2020 cancelled, new date Memorial Day weekend 2021
2nd Annual Port Of San Diego Festival Of The Sea has been postponed to a future date, yet to be determined.
Maritime Museum of San Diego, home to one of the world’s finest collections of historic vessels, exhibits, and on-the-water adventure guest experiences, will host the region’s second annual Port of San Diego Festival of the Sea on TBD date. Festival of the Sea is produced by the Maritime Museum of San Diego and sponsored by the Port of San Diego as part of its Tidelands Activation Program (TAP), an annual grant initiative that sponsors large and small events that engage the community and inspire visitors to enjoy San Diego Bay.
The Port of San Diego Festival of the Sea takes place aboard the historic vessels only found at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. General admission ticket prices apply. Group rates will not apply.
Raymond Ashley, Ph.D., K.C.I., President/CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego is enthusiastic about the new annual tradition. “Visitors to Maritime Museum of San Diego Memorial Day weekend have so much more in-store and included with their general admission. For our 2nd annual event, we have added even more entertainment, educational activities and refreshment options that will allow the public to spend a longer time on the waterfront with family and friends.”
“The Port of San Diego is proud to sponsor Festival of the Sea, now in its second year. This wonderful and unique Memorial Day weekend event on San Diego Bay provides the opportunity for visitors to learn about and experience maritime culture and history in our region and beyond,” said Chair Ann Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
General Admission Tickets
Dates TBD
On the Water Adventures
Festival of the Sea general admission tickets are not included with the following boating activities presented by the Maritime Museum of San Diego:
Gun Battles on the Bay
Adventure calls for all that want to partake in an exciting Gun Battle between the state’s official tall ship schooner Californian and the 136’ two-masted, gaff-rigged schooner Bill of Rights.
Enjoy a trip back into time as we mock battle with our adversary. Watch from the deck as we come into range of our target, and fire (blanks) from our deck guns, emitting an eardrum-rattling boom and a dense cloud of smoke. The mock battle will employ the same tactics used during the mid-to late 1800s when the Gold Rush brought people to the West Coast. Ships like the Californian, a revenue cutter, served as a precursor to the Coast Guard. Built for speed and armed with heavy fire power, they would chase down merchant ships that failed to pay proper tariffs.
Dates TBD
Tickets:
$40.00 Adult
$25.00 Child 12 and under
General Admission ticket not included.
Sunset Evening Cruise aboard San Salvador
For those longing to enjoy evenings on the Bay, the Museum will also offer an elegant 3-hour sunset cruise experience aboard the galleon replica San Salvador. 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Dates TBD
Tickets:
$59.00 per person
A no-host bar (cash only) will also be on board.
General Admission ticket not included.
BOARDED! A New Pirate Adventure aboard San Salvador
An unforgettable theatrical boating experience Guests can choose from two 90-minute performances staged aboard the galleon replica, San Salvador. This hilarious interactive show puts visitors right in the middle of the pirate action. Participants will be sworn in as part of the ship crew, trained how to navigate, sword fight, bail from a sinking ship, escape from the King’s jail, swab the deck and other pirate skills.
Young guests 12 and under can also participate in a fun costume contest. The winner will receive a $20.00 gift certificate to shop at the Museum Gift Shop following the sail.
Choose from two shows. Check-in times are 10:30am, 12:45pm
Dates TBD
Tickets:
$40.00 Adult
$25.00 Child 12 and under
Sails are not set for BOARDED
General Admission ticket not included.
Bay Tours
Thirty-minute narrated Bay tours will also be available on the Museum’s engine-powered vintage vessels Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for only an additional $10 with general admission ticket purchase. Tickets available day of, at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
2020 Port of San Diego Festival of the Sea gives everyone a taste of the museum experience. General admission Maritime Museum of San Diego tickets include:
- Freedom to tour all Museum restored historic vessels including the world’s oldest active sailing ship, the 1863 iron-hulled sailing ship Star of India, 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, British navy frigate replica HMS Surprise, topsail schooner Californian, 1542 galleon replica San Salvador, 1914 steam yacht Medea, PCF 816 Swift boat, 1914 San Diego Harbor Pilot boat, USS Dolphin and B-39 Soviet Naval submarines plus dozens of fascinating exhibits below deck
For Festival of the Sea weekend only, the Museum offers:
- Events TBD
Musical Line-up TBD
Schedule & Events, subject to change.
About the Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego experience includes admission to a world-class collection of historic sailing ships, steam-powered boats, and submarines, each offering entertaining and educational exhibits. The 501c3 non-profit Museum enjoys an international reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating historic vessels including the world’s oldest active sailing ship, Star of India. Maritime Museum of San Diego is ranked as one of the nation’s top attractions offering self-guided tours, docent guided-group tours, tall ship charters, year round public events, educational programs, and a distinctive venue for corporate/private events. The Museum is open daily along Star of India Wharf at 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101-3309.
About The Port Of San Diego’s Tidelands Activation Program
Port of San Diego Experiences includes the Tidelands Activation Program (TAP). TAP awards grant funds and waives service fees to community organizations for public events along the waterfront that connect visitors and residents to new cultures and vibrant activities. Artistic and cultural exhibitions, along with exclusive interactive installations inspire visitors and residents to push the boundaries of creativity. Additionally, Port Experiences sponsors and hosts events across San Diego Bay, including organized runs, parades, cultural festivals, concerts and more.