El Galeon Tall Ship Returns with the Nao Victoria

The El Galeon replica ship will return to St. Augustine accompanied by the Nao Victoria, another replica tall ship.

- The Nao Victoria will arrive on Dec. 23 or 24, 2013 and stay until Feb. 1, 2014.- El Galeon will arrive on Jan. 4, 2014 and have an extended stay until July 2014.

Both vessels will be docked at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina and tours will be available from 9 am - 6 pm.

About the Ships: The Nao Victoria is a replica of the real Nao Victoria ship that was the first European ship to cross the Pacific. In the 1500s the tall ship was the first to cover the entire known expanse of the Pacific Ocean as well as reach the Philippines, initiating a great transoceanic current with its navigation that would join the European, American and Asian continents.

El Galeon boasts a crew of 28 operating on 6 decks, 3,444 sq. ft. of visiting area, 7 sails and 3 masts. The Spanish galleon ships sailed the waters of the 16th and 17th centuries; exploring the vast landscape of the West. This replica galleon ship represents those hundreds of years of exploration and the final discovery of La Florida. The statewide initiative of Viva Florida 500 led by the Florida Department of State is coordinating this event along with the Fundacion Nao Victoria.

The authentic 16th century Spanish galleon replica ship, El Galeon, will sail back to St. Augustine City Marina in commemoration of St. Augustine's 450th Anniversary.

Admission: Nao Victoria - $10 Adults and $5 Youth, El Galeon - $15 Adults and $8 Youth, BOTH Ships - $20 Adults and $10 Youth. And tickets will be available for purchase at:- At both of the ships- Ripley's Red Train booth located at the Bayfront Mini-Golf off Avenida Menendez- ALL Old Town Trolley Tours ticket booths (interspersed along St. George Street and historic downtown)Where? St. Augustine Municipal Marina located at 111 Avenida Menendez St. Augustine, FL 32084When? 9 am 6 pm Monday Sunday

Please note that arrival dates and times are subject to change.

The Viva Florida 500 is an event that is designed to promote and celebrate the 500 years of rich history of the state of Florida and the El Galeon represents the mode that the Spanish travelers took to discover Florida; marking the beginnings of that history. Tour the ship and experience the full history it has to offer. Visit http://staugustine-450.com/naogaleon/ for more details on the event.