GUNTERSVILLE — They didn’t “sail the ocean blue in 14 hundred and 92,” but historically accurate replicas of two of the ships that carried Christopher Columbus across the Atlantic Ocean more than six centuries ago have docked at Guntersville City Harbor.
Replicas of the Niña and Pinta are open for tours through Oct. 19. Scheduled guided tours only are available Monday through Friday with groups of 15 or more. The ships will be open for self-guided, walk-aboard tours Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Called “the most historically accurate replica of Columbus’ ship ever built” by Archaeology magazine, the replica Niña was built completely by hand – no power tools.
The ships, known as “Caravels,” were called the space shuttle of the 15th century. The two ships tour together as a dockside “floating museum” to educate the public and schoolchildren on the “Caravel,” a versatile Portuguese ship used by Columbus and others during the “Age of Exploration.”
Tickets are available at the dock and cost $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (60 and over), and $8 for children (ages 5-18) and military. The price includes both ships. Children 4 and under are admitted free. No reservations are necessary on weekends.
To schedule a 30-minute guided tour on weekdays, visit ninapinta.org and click “take a tour” at the top of page. Group tours require a minimum of 15 people with no maximum. The group rate is $6 per perrson.
For information, call 251-293-4193 or email [email protected]. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @Nina&PintaCaravels.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
