Nao Victoria: 500-Year-Old Ship Replica Docks in Penzance This Weekend

For one week only, you can climb aboard a vessel that recreates the greatest sea voyage ever attempted, and it lands in Cornwall first.

The Nao Victoria arrives in Penzance this weekend, opening its decks to the public from the 23rd to the 31st of May at Penzance Harbour. It marks the historic ship’s first UK stopover on a major 2026 European tour designed to promote Spain’s maritime heritage. Across the tour, the vessel will call at more than twenty ports spread across the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.

The ship behind the legend

The Nao Victoria is a replica of the ship that, five centuries ago, captained by Magellan and Elcano, completed the First World Circumnavigation between 1519 and 1522. It was built with close historical accuracy to recreate the vessel that sailed around the globe 500 years ago, and it stands as an example of traditional Spanish shipbuilding.

These days the ship works as a floating museum, telling the story of the Spanish mariners who pushed back the edges of the known world and linked far-flung places through their trade routes. It is no stranger to the open ocean either. Since it was built, the replica has completed its own circumnavigation between 2004 and 2006 and visited hundreds of ports across the USA and Europe.

What you can see on board

During its stay at Penzance Harbour, visitors can climb aboard, walk the decks, and learn about the voyage the original ship accomplished. You can also head down into the hold to get a sense of life for the young crew who still sail the vessel around the world today.

There is an online promotion running with discounts for the Penzance visit. Worth noting before you turn up: if online tickets sell out, none will be available at the box office, as online sales take priority. You can also find details of available voyages at Tall Ship Experience.

Visiting information

The ship is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM between the 23rd and 31st of May at Penzance Harbour.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children aged 5 to 10. A family ticket covering two adults and up to three children aged 5 to 10 costs £25. Children under 5 go free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be bought onboard or online at ticket.fundacionnaovictoria.org.