Tour the Nao Trinidad in St. Augustine

What is the Nao Trinidad?

Captained by Magellan, the Nao Trinidad  sailed as the leader in the Armada Del Maluco. The Nao San Antonio, Nao Conception, Nao Victoria, and Nao Santiago accompanied Magellan and his leading vessel. Serving as admiral for these 5 ships Magellan set sail in his world-changing expedition.

Who is Ferdinand Magellan?

If you experience a wanderlust and desire to see the world, you might want to thank Magellan. Consider him one of the original travel influencers who proved it possible to circle the globe by sea. Magellan also discovered the Strait of Magellan. (Can you guess who inspired that name?) This bold explorer crossed the Pacific Ocean for the first time in history, visiting Brazil, Argentina, the Mariana Islands, the Philippine Islands, Indonesia, Brunei, and Timor. During their travels they acquainted themselves with the people and cultures of these exotic locations. 

Although a major triumph for global exploration and networking, Magellan's expedition experienced several losses. Magellan, himself, died during this treacherous voyage, and the Nao Trinidad was lost at sea. What started as a fleet of five ships ended with one, and in 1522 the Nao Victoria, captained by Magellan’s successor, completed the first  expedition to successfully sail around the world.

The Nao Trinidad Arrives to St. Augustine 

Surprisingly, the ship docked within St. Augustine’s waters is not the Nao Victoria, it is the Nao Trinidad. How can the Nao Trinidad be sailing through St. Augustine waters when it was lost at sea, you may ask? Well, St. Augustine happily welcomes a real live—or maybe dead—ghost ship!

A “ghost ship” represents the perfect guest for St. Augustine. The nation’s oldest city  has had plenty of time to accumulate ghostly inhabitants. However, we now gather together to lay these ghost ship rumors to rest. This ornate ship sailing through St. Augustine waters is a replica of the Nao Trinidad.  

Nao Trinidad Replica

Completed in 2018, the Nao Trinidad’s replica honors Magellan’s leading ship.  Weighing in over 400,000 pounds, the ship is 95 feet long and 26 feet wide. Constructed of Iroko, pine, and fiberglass, the ship has four masts, five sails, and five decks.The Nao Trinidad replica pays tribute to the original and also acts as a floating museum representing other Spanish ships from the same era. 

Visit the Nao Trinidad ship in St. Augustine

Here concludes the didactic portion of the Nao Trinidad experience. However, your journey continues onward. If you seek inspiration for your own travel adventures, or desire to discover more about Spanish naval history, it’s time to get your hands on deck. 

Location:  Docked at St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, Florida 32084.

 

Parking: Street parking along the bayfront.

Accessibility: Due to its historic design, the ship is not accessible by wheelchair. However, it can be viewed from the dock.

Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Admission: 

$15.00 for adults

$5.00 for children

$35.00 for a family ( 2 adults and up to 3 children)  

Book tickets here. To tour the Nao Trinidad in St. Augustine.