Discover a unique outdoor experience when you sail on board Kalmar Nyckel, the Tall Ship of Delaware. The Kalmar Nyckel provides a unique, hands-on experience at the intersection of adventure and education. Sail on a full-scale replica of the Swedish flagship from the 1638 expedition that founded the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. Have an adventure, enjoy family fun, and learn a little about history all in one. 

The sailing season is set to begin with Christina River cruises on Saturday, May 1st from the ship’s Copeland Maritime Center. The ship will sail 1.5 hours three times daily on Saturdays and Sundays, departing at 10am, 1:30pm, and 4pm. The ship will sail from historic New Castle for day sails beginning Saturday, June 5th through Sunday, June 13th on select dates. Guests can choose between a 2.5-hour morning sail or afternoon sail from the beautiful public dock. How about a weekday sail? Friday evening sails will begin on May 7th, while Thursday sails will begin May 20th. These sails depart at 3:00pm.  

Due to COVID restrictions, tickets will be available for purchase this season in zones, limited to 5 people per section. Passengers will rotate through the zones to get the full experience. Masks and other COVID restrictions apply.  

In addition to public sails, Kalmar Nyckel will make two special appearances on the Wilmington Riverfront in May.

Educational field trips and outdoor summer camp programs are also available on the maritime campus and ship. Contact David Livingstone at David.Livingstone@KalmarNyckel.org or call the office for details. 

For a complete schedule, visit https://www.kalmarnyckel.org/BookASail.asp Call 302.429.7447 for tickets and details. 

  • Sailing tickets in May are only available by phone, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.   

  • June tickets are available online and by phone.  

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s Copeland Maritime Center has also re-opened to visitors! Explore the Center Monday-Friday from 2-4pm for self-guided tours. Hours will soon expand to weekends beginning May 1st. (Don’t forget your mask!) 

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-based educational organization that built, owns, and operates Kalmar Nyckel. The ship has a crew of 200 trained volunteers who help maintain and sail the ship, and teach its programs. No experience is required, and volunteers bring a wide range of skills and experiences onboard. For details on Kalmar Nyckel sails, tours, charters, educational programs, volunteer opportunities and the Tatiana and Gerret Copeland Maritime Center, visit www.kalmarnyckel.org, call 302.429.7447, and follow Kalmar Nyckel on Facebook and Instagram. 

  

 

Know Before You Go