Tall Ship Sails & Tours on

Kalmar Nyckel

We offer exciting tall ship sails and cruises from April through October. Guests are invited to haul lines, set sails, and relax on the water. Tours of our tall ship are offered at festivals, special events, and in the winter when the ship is in Wilmington.

Please note: The ship's schedule is subject to change without notice due to weather and other conditions beyond our control.

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Christina River Cruises

Explore Wilmington’s Riverfront on a 1.5-hour cruise on KALMAR NYCKEL, The Tall Ship of Delaware! Haul lines, set sails, and hear tales from the crew, or simply relax and enjoy the ship. Kids will enjoy a scavenger hunt and pirate story (costumes welcome). 2024 Dates include:

  • Saturdays May 4 & 11 and select dates from June 22-July 14.
  • Fall weekend sails begin on Saturday, September 28 and end on October 19 (before Halloween Ghost Ship from 12:00-4:00pm the same day).


Cruises depart from the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

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Historic New Castle Day Sails

Set your sights on Historic New Castle for a 2.5 hour sail on the Delaware River. Haul lines, set sails, and hear tales from the crew, or simply relax and enjoy the ship. Recommended for ages 8 and above.Our crew will share the history of our ship and answer your questions about our square-rigged replica of the original Kalmar Nyckel. Catch the breeze with us.

  • 2024 sails run on select dates from May 25 - June 1, and July 17 - 25. (Note: there are no fall sails due to scheduled maintenance.)         

Departs from New Castle Pier, 1 Delaware Street, Historic New Castle, DE 19720

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East Coast Port Destinations

Each sailing season, our tall ship typically visits ports from Virginia to New England. We offer unforgettable tall ship day sails plus deck tours when possible. Our 2024 schedule is not confirmed but we are looking at:

  • Historic New Castle, DE
  • Norfolk Harborfest, VA, June 7-9 - ship tours
  • Yorktown, VA
  • Provincetown, MA
  • New London, CT

Note: In 2024, the ship will visits fewer ports in August and September due to scheduled biennial hull maintenance and required U.S. Coast Guard inspections,.

Schedule & Tickets

Tour the Kalmar Nyckel

2024 Deck Tours

Kalmar Nyckel is open for deck tours at special events and select ports as noted on our Ship Schedule (April through October). In 2024, tour dates will include (specific time to be announced):

  • Day in Old New Castle, DE, Saturday, May 18
  • Memorial Day at Historic New Castle Pier, DE, Saturday, May 27
  • Norfolk Harborfest, VA, June 6-9
  • July 4th in Wilmington, DE at Tubman-Garrett Park
  • Captain Kidd's Pirate Day, Saturday, July 8th at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, 12:00-4:00pm
  • Halloween Ghost Ship, Saturday, October 21 at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard

These 10 to 15-minute tours are offered for a nominal charge (sometimes free if sponsored). Visit our Ship Schedule for dates.  For details on special community events visit our Events Calendar.

Winter ship tours are available in our Wilmington shipyard on Saturdays pending heavy maintenance work (for safety).

Private Tours

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation offers privately guided weekday tours of the ship by appointment for just $15/adult, when the ship is in Wilmington (its home berth). This fee includes a self-guided tour of the Copeland Maritime Center. Learn more  about group tours.

Call 302.429.7447 to schedule yours.

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