A Detailed Re-Creation of a 24-Gun British Frigate
Originally built in 1970 as HMS Rose, this tall ship was designed as a replica of an 18th-century Royal Navy frigate based on original Admiralty plans. She spent decades as a sail training vessel and attraction before undergoing extensive modifications for the Academy Award-winning film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. The filmmakers meticulously transformed her into HMS Surprise, a highly authentic recreation of a 24-gun frigate from Great Britain’s Nelson-era Royal Navy.
In 2004, Surprise found a permanent home at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, joining the museum’s world-class fleet alongside Star of India, Californian, and San Salvador. Since then, she has served as both a popular shoreside exhibit, hosting parties and weddings. Her cinematic legacy continued in 2010 when she appeared as HMS Providence in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
On Display at the Maritime Museum, HMS Surprise continues to capture the imagination of visitors, offering a glimpse into the Age of Sail. Guests can explore her decks and below-deck exhibits, which showcase life aboard an 18th-century frigate. Whether touring her interior or admiring her from the waterfront, visitors can experience the grandeur of a historic warship brought to life.
