Step aboard the historic *Star of India* for an exclusive two-hour VIP tour at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Gain backstage access to rare vessels and immerse yourself in the region’s rich maritime history.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking on deck and stairs with moderate balance.
Wildlife
History
The *Star of India* launched in 1863 is the world's oldest active iron-hulled merchant ship and a key piece of California’s maritime narrative.
Conservation
The Maritime Museum emphasizes sustainable preservation practices and educates visitors on maritime environmental stewardship.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Step aboard the historic *Star of India* for an exclusive two-hour VIP tour at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Gain backstage access to rare vessels and immerse yourself in the region’s rich maritime history.
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.
Book at Least Two Weeks Ahead
Reservations for the VIP Private Tour require a minimum 14-day advance booking to secure your spot.
Wear Comfortable, Flat Shoes
The tour involves walking on deck and uneven surfaces, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring a Light Jacket
San Diego waterfront can be breezy, especially on the water, so a light windbreaker helps stay comfortable.
Prepare for Limited Group Size
Groups are capped at a maximum of 60 people to preserve an intimate experience—plan accordingly.
Sturdy walking shoes
Ensures safe footing on uneven ship decks and gangways.
Light windbreaker or jacket
Protects against cool ocean breezes common near the harbor.
fall|winter|spring
Sunglasses
Reduces glare reflecting off the water during daytime tours.
summer|spring|fall
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated keeps energy up during the tour and museum visit.