Discover the Kalmar Nyckel during your next Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley getaway. The Tall Ship of Delaware is a replica of the original Swedish ship that landed in what is now Fort Christina! Enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour relaxing cruise around Wilmington hauling lines, setting sails, and hearing tales from the crew.   

The Kalmar Nyckel’s sailing season begins with Christina River Cruises Saturdays, May 6 at 10 a.m. followed by May 13 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., along with select dates from June 24 through July 9 and weekends from September 16 through October 21. There will also be a Concert River Cruise on Saturday, June 24 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with Canadian Tuxedo, an acoustic duo featuring violin, guitar and vocals. Bring a cold beverage and enjoy the cruise! Tickets are $50 per person and the sails will depart from the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, located at 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington. Keep in mind that schedules are weather dependent and subject to change. More information and updates can be found here. 

Tall Ship 25th Anniversary Celebration 

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the commissioning of the Kalmar Nyckel, The Tall Ship of Delaware, the kick-off of the Sailing Season and the great unveiling of her new stern wood carvings. Join the Kalmar Nyckel crew for the program at 2:00 p.m. on May 6.  There will be free Ship and Copeland Maritime Center Tours from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Admission and parking are free and, thanks to Wilmington Brew Works, there will be cold brews sold for $5! 

Independence Day   

Join the Kalmar Nyckel crew on Wednesday, July 4th at the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park located on Rosa Parks Dr, Wilmington. There will be free deck tours of the Kalmar Nyckel from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Have fun with family & friends and be ready for the fireworks later in the evening. More information and updates can be found here.


Of course, these events are only the beginning for the Tall Ship’s 2023 season. Don’t forget to pop into events throughout the year like Underground Railroad Superhero Day, Lego Shipbuilding Day, and the Halloween Ghost Ship! For more on the Kalmar Nyckel’s season, go to https://www.kalmarnyckel.org/.