Replica of the flagship of Christopher Columbus’s famous 1492 fleet

Port of call on its grand European tour 2025

Open for public visits at Orwell Quay (Ipswich Harbour) from September 3 to 14

September 2, 2025. The Nao Santa María arrived in Ipswich yesterday and is now moored at Orwell Quay (Ipswich Harbour). It will be open to the public for visits from September 3 to 14. This is the first time the historic ship visits the town and marks one of the ports of call on its grand European tour, which will take it to several ports in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and the Netherlands.

This ship is a replica of Christopher Columbus’s famous flagship, built by the Nao Victoria Foundation in 2018 to commemorate the 525th Anniversary of the Encounter Between Two Worlds. It is a faithful, full-scale historical reproduction—200 tons, 29 meters long, and 8 meters wide, with four masts, five sails, and five decks. It was constructed in Punta Umbría (Spain), with exquisite craftsmanship using iroko and pine wood by master shipwrights. Today, it sails as a floating museum of its own story and teh Spanish maritime heritage.

Since its launch, the ship has toured ports across Europe, Mexico, and the United States, recently returning to Spain.

During its stay in Ipswich, visitors will be able to board the ship and explore its decks to learn more about this famous 1492 flagship of Christopher Columbus—its features, rigging, navigation, the stories it tells, and how the crew lived on board under harsh conditions.

Given the good reception expected we advise you to buy your tickets in advance to avoid queues! tickets.naosantamaria.org Associations and schools should arrange to visit the following e-mail address: ecampos@velacuadra.es

Would you like to sail aboard the Nao Santa María? Find out about all the sailings available at Tall Ship Experience 

INFORMATION ON THE VISIT OF THE NAO SANTA MARÍA:

  • Date: September 3 to 14
  • Place: Orwell Quay (Ipswich Harbour).
  • Time: 10,00h. a 20,00h.
  • Tickets: adults: £10 / childs (5- 10 years): £5 / £25 Family (2 adults + up to 3 children between 5- 10 years). Free for children under 5 years old, who must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Guided Visit Associations: £10. Arrange through: ecampos@velacuadra.es
  • Points of sale: on the ship or on the website: tickets.naosantamaria.org