Nao Santa Maria boat replica in San Sebastián, Spain

In Boston, we have the Boston Tea Party reenactment, featuring a replica of the boat. It’s a popular school field trip outing as well as a tourist attraction.

In San Sebastián, Spain, there is a replica of the boat that Christopher Columbus used in his quest to find a new route to India. The Santa Maria boat replica also appears to be a popular destination for school visits in Spain and France for children. The border to France is just 20 kilometers from San Sebastián, Spain.

The Nao Santa María replica is a floating museum of Columbus’s flagship. It was built for the 525th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage. It tours ports in Europe, Mexico, and the U.S., including Boston’s Tall Ships, allowing public visits to learn about 15th-century life and navigation.

Tall ships in Boston is Sail Boston 2026 (July 11-16) for America’s 250th birthday, featuring many ships, though specific Nao Santa María attendance isn’t confirmed yet.

My husband and I visited San Sebastián for our 30th wedding anniversary, without kids. We came for the food, and it did not disappoint, but it was also fun to see history alive!

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