1696 in piracy

See also 1695 in piracy, Other events in 1696, 1697 in piracy, and Timeline of piracy.

Europe

 * Undated - 24 of Henry Every's pirates are arrested in Ireland and England. Every eludes capture and is never seen again.
 * January 26 - William Kidd issued a letter of marque by King William III of England.
 * May - Kidd sets sail from Plymouth, England en route to New York City aboard the Adventure Galley.

North America

 * September - Kidd leaves New York on the Adventure Galley.