Hoist the sails and pack your sextants, time travellers, because we’re voyaging to the Caribbean, to Portobelo Bay, Panama, on January 29, 1596, to witness the solemn yet dramatic burial at sea of England’s most legendary adventurer: Sir Francis Drake. Famed for circumnavigating the globe, raiding Spanish treasures, and playing a key role in defeating the Spanish Armada, Drake’s exploits were the stuff of legend—even in his own time.
This oceanic city break offers a chance to honour the memory of one of the Elizabethan era’s most audacious figures and soak up the intrigue and beauty of the Caribbean during an era of high-seas adventure.
Why Visit Portobelo Bay in January 1596?
By 1596, Sir Francis Drake’s name was feared by Spain, admired in England, and known across the globe. His final voyage to the Americas, however, was fraught with setbacks, disease, and failed raids. When Drake succumbed to dysentery, his crew, following maritime tradition, committed him to the deep in a lead-lined coffin.
Portobelo Bay, with its natural harbour and dramatic cliffs, serves as the backdrop for this poignant farewell. Visiting this historic moment provides a front-row seat to the end of an era, as Elizabethan England bids farewell to one of its most daring figures.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Caribbean Coastline
Begin your journey with a visit to Portobelo, a small port town with a rich history even in 1596. This region, strategically important to the Spanish, was a hub for their treasure fleets. Explore the coastline where Drake and his fleet made their ill-fated attempt to raid the Spanish Main.
Take a stroll along the sandy shores, imagining the bustling activity of Elizabethan sailors preparing for battle and the treasures that once passed through this bay.
Stop for lunch aboard one of Drake’s ships (or pack a hearty Elizabethan sailor’s meal of ship’s biscuit and salt pork) as you enjoy the tropical breeze.
Day 2: Witness the Burial at Sea
Make your way to the deck of Revenge, one of Drake’s fleet, as the crew gathers to bid their leader farewell. Witness the ritual: Drake’s body, wrapped in a shroud, is lowered into a lead-lined coffin adorned with cannonballs for ballast. The crew recites prayers, their heads bowed, as the coffin slips into the depths of Portobelo Bay.
This sombre ceremony marks the end of a storied career—Drake’s final resting place is as mysterious as the man himself, lost to history but steeped in legend.
Who Was Sir Francis Drake?
Born around 1540 in Tavistock, Devon, Sir Francis Drake rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated figures of the Elizabethan Age. As a privateer, he plundered Spanish ships and settlements, earning both immense wealth and the enmity of Spain. His circumnavigation of the globe (1577–1580) cemented his status as a master navigator and explorer.
Drake was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I aboard his ship, the Golden Hind, in recognition of his service to the Crown. However, his later years were less glorious. His final voyage, intended to disrupt Spanish dominance in the Americas, ended in failure and his untimely death.
Why Drake’s Burial Matters
Drake’s burial at sea symbolised the end of an era of exploration and privateering that defined Elizabethan England. His exploits laid the groundwork for England’s naval dominance, and his legacy influenced the course of global history, from trade routes to empire-building.
For Spain, Drake was a hated pirate, known as “El Draque” (The Dragon). For England, he was a hero, epitomising the daring and ambition of a nation on the rise. His burial in the waters he sailed so fearlessly is a fitting conclusion to his extraordinary life.
Travel Tips for 1596 Portobelo
- Dress for the Tropics: Light, breathable fabrics are a must, but keep in mind that Elizabethan sailors wore wool even in the Caribbean heat.
- Avoid Spanish Encounters: The Spanish control the region—stay close to Drake’s fleet to avoid capture.
- Bring Sea Legs: Life aboard a 16th-century ship is rough. Expect cramped quarters, salty rations, and the ever-present smell of tar and sweat.
What’s on the Menu?
Relive the tastes of Elizabethan seafaring life with these (decidedly humble) staples:
- Ship’s Biscuit: A dry, hard bread that sailors soaked in water or ale to soften.
- Salt Beef or Pork: Preserved meat, the main protein source for sailors.
- Rum and Lime: While not yet the classic duo it would become, lime juice was carried to ward off scurvy.
Fun Trivia About Sir Francis Drake
- Did you know? Drake was the second person to circumnavigate the globe, but the first to do so as captain throughout the entire journey.
- Odd but true: The Spanish King Philip II allegedly offered 20,000 ducats for Drake’s capture—alive or dead.
- Legacy: Drake’s exploits inspired countless tales of adventure, making him one of history’s most romanticised figures.
Want to Know More?
Books
- Drake: The Life and Legend of an Elizabethan Hero by Stephen Coote.
- Sir Francis Drake: The Queen’s Pirate by Harry Kelsey.
Articles
- “The Legacy of Sir Francis Drake” in History Today.
- “Drake and the Spanish Main: A Seafaring Legend” by the Royal Maritime Museum.
Web Resources
- National Maritime Museum: www.rmg.co.uk
- British Library: www.bl.uk
The Final Word
January 29, 1596, marks the end of one of the most extraordinary lives in maritime history. Visiting Portobelo Bay on this day offers a chance to pay tribute to Sir Francis Drake and reflect on an era of exploration that reshaped the world.
Whether you’re witnessing his burial, exploring the rugged beauty of the Caribbean coast, or pondering the dualities of hero and pirate, this city break promises a deeply moving journey into the past.
Have you sailed the seas or walked in the footsteps of great explorers? Share your tales—we’ll toast your adventures with a ration of rum and a hearty “Godspeed!”
