A replica of the Nao Santa Maria, one of Christopher Columbus’s ships, is set to dock in Poole.

The tall ship will be moored at Poole Quay from Wednesday, June 11 to Sunday, June 22, becoming a floating museum for the duration.

Visitors will be able to explore the decks, cabins and crew quarters, all of which are historically accurate.

There will also be interactive exhibits, which will offer insight into the life of sailors 500 years ago.

Wendy King, Poole BID communications and operations manager, said: “Visitors can tour the ship’s four decks, including historically accurate cabins and crew quarters and engage with interactive exhibits that provide insight into the life of sailors during the Age of Discovery 500 years ago.

“The Nao Santa María’s presence on Poole Quay offers a unique chance to experience a significant piece of maritime history firsthand and we are delighted to be working with the foundation again to bring this wonderful tall ship to our shores.”

The Nao Santa Maria was the largest of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage across the Atlantic in 1492.

On December 25, 1492, the Santa Maria ran aground off the coast of present-day Haiti and was dismantled to construct a fort named La Navidad—the first European settlement in the New World.

In 2018, the Fundación Nao Victoria, a Spanish organisation dedicated to maritime heritage, launched a replica of the Nao Santa María.

The replica combines traditional wooden craftsmanship with modern materials like fibreglass for durability.

This ship measures approximately 93 feet in length, with a beam of 7.96 metres and a draft of 3.49 metres.

While externally faithful to the 15th-century design, the replica is equipped with modern navigation systems, engines and safety features discreetly integrated to meet contemporary maritime standards.

It serves as a floating museum, featuring exhibits on navigation tools, crew life, and the historical context of Columbus’ voyage.

For further information and updates about the Nao Santa Maria exhibition, visit the Poole BID website or follow it on social media.