WATERTOWN GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Buckingham’s Billions: A High-Stakes Treasure Hunt Aboard a Docked Clipper in Watertown
A 60-minute, crew-based search of an old clipper permanently docked near John Buckingham’s mansion; this guide unpacks what to expect from the timed puzzle and the eccentric backstory.
Buckingham’s Billions: A High-Stakes Treasure Hunt Aboard a Docked Clipper in Watertown.
The Pirate Ship experience drops you onto the weathered timbers of an old clipper permanently moored near the mansion of John Buckingham, an eccentric, publicity-minded billionaire now staging a living treasure legend. With the media buzzing about Buckingham’s outlandish stunts and his claim to have hidden “possibly the most valuable treasure ever,” residents have come in droves to try and beat the clock—but so far, none have succeeded. You and your crew get one hour to search the vessel and hunt for Buckingham’s billions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Clipper Permanently Docked Near Buckingham’s Mansion
The scenario centers on an old clipper that John Buckingham has permanently docked near his estate; the vessel itself is the stage for the treasure hunt and the physical focus of the hour-long challenge.
A One-Hour, High-Difficulty Search
Crews are given 60 minutes to comb the ship for the treasure Buckingham claims to have hidden—an intense, timed hunt that the operator rates at 9/10 difficulty.
Built Around an Eccentric Billionaire’s Gimmick
The experience is framed by John Buckingham’s publicity-driven persona—an American self-made billionaire and prankster whose recent decision to dress and act like a pirate anchors the attraction’s narrative.
What the day feels like
What the Hour Feels Like
This is a compact, theater-like treasure hunt: arrive at the docked clipper, form a crew, and launch into a frantic, 60-minute search of the ship’s spaces as the clock winds down. The setting and Buckingham’s backstory supply the narrative stakes while the fixed time limit and elevated difficulty compress the experience into a single, adrenaline-tinged hour.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this is for—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience is a single, 1-hour session; punctual arrival at the boarding point is essential to get the full allotted time.
The activity takes place on an old clipper permanently docked near John Buckingham’s mansion in Watertown; participants assemble at the vessel.
No specific gear requirements are provided in the official information for this experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Pirate Ship experience?
The activity runs for one hour.
Where does the hunt take place?
On an old clipper ship permanently docked near John Buckingham’s mansion in Watertown, New York.
Who operates the experience?
The operator is The Escape Works.
What’s the theme or backstory?
The hunt is inspired by John Buckingham, an eccentric billionaire and prankster who claims to have hidden an extremely valuable treasure aboard the clipper.
Has anyone found Buckingham’s treasure?
According to the available information, residents have attempted the hunt but so far none have succeeded in uncovering the treasure.