Discover San Diego’s maritime history through expert-led guided tours at the Maritime Museum. Step aboard historic ships and hear captivating stories that bring the city’s nautical past to life.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, minimal physical activity involved
Wildlife
History
The Maritime Museum of San Diego was established in 1980 to preserve and interpret the region’s naval history, featuring one of the world’s largest collections of floating ships.
Conservation
The museum emphasizes sustainability by maintaining its historic vessels with environmentally conscious practices, promoting maritime preservation.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Discover San Diego’s maritime history through expert-led guided tours at the Maritime Museum. Step aboard historic ships and hear captivating stories that bring the city’s nautical past to life.
Maritime Museum of San Diego preserves and presents the maritime heritage of San Diego through a collection of historic vessels, hands-on experiences, and public programs. Located on San Diego Bay, the museum maintains and operates a fleet that includes the 1863 bark Star of India, the Pilot (launched 1914, restored 2002), replicas such as the brigantine Californian, and the Spanish galleon replica San Salvador. Visitors can explore dockside exhibits, board multiple historic ships, and choose guided docent tours, narrated bay cruises, multi-hour sailing adventures, interactive pirate theater, and overnight stays aboard the Star of India.
Educational offerings include Oceanography Merit Badge Days for scouts ages 9–18, hands-on sailing experiences, and VIP private tours that provide behind-the-scenes access. Public cruises vary in length from a 45-minute narrated bay cruise aboard the Pilot to four-hour sails on San Salvador, and specialty programs such as the 90-minute BOARDED! pirate adventure and family overnight events. Guided docent-led tours are offered twice a month with limited capacity for intimate exploration. General admission provides all-day access and the opportunity to see historic vessels up close, and the museum operates daily.
The museum’s conservation and restoration efforts follow established preservation standards, and volunteer stewards regularly maintain vessels to ensure historical integrity and visitor safety during tours and events year-round operations.
Historic Flagship
Star of India (1863)
World’s oldest active ship
Tour Lengths
45–240 min
Short cruises to 4-hour sails
Unique Vessels
Replicas & originals
San Salvador, Californian, Pilot
Programs & Groups
Family & Scouts
Overnights & merit badge days
Reserve narrated cruises, hands-on tall ship sails, scout programs, or a VIP behind-the-scenes tour at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Arrive early
Get to the museum at least 15 minutes before your tour to find parking and settle in.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves some walking on deck and inside ships, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a camera
Photograph the ships and scenic bay views during the tour for lasting memories.
Check the weather
Dress appropriately for the weather, especially if the tour extends outdoors along the docks.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear is key for walking and exploring the ships.
Light jacket
Weather can change quickly along the waterfront.
Camera
Capture your maritime adventure with photos of ships and views.
Sun protection
Sunscreen or hat is helpful if touring during sunny days.