GULF SHORES, AL. – On Thursday, March 3 at 1 p.m. the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’, replicas of Columbus’ ships, will arrive in Gulf Shores. The ships will be docked at Lulu’s Homeport Marina, 200 E. 25th Ave. until their departure early Wednesday morning March 9.

The media are invited to a private viewing of the ships after docking on Thursday. The ships open to the general public Friday, March 4.

The Nina was built by hand and without the use of power tools and is considered to be the most historically correct Columbus Replica ever built. The ‘Pinta’ was recently built in Brazil and is a larger version of the archetypal caravel. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the 15th century.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission charges are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for students 5-16. Children 4 and under are free.

The ships are open every day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. No reservations necessary.