Niña and Pinta Arrive in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Niña and Pinta replica ships are now open in Chattanooga.
The two full-scale replicas of 15th-century Portuguese caravels are docked at Ross Landing City Park and will remain in port through Sunday, November 23rd.
During weekdays, the ships host scheduled guided group tours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Walk-up guided tours for the public are then available from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with no reservation required.
On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can explore the ships at their own pace from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Crew members are on board to answer questions, and scavenger hunt activities are available for visitors of all ages.
All tickets are purchased on-site at the ships. Admission information can be found at the dock or online.
The Niña and Pinta replicas were built using traditional shipbuilding methods to closely match the design of the original caravels.
Caravels were lightweight sailing vessels developed by the Portuguese in the 15th century and were known for their speed, maneuverability, and ability to travel long distances during early ocean exploration.
Historical records indicate that ships like the Niña and Pinta were used in several transatlantic voyages in the late 1400s.
The Niña replica was constructed in Brazil by hand, using tools and techniques that reflect the period’s shipbuilding practices.
The Pinta replica is slightly larger and was built later, based on research to better represent the scale of supply and transport ships used during the Age of Exploration.
Groups of 15 or more can schedule a guided tour in advance by visiting NinaPinta.org and selecting “Take a Tour.”
Additional inquiries can be emailed to NinaPintaTour@gmail.com.
