Festival of the Sea in San Diego

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.

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.

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.