Welcome aboard, Lily!
Many an old salt here can tell you how to best navigate these waters. And you're right, the main islands have a number of locations and you can get turned around trying to find your way around.
There be tips here in the forums and there is a pirates online wiki as well out there you can look into for shortcuts and guides.
But, one of most invaluable things to have - is good mates! Crew, Guildmates or Friends who can answer questions, help you teleport to remote locations or give you back up against tough enemies. If you see myself or another member of the Elite Thievery Co. - we're happy to lend a hand, as are many of the pirates who come here.
EC
