Img 9077 Scaled E1748885759308 Alabama, Americanhistory, Guntersville, Guntersvilleciyharbor — Replicas of the Nina and Pinta at the Guntersville City Harbor. (Angel Spence / The Bama Buzz)

Full-scale replicas of the ships used by Christopher Columbus, operated by the Columbus Foundation, have docked at Guntersville City Harbor.

The Nina + Pinta ships not only serve as representations of American history but also as educational platforms, attracting visitors from diverse backgrounds who are eager to learn about maritime history and the adventures of exploration.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Nina and Pinta Replica Ships
Where: 301 Scott St, Guntersville, AL 35976
Hours: Wed-Sun | 9AM-5PM
More info

The Niña and Pinta replicas will remain docked until Sept. 7, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to walk the decks of history and visit the Niña and Pinta at Guntersville City Harbor before they set sail!

History of the Nina and Pinta replicas

Img 9160 1 1 Alabama, Americanhistory, Guntersville, Guntersvilleciyharbor — Nina and Pinta docked on the Guntersville River. (Angel Spence / The Bama Buzz)

In 1988, American engineer and maritime historian John Patrick Sarsfield began building the Nina and Pinta alongside a group of 20 artisans in Brazil.

These artisans employed traditional 15th-century shipbuilding techniques, which not only honor the craftsmanship of the time but also showcase the skills that have been passed down through generations.

This dedication to historical accuracy provides a valuable opportunity for educational programs, as people can see and learn about maritime skills, navigation, and the broader context of the Age of Exploration firsthand.

Img 9182 Alabama, Americanhistory, Guntersville, Guntersvilleciyharbor — The Pinta replica. (Angel Spence/ The Bama Buzz)

In 1992, the replica Nina launched, followed by the Pinta in 2005. The ships are celebrated for being among the most historically accurate replicas of Portuguese caravels ever built. Their construction involved extensive research into the original ships, ensuring details such as rigging and shaping were as authentic as possible.

The Nina and Pinta have been touring since 2005, visiting numerous ports across the United States, including a recent stop in Tuscaloosa.

Their tours often include educational workshops, demonstrations of period-appropriate sailing techniques, and discussions on the impact of Columbus’s voyages on world history.

How you can visit?

Img 9031 1 Alabama, Americanhistory, Guntersville, Guntersvilleciyharbor — The tools used during the Age of Discovery expedition. (Angel Spence/ The Bama Buzz)

The Nina and Pinta are open for public tours and special events, such as birthdays and field trips. This experience will offer visitors a hands-on encounter with maritime history.

The tours are designed to be interactive, ensuring that visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the significance of these ships.

Admission Prices:

Adults: $10
Seniors: $9
Children and Military: $8
Children under five: Free

Visitors stepping aboard the ships will experience firsthand the harsh conditions sailors faced and interact with tour guides to learn more about life at sea.

Sections of the ship include:

Main Deck: Get a feel of the tight quarters where the sailors ate, worked and socialized.
Cargo Hold: Learn what good explorers carried, including weapons and tools.
Navigation Station: Discover how sailors used compasses and tools to guide them on their journey.

Don’t miss your opportunity to step aboard these ships before they sail away!

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