For a marvelous 10 days this spring, a rare opportunity to take a self-paced, self-guided tour of the Nao Santa Maria (replica) is available on the Beaufort waterfront – and you won’t want to pass up the chance to see it in person. In the famous expedition of 1492, three ships made the voyage to the New World, and Christopher Columbus chose to make the trip on this one.

Mark your calendar for the arrival of a magnificent replica of the historic Nao Santa Maria to Beaufort. The ship will be in port from March 29 - April 7, 2019.
Facebook/Nao Santa Maria
In 1492 the (original) Nao Santa Maria was the largest of three ships arriving in America, with Christopher Columbus aboard. He'd chosen the Nao Santa Maria (officially the Santa Maria, but he and others referred to her simply as "Nao") because she had a wider berth than the smaller Niña and Pinta caravel-type ships.
For 10 days in Beaufort, the Nao Santa Maria will be open for self-guided tours of the five decks that make up this historic vessel.
Facebook/Nao Santa Maria
Visitors can explore at their leisure and meet crew members as well.

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It's a rare opportunity to see a replica of the historic ship, with construction methods and materials as close to those that would have been used in the original ship that crossed the Atlantic 527 years ago.
Facebook/Nao Santa Maria
The original ship was lost on the first day of Columbus' return voyage upon leaving the New World. As history speculates, both Columbus and his ship master decided to get some shut eye in waters that were smoother than normal, leaving the steering of the ship to a deck hand. It soon ran aground in Haiti. The wood and other salvageable materials were used to build a fort Columbus called La Navidad — because the shipwreck occurred on Christmas day.
Taking a tour of this historic ship is a rare opportunity that's also very affordable for individuals and families.
Facebook/Nao Santa Maria

You can purchase tickets in advance on the website (link below). All tickets are good for any time and any day the ship is in port in Beaufort. The prices are $10 adults (ages 11+), $5 children (ages 5 -10). A $25 family pass is available that includes admission for 2 adults (age 11+) and up to 3 kids (age 5 -10). Ticket purchases can be made at this link on the official website of naosantamaria.org.

The Nao Santa Maria will be docked on the historic Beaufort waterfront from March 29 through April 7, 2019.

 

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