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.
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). 2025 Dates:
- Select dates from June 21 - July 13.
- 2025 Fall weekend sails begin on Saturday, September 13 and end on October 25.
Cruises depart from the
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
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.
- 2025 Sails: Select dates from August 24 - September 7.
Departs from
New Castle Pier, 1 Delaware Street, Historic New Castle, DE 19720
East Coast Port Sails
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. 2025 schedule:
- Norfolk Harborfest ship tours, June 6-8
- Yorktown, VA - June 11-14
- Greenport, NY - July 22-August 3
- Provincetown, MA - August 8-17
- Historic New Castle, DE - August 24 - September 7
- Sultana Downrigging Festival, Tall Ships & Bluegrass, Chestertown, MD - October 31 - November 2.
Tour the Kalmar Nyckel
Deck Tours
Kalmar Nyckel is open for deck tours at special events and select ports as noted on our Ship Schedule (April through October). If sails get cancelled (weather or ship issues), sometimes we are able to host deck tours during that time; check the ship schedule (link above for updates or visit the dock).
2025 planned tours:
- Day in Old New Castle, DE, Saturday, May 17, 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Memorial Day at Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, Monday, May 26, 12:00-5:00pm
- Norfolk Harborfest, VA, June 6-8 (click link for schedule)
- Captain Kidd's Pirate Day, Saturday, June 21 at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, Event runs 12:00-4:00 and TOURS are 12:30-4:00pm
- July 4th in Wilmington, DE at Tubman-Garrett Park, Friday, July 4, 3:00-7:00pm
- Halloween Ghost Ship, at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, Saturday, October 18, Event runs 12:00-4:00 and TOURS are 12:30-4:00pm
These 10 to 15-minute ship deck 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.