Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel Continues Fall River Cruises In Wilmington

Family-friendly sails offered every Saturday in October

WILMINGTON – After a successful opening weekend, the Tall Ship of Delaware, Kalmar Nyckel, continues to welcome passengers for a series of fall river cruises along Wilmington’s Riverfront every Saturday through October 25.

These 1.5-hour cruises offer a rare chance to sail aboard a full-scale, seagoing replica of the ship that brought the first permanent European settlers to the Delaware Valley in 1638. Guests can haul lines, help set sails, and hear tales from the crew—or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Children are invited to join a scavenger hunt and pirate story, with costumes encouraged.

Upcoming Cruise Schedule

Saturdays, Oct. 4, 11, 18 & 25 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Oct. 18 Special – Free “Halloween Ghost Ship” tours from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Cruises depart from the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for children 12 and younger, with space limited to 49 passengers per sail. Advance reservations are strongly recommended at KalmarNyckel.org/explore or by calling 302-429-7447. All sails are weather-dependent.

A Living Classroom and Weekend Adventure

During the week, the Kalmar Nyckel serves as a floating classroom, hosting more than 13,000 school students each year for hands-on lessons in maritime science and sailing. On weekends, the ship opens to the public, inviting those who have never sailed a tall ship to work the lines, hoist sails, and experience life on the water as the crew and volunteers guide the ship along the Wilmington Riverfront.

A Piece of Delaware History

Launched in 1997, the Kalmar Nyckel is maintained and sailed by professional officers and more than 200 trained volunteers who share the ship’s history and seafaring traditions. The non-profit Kalmar Nyckel Foundation also offers educational programs, private charters, and year-round events at the Tatiana and Gerret Copeland Maritime Center.

Whether you’re a family looking for a unique weekend outing or an adventurer eager to experience the excitement of tall-ship sailing, the Kalmar Nyckel’s October river cruises offer an unforgettable way to enjoy crisp autumn views of the Christina River.