Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, established in 1948, preserves one of the largest collections of historic sea vessels in the United States. Located on the San Diego Bay, the centerpiece of the museum’s collection is the Star of India, an 1863 iron bark.

Indoor Exhibits, and Below Deck Galleries are OPEN. HMS Surprise is closed for restoration.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego’s experience includes a walking ship tour clearly marked to comply with social distancing guidelines. Tours take guests back in time as they stroll the upper decks of the historic fleet, including the world’s oldest sailing ship, Star of India, Navy frigate replica H.M.S. Surprise, featured in the award-winning film, Master and Commander, and California’s official state tall ship, the Californian. Indoor exhibits and below deck galleries are open.

History on the high seas.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego features a world-class collection of National Historic Landmark Vessels, including sailing ships, steam-powered, and submarine. You can board and explore our ships. Some even take passengers!

Sailing Ships

• Californian
• HMS Surprise
• San Salvador
• Star of India

Steam Powered

• Steam Ferry Berkeley
• Steam Yacht Medea

Submarine

• 555 USS Dolphin

Powered – on the bay tours available

• PCF 816 Swift Boat
• San Diego Harbor Pilot Boat

As of July 2018, the Maritime Museum of San Diego now has four vessels of historic distinction on the National Register – PCF 816 Swift Boat, 1914 Pilot boat, the world’s oldest active sailing ship Star of India, and the 1898 steam ferry boat Berkeley – listed as National Historic Landmarks.

• PCF 816 Swift Boat
• San Diego Harbor Pilot Boat
• Star of India
• Steam Ferry Berkeley