16th century vessels on return visit to St Augustine

Eduardo Almagro Blanco, General Manager of FUNDACION NAO VICTORIA, the non-profit educational foundation that owns and curates the 495-ton 16th century replica wooden ship El Galeon Andalucia is returning to St. Augustine along with a sister ship, the 16th century Nao Victoria.

The Nao Victoria, a replica of the first ship to successfully circumnavigate the world commanded by Ferdinand Magellan, will arrive first — about December 25 depending on sailing conditions. It is smaller than El Galeón, coming in at just over 85 feet.

El Galeón is a 170 foot authentic wooden replica of a galleon that was part of Spain’s West Indies fleet. The ship last docked in St. Augustine in May and June as part of the state’s Viva Florida 500 Voyage Quincentenary commemorations. El Galeón is scheduled to arrive in St. Augustine about January 6.

Both tall ships will be docked at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina and will remain in St. Augustine through the end of January; marking the first time the two ships have ever docked in the same port in North America.

Tickets for tours of the Nao Victoria before the arrival of El Galeón will be $10 for adults and $5 for students. Once El Galeón arrives, a two-ship ticket will be available for $20 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased on board the ship.