California Coastal Voyages

Journey with us as we set sail for some of the most beautiful spots along California's coast - aboard the schooner Californian.

Departures from San Diego: To Be Determined for 2011
Returning to San Diego:

Join us as we sail to the islands of Channel Islands National Park.

This voyage on the tall ship Californian attempts to retrace the 1542 voyage of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in his flagship San Salvador as he explored what was then the furthest reaches of the world known to Europeans. Situated just a few miles off the California coastline, the California Channel Islands are nonetheless considered among the most naturally pristine islands anywhere, in many ways unchanged since the time they were first sighted by European sailors from Cabrillo's ships four-and-a-half centuries ago. They are also among the oldest known portions of North America to be inhabited, possibly beginning with prehistoric seafarers crossing by water from Asia or Oceania long before the Aleutian land bridge created during the last ice age made possible a land crossing from Asia.


As an offshore voyage in a nineteenth-century man-of-war, this trip offers a wonderful opportunity to experience being at sea on a voyage of exploration as well the chance to gain new skills and have new experiences. Our friendly and experienced crew will be happy to share their knowledge with you. No prior sailing experience is necessary, but participants should keep in mind that this is an expedition: living conditions on board are comfortable but hardly sumptuous and all of the ship's company will be expected to share in performing normal sea keeping duties including standing watches.

Sailing aboard the Californian offers an opportunity to step into the past and experience the romance of tall ship sailing.

Cost for our 2011 Coastal Voyage is $2100.00 per person, inclusive of meals.

Call: 619-234-9153 x 101 for reservations and information or send us an email.

Cruise participants will automatically receive a complimentary membership to the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Whether you're an old salt or a landlubber you'll enjoy this extraordinary experience. All you need is a spirit of adventure and the willingness to take on a challenge.

*Schedule is subject to change. Coastal Adventure Sails may be postponed or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, mechanical problems, safety concerns or for any reason determined by Maritime Museum of San Diego staff to be sufficient cause to cancel or postpone the sail. Postponements or cancellations may occur at any time right up to departure time. Refunds may be given to those persons that have purchased tickets on a Californian Coastal Voyage which is subsequently cancelled by Maritime Museum of San Diego management. Other associated travel expenses are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Fare includes all meals while on board; must be at least 17 years old to sail aboard Californian on overnight cruises.

What to bring on a multi-day voyage:

Space is very limited shipboard. All your gear will need to fit in an open storage bin that measures 1.5 by 2 feet or be kept in your sleeping berth. Keep this in mind while you are packing!

• 1 soft duffel bag and or a daypack for all your gear, No suitcases! (at the least, a plastic bag makes a good container)
• Sleeping Bag, pillow, sheet
• Layers of clothing. Pack sparingly, and keep in mind that it is most often 15 to 20 cooler than shore temperatures. Ships work is often dirty and destructive to clothes you probably only need one "nice" out fit for going to shore.
• Wool or polartec sweater
• Long underwear
• A ski hat is a must.
• Rain Suit or Foul Weather Gear. (At night, on watch, with spray coming over the side, you will get wet and cold, if nothing else this will cut the wind. Both pants and coat are recommended.)
• Two pairs of comfortable shoes (make sure one is closed toe hiking style and has good traction)
• Sun Hat (make sure you have something that you can keep from blowing off)
• Sunscreen
• Good Sunglasses and maybe an extra pair (a strap is a good idea)
• Towel
• Flashlight or Headlamp for personal reading. Headlamp is best in a moving bunk. (Red lense preferred)
• Coffee/Thermal Travel Mug with a wide base/ non-breakable
• Ear plugs
• Toiletry Kit
• Personal medications bring more than you would normally need. (allergy/ibuprofen/etc.)
• Extra pair prescription eyewear (if applicable)
• Seasickness medication

Optional

• Sailing gloves (without fingertips) can be helpful for pulling line.
• Binoculars if you already own them.
• Baby wipes or whatever cleaning wipes to freshen-up with.
• Bathing Suit
• Camera
• Table cloth size piece of cloth to make a privacy curtain for your bunk
• Eye mask for sleeping
• 1 six pack of bottled water
• Handkerchief
• Backup ear plugs

General information for passengers aboard the Californian

Meals: Meals and snacks will be provided on the boat. The Californian has a cook aboard, but please note that supplies are limited and some dietary restrictions may be beyond our ability to meet. If you have dietary restrictions, please make special note on your medical form. When at a harbor during a mealtime, you may desire to purchase meals on shore. For your convenience and use, please bring your own coffee mug. Both meals and cleaning are communal activities.

Showers and Laundry: There are no showers or laundry on the boat. While at a harbor, we will try to have available the use of the showers on shore. Often there is a coin laundry available in such situations. You can wash your hair on deck with salt water if you choose. Bring layers of clothing for all weather situations but do not expect to wear clean clothes all the time nor shower every day. The crew recommends baby wipes as a nice way to stay fresh without a shower.

Berths: The bunks aboard the Californian are a standard measurement of 6'2" x 24" . They are thickly padded and vinyl covered. While they do have accommodations for privacy curtains, they are in communal spaces. Bunk assignment is at random with the exception of persons with special needs. You must provide your own bedding supplies.

Electricity: The boat has batteries at 12v and a generator that runs when the motor is running that can give 110v. Access to electrical outlets is not easy, but will be normally available to people who want to charge batteries on computers or cameras. Note that not everyone will have access to electricity at any time they would like.

Cell Phone/ CDs/walkmans: Part of the experience of a sailboat at sea is its isolation and shipboard community. On the other hand, used sparingly there is no problem with bringing a cell phone. Note that your phone may not work well even when close to shore.

Smoking Policy: The greatest danger facing a wooden ship is fire. For that reason, smoking on board will take place only at times and locations specified by the captain and with his permission.

Seasickness: Take precautions to prevent seasickness! Nobody should think that they simply don't get seasick. There are several wristband technologies, though for most people medication (Dramamine, Bonine, or other over the counter brand) may be more reliable. The active ingredient in Bonine can be purchased from your pharmacist for a fraction of the brand name. Ask them for guidance on interaction issues with your prescriptions.

Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Inappropriate Behavior: While on board the Californian all laws and regulations of the U.S. as they pertain to passenger vessels apply; alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited aboard the ship. The Captain can dismiss any participant from the trip for violations of the conduct code. Such a participant can be dropped off at any port and be expected to find his or her own way back home. The cost of the trip is not refunded. See Code of Conduct in the application package.

Cancellation Policy: To reserve a berth requires full payment. If you need to cancel 60 days before the date of the program, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel 30 days before the date of the program you will receive 50% refund. Cancellations less than 30 days before the date of the program will result in the forfeiture of the entire sum of the trip. If the scheduled program is cancelled by the Maritime Museum for any reason, you will receive a full refund for any monies pre-paid. All travel and hotel arrangements made by you are your responsibility. We recommend you seek travel insurance for your logistics.