IGY Destination, St Katharine Docks Marina is excited to reveal that it will be welcoming another incredible 17th Century Spanish Galeon replica ship this winter. The 55-metre ship El Galeon Andalucía will lock into the 200-year-old docks on November 11th, and will be berthed in the picturesque and historic central basin for a whole month over the festive period.

Previously visiting SKD in 2024, the colossal 162ft museum ship will be opening to the public daily, from November 14th until January 10th (excluding Christmas Day). Tickets are available online via The Nao Victoria Foundation website, or from the kiosk adjacent to the vessel.

The opening times are as follows:

• Normal Opening Hours – 1000hrs to 1900hrs
• Christmas Eve: 1000hrs to 1400hrs
• Christmas Day: Closed
• Boxing Day: Normal opening hours, 1000hrs to 1900hrs

El Galeon Andalucía will be departing, weather permitting, on January 11th. You can track the vessels progress via VesselFinder.

Based on a 17th century Spanish Galleon, an armed trade boat with payloads ranging from 500 to 1,200 tons, El Galeon was built during 2009-10 by the Nao Victoria Foundation. Designed and developed by Ignacio Fernández Vial at the Punta Umbria shipyard (Huelva, Spain), it has covered more than 48,000 nautical miles between 2010 to 2016 visiting ports across the world.

Marina Manager, Martin Plas commented “We are very excited to be welcoming the Nao Victoria Foundation back to St Katharine Docks this winter, with the mighty Andalucia. Having these iconic ships in Central London, is very special, it provides a fantastic opportunity for the local community and visitors of all ages to come and visit a true piece of maritime history. Not to mention it will be a fantastic Christmas docks spectacle.”

Here is a video from the Andalucia’s visit to London in 2024 – https://youtu.be/c9hg1KMJZOg