Replicas of the Columbus’ ships dock at Ditto Landing for tours

HUNTSVILLE – Replicas of the Columbus ships, Nina and Pinta, docked at Ditto Landing in Huntsville on Friday. They arrived from being on display in Decatur, and previously in Florence.

The ships will be available for tour through Aug. 13. They will then travel to Guntersville City Harbor for tours, Aug. 16-Sept. 2, and end up at Joe Wheeler State Park, Oct. 30-Nov. 3.

The ships had made a previous trip to Ditto Landing in 2016.

The Nina was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools, according to information about the ships in a news release from the Columbus Foundation. Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built,” according to the release.

In 2005, the Pinta, also a caravel, was launched in Brazil, according to the release.

Both ships tour together as a ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the caravel, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers, according to the release.

While in port, the general public may view the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission is $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, and $6.50 for students ages 5 to 16. Children 4 and younger may tour for free. The ships will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.