Join the Oceanography Merit Badge Days at the Maritime Museum of San Diego to discover marine science through hands-on activities and historic ships. Perfect for young explorers eager to learn about the ocean’s secrets in a dynamic coastal setting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 Saturdays (half-day each)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most children and teens, with no special fitness requirements
Wildlife
History
San Diego’s maritime history dates back to the 1700s, shaping its role as a key port and naval hub.
Conservation
The museum actively promotes marine conservation and responsible interaction with ocean wildlife.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Join the Oceanography Merit Badge Days at the Maritime Museum of San Diego to discover marine science through hands-on activities and historic ships. Perfect for young explorers eager to learn about the ocean’s secrets in a dynamic coastal setting.
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.
Pre-Register Early
Spaces fill quickly, so enroll a few weeks in advance to secure your spot.
Prepare Marine Layers
Bring layered clothing as coastal mornings can be cool, but afternoons warm up.
Stay Hydrated
Pack plenty of water for active outdoor learning and hands-on experiments.
Engage with the Instructors
Ask questions and participate actively to maximize your learning experience.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during long hours of engaging outdoor activities.
Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect against sun exposure.
summer
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Layered clothing helps adapt to changing coastal weather.
Notebook & Pen
Take notes during lessons and record your favorite marine facts.