The Niña and the Pinta, replicas of two of the three ships Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World, arrived Thursday on Savannah’s riverfront and open for tours today through April 6.
The ships, moored at the River Street Market Place Dock, are authentic replicas of caravels — the small, sleek sailing ships used by Columbus and other explorers of the era.
Built by the nonprofit Columbus Foundation, based in the British Virgin Islands, the Niña — constructed completely by hand without the use of power tools — has been described as “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built” by Archaeology Magazine.
The Pinta, a larger version of the caravel, was recently built in Brazil to accompany the Niña on all her travels.
Click here to view photos of the Pinta's arrival and photos taken onboard the ship.
The two ships tour together as a sailing museum, educating school children and the general public on Portuguese caravels — generally considered the Ferraris of the 15th century.
The third ship in Columbus’ fleet, the much larger and slower Santa Maria, was not a caravel and was considered more of a cargo ship. While the original caravels survived the voyage and returned to Spain in 1493, the Santa Maria ran aground off Hispaniola two months after arriving in the Caribbean and was destroyed.
While in port, the Niña and Pinta will be open to the general public for walk-aboard, self-guided tours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for students ages 5-16. Children 4 and younger are free. No reservations are necessary.
Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member should call 787-672-2152 or email columfnd1492@gmail.com. Cost for the guided group tour is $5 apiece, with a 15-person minimum.
The ships are scheduled to depart early on April 7.