Go beyond the self-guided visit with a guided highlights tour, offered weekends in June.
Spend an hour with a museum interpreter and see the stories behind ship models, figureheads, and navigational instruments at Ships of the Sea. This limited weekend tour in June offers close-up context you won’t get on a self-guided visit.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Minimal walking and standing for about an hour; accessible to most visitors who can navigate stairs or period rooms.
Wildlife
History
Savannah has deep maritime roots dating to the colonial era; the museum’s collection traces local trade, shipbuilding, and seafaring stories tied to that history.
Conservation
Respect exhibit rules—do not touch artifacts or models, dispose of waste properly, and favor low-impact travel around the Historic District to protect fragile urban fabric.
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
Go beyond the self-guided visit with a guided highlights tour, offered weekends in June.
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum preserves and interprets Savannah’s maritime history through a focused collection of ship models, artifacts, and period displays. Located in historic Savannah, the museum houses nine galleries that chronicle Atlantic trade, coastal navigation, and life at sea from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors encounter intricately detailed wooden ship models, navigational instruments, maritime paintings, and archival documents that illuminate regional commerce, shipbuilding, and seafaring culture. Admission includes access to permanent galleries and rotating exhibits designed for self-guided exploration and educational visits. Special programs such as guided talks, evening events like Sea of Ink: Night at the Museum, and family-friendly activities expand interpretation beyond the display cases. The museum’s curatorial approach emphasizes provenance, restoration standards, and archival research to ensure accurate storytelling. As a civic cultural institution, the museum partners with local historians, preservationists, and school programs to support community engagement and maritime scholarship. The collection’s documented artifacts and professionally maintained ship models reflect an investment in conservation and public education. Clear labeling, gallery narratives, and accessible layouts help visitors of all ages connect with Savannah’s seafaring legacy. Reliable visitor information—hours, ticketing, and exhibit details—is published through official channels and on-site staff provide assistance. The museum’s focus on preservation, education, and community partnerships makes it a credible destination for history enthusiasts, school groups, and travelers seeking an informed, engaging look at coastal and Atlantic maritime history. Interpretive labels, docent talks, and conservation reports further support detailed research and visitor learning opportunities across all museum programs today.
Location
Savannah, GA
Historic downtown setting
Galleries
9
Nine curated galleries
Era Focus
18th–19th C
Maritime history time span
Collections
Ship models & artifacts
Intricately detailed ship models
Secure tickets, check hours, and reserve special-event access for Museum General Admission or Sea of Ink: Night at the Museum.
Reserve ahead
Guided tours in June run only on weekend dates and have a 25-person cap—book your spot in advance via the referral link.
Bring a light layer
Galleries are often air-conditioned; a light jacket keeps you comfortable during the one-hour tour.
Check photo rules
Photography for personal use is typically allowed, but verify any object-specific restrictions at the front desk.
Ask the interpreter
Come with curiosity—guides can point out construction details, provenance, and local trade history not on labels.
Comfortable walking shoes
The tour moves through galleries and period rooms—comfortable shoes make the hour easy.
Refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated before or after the tour; water fountains or refill stations may be available nearby.
summer
Light jacket or layer
Galleries can be cool from air conditioning; a light layer keeps you comfortable.
all
Notebook or camera
A small notebook or camera helps capture maker marks, model details, and quick sketches for later research.