The ships are reproductions built by Spain to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' voyages to the New World. They took five years to build and cost $6.5 million. The three ships embarked on a tour of the Mediterranean and Atlantic ports of Europe in 1990 and 1991.
After a successful tour of 18 United States ports, they arrived at their permanent home in Corpus Christi in 1993. The Pinta and Santa Maria are located at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Guided tours are included with general admission prices and are open to the public. Tours start every hour on the half hour, beginning at 10:30 am, Tuesday - Saturday and at 12:30 pm on Sunday.
There are no guided tours of the Nina, moored at the Corpus Christi Marina, but can be viewed from the dock.
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