treasure Tales: Delve into the fascinating stories and theories surrounding the buried treasure. Discover the secrets that have eluded treasure hunters for centuries, as John Cruise-Wilkins unveils the history and legends associated with this remarkable treasure site.
Historical Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the 18th-century historical context in which these legends were born. John Cruise-Wilkins will provide historical insights that bring the treasure hunt to life.
Exclusive, Intimate Experience: To ensure a personalized and unforgettable adventure, our tours have limited group sizes. This intimate setting allows for more interaction with John and a deeper connection to the treasure's history.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Meeting point
- Entry of the Treasure site in Bel Ombre (Mahe) near Beau Vallon beach
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Group size
- 1 - 4 people per tour
- Speaks
- English, French, French creole
- Confirmation
- Tour provider confirms reservation within 48 hours
- Start time
- 09:00, 11:00, 13:00
What you will expect
FULL DESCRIPTION
Welcome to the legendary Bel Ombre Treasure Site, home to one of the most intriguing pirate mysteries in history. Join the renowned ‘Treasure Man’ John Cruise-Wilkins on an exclusive private guided tour as he unveils the secrets of the infamous 18th-century pirate Olivier Levasseur, also known as La Buse. Walk along the historic excavation site, follow the winding central footpath, and explore the very location believed to hold one of the world’s greatest hidden treasures. As you journey through this captivating site, John will share firsthand insights into the ongoing search for the elusive pirate hoard, making this an unmissable experience for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
Discover the cryptic markings carved into the granite rocks, thought to be clues left behind by La Buse himself. Passed down through generations, the search began in 1949 with Reginald Cruise-Wilkins and continues today with John, who remains dedicated to decoding the pirate’s cryptogram and unlocking the treasure’s hidden location. This immersive tour offers an extraordinary glimpse into Seychelles' rich pirate heritage, combining history, mystery, and the relentless pursuit of discovery.
As part of this exclusive experience, visitors will get up close with the site's excavations, viewing unearthed artifacts, cut stones, and ancient demarcations left behind by La Buse. The legendary hoard is believed to contain the Fiery Cross of Goa, religious relics, uncut diamonds, and gold coins—adding to the thrill of this real-life treasure hunt. Book your tour today and step into the world of pirates, hidden riches, and an unsolved mystery that has fascinated treasure hunters for decades!
INCLUDED
Guided private tour of the most famous Treasure site of the 18th Century.
View the entire treasure site.
View several artifacts found in the treasure hunt!
View some real pirate symbols and historical memorabilia.
View the treasure-hunting tools used by John and his dad.
NOT INCLUDED
Pick-up and drop-off.
Welcome to the legendary Bel Ombre Treasure Site, home to one of the most intriguing pirate mysteries in history. Join the renowned ‘Treasure Man’ John Cruise-Wilkins on an exclusive private guided tour as he unveils the secrets of the infamous 18th-century pirate Olivier Levasseur, also known as La Buse. Walk along the historic excavation site, follow the winding central footpath, and explore the very location believed to hold one of the world’s greatest hidden treasures. As you journey through this captivating site, John will share firsthand insights into the ongoing search for the elusive pirate hoard, making this an unmissable experience for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
Discover the cryptic markings carved into the granite rocks, thought to be clues left behind by La Buse himself. Passed down through generations, the search began in 1949 with Reginald Cruise-Wilkins and continues today with John, who remains dedicated to decoding the pirate’s cryptogram and unlocking the treasure’s hidden location. This immersive tour offers an extraordinary glimpse into Seychelles' rich pirate heritage, combining history, mystery, and the relentless pursuit of discovery.
As part of this exclusive experience, visitors will get up close with the site's excavations, viewing unearthed artifacts, cut stones, and ancient demarcations left behind by La Buse. The legendary hoard is believed to contain the Fiery Cross of Goa, religious relics, uncut diamonds, and gold coins—adding to the thrill of this real-life treasure hunt. Book your tour today and step into the world of pirates, hidden riches, and an unsolved mystery that has fascinated treasure hunters for decades!
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
What you need to know before you go
THE TREASURE
A priceless historical treasure is taken from the Portuguese ship "Virgen do Cabo". The treasure is now estimated at approximately 100 million pounds sterling. It consists of the famous "Fiery Cross of Goa", a gold cross encrusted with precious stones which needs 3 men to carry it. Golden church plates and thousands of uncut diamonds and gold coins also make up a part of this treasure.
WHO IS LA BUSE
Frenchman Olivier Levasseur nicknamed the "The Buzzard" (La Buse) was licensed in 1716 by the French government as a privateer (corsair) or legal pirate but quickly turned to piracy, the more lucrative career of pirating.
La Buse operated in the Caribbean, West Africa, and finally, the Indian Ocean waters where he teamed up with the English pirate captain Taylor. Together they captured several ships, the most important being the Portuguese ship "Virgen do Cabo" that they took into the harbor of Reunion Island. In 1724 Taylor returned to the Caribbean but La Buse sailed off into the coast of Madagascar. It is believed that during part of that time, he was in Seychelles burying his fabulous treasure. Eventually, La Buse was captured, tired, and hung in 1730 in Reunion by the French authorities there.
THE HISTORY OF BEL OMBRE TREASURE HUNT - BIGGEST TREASURE IN THE PIRATE'S HISTORY
Former Corsair turned pirate, Olivier Levasseur known as La Buse "The Buzzard", is known to have hidden one of the biggest treasures in pirate history, estimated at over 100 million pounds' sterling, and leaving a cryptogram (with templar alphabet) behind with its whereabouts.
In 1949, Reginald Cruise-Wilkins was introduced to Madam Rose Savy. She discovered pirate symbols such as engraved marks & demarcation lines on rocks during the 1920s. She received confirmation from the French National Library that the documents she possessed originated from La Buse. Cruise-Wilkins bought those documents for $29, and after that, he started great searches for the La Buse treasure. He invested 30,000 sterling pounds in the treasure hunt and found only a flintlock rifle, sword blade, figurines, and a few coins.
After his death, in 1977, John Cruise-Wilkins took on his father's search on the coastal rock. Two other treasure hunters searched deep in the jungle, where they discovered ruins, an old coffer, a bell, lanterns, and bones.
Nowadays, John Cruise-Wilkins still searches for the treasure of La Buse, in the Seychelles, at the site of Bel-Ombre, north of Mahé. There he found a cavern with a network of tunnels. He indicated that all modern technologies are useless because of the omnipresence of minerals and iron Pyrite ("Fool's Gold") inside the rocks.
WEATHER
The site is subject to tide and weather conditions so at times tour times and dates might be subject to change.
WHAT TO BRING
We recommend you bring comfortable shoes/sandals to walk on the Island, a waterproof bag, sun cream, etc. This is not obligatory to participate in the tour.
PICK UP & DROP-OFF
Pick-up can be organized on request and need to be paid extra.
NOT INCLUDED
Pick-up and drop-off.
A priceless historical treasure is taken from the Portuguese ship "Virgen do Cabo". The treasure is now estimated at approximately 100 million pounds sterling. It consists of the famous "Fiery Cross of Goa", a gold cross encrusted with precious stones which needs 3 men to carry it. Golden church plates and thousands of uncut diamonds and gold coins also make up a part of this treasure.
WHO IS LA BUSE
Frenchman Olivier Levasseur nicknamed the "The Buzzard" (La Buse) was licensed in 1716 by the French government as a privateer (corsair) or legal pirate but quickly turned to piracy, the more lucrative career of pirating.
La Buse operated in the Caribbean, West Africa, and finally, the Indian Ocean waters where he teamed up with the English pirate captain Taylor. Together they captured several ships, the most important being the Portuguese ship "Virgen do Cabo" that they took into the harbor of Reunion Island. In 1724 Taylor returned to the Caribbean but La Buse sailed off into the coast of Madagascar. It is believed that during part of that time, he was in Seychelles burying his fabulous treasure. Eventually, La Buse was captured, tired, and hung in 1730 in Reunion by the French authorities there.
THE HISTORY OF BEL OMBRE TREASURE HUNT - BIGGEST TREASURE IN THE PIRATE'S HISTORY
Former Corsair turned pirate, Olivier Levasseur known as La Buse "The Buzzard", is known to have hidden one of the biggest treasures in pirate history, estimated at over 100 million pounds' sterling, and leaving a cryptogram (with templar alphabet) behind with its whereabouts.
In 1949, Reginald Cruise-Wilkins was introduced to Madam Rose Savy. She discovered pirate symbols such as engraved marks & demarcation lines on rocks during the 1920s. She received confirmation from the French National Library that the documents she possessed originated from La Buse. Cruise-Wilkins bought those documents for $29, and after that, he started great searches for the La Buse treasure. He invested 30,000 sterling pounds in the treasure hunt and found only a flintlock rifle, sword blade, figurines, and a few coins.
After his death, in 1977, John Cruise-Wilkins took on his father's search on the coastal rock. Two other treasure hunters searched deep in the jungle, where they discovered ruins, an old coffer, a bell, lanterns, and bones.
Nowadays, John Cruise-Wilkins still searches for the treasure of La Buse, in the Seychelles, at the site of Bel-Ombre, north of Mahé. There he found a cavern with a network of tunnels. He indicated that all modern technologies are useless because of the omnipresence of minerals and iron Pyrite ("Fool's Gold") inside the rocks.
WEATHER
The site is subject to tide and weather conditions so at times tour times and dates might be subject to change.
WHAT TO BRING
We recommend you bring comfortable shoes/sandals to walk on the Island, a waterproof bag, sun cream, etc. This is not obligatory to participate in the tour.
PICK UP & DROP-OFF
Pick-up can be organized on request and need to be paid extra.
NOT INCLUDED
Cancellation policy
Tour can be canceled free of charge until 2 days before.
Your host
John Cruise Wilkins See all tours of this host