Anchors aweigh! Hoist the sails and step back in time aboard the Mystic Whaler, a 110-foot, two-masted schooner modeled after 19th-century coastal vessel, that will set sail on
May 20, 2026, and make its voyage up the Santa Barbara Channel along the California Coast to the Ventura Harbor. This majestic tall ship will drop anchor early afternoon at Ventura Harbor Village C Dock (near Ventura Boat Rentals, in front of Brophy Bros. and On the Alley restaurants). www.VenturaHarborVillage.com
Dockside Tours at Ventura Harbor Village will also give visitors a chance to set foot on deck and explore the storied ship, meet the crew, and learn the ropes of schooner life. Lovers of the sea can also hear captivating sea stories and discover how the Mystic Whaler keeps maritime traditions alive, while enjoying Ventura Harbor Village’s vibrant waterfront. Visits aboard the tall ship are free, with a suggested donation for adults
$5 (kids are free). All activities are weather pending, and the schedule is subject to change.
Public Dockside Tours at “C” Dock at Ventura Harbor Village:
Wednesday, May 20 Arrival at C Dock early afternoon (in front of Brophy’s and On the Alley Restaurants)
Thursday, May 21 Deck Tour (2 – 6 PM)
Friday, May 22 Deck Tour (12 – 6 PM)
Saturday, May 23 Deck Tour (12 – 6 PM)
Sunday, May 24 Deck Tour (12 – 6 PM)
Monday, May 25 Deck Tour (12 – 6 PM)
Thursday, May 28 Deck Tour (2 – 6 PM)
Friday, May 29 Deck Tour (12 – 6 PM)
Saturday, May 30 Deck Tour (12 – 6 PM)
Sunday, May 31 Deck Tour (12 – 6 PM)
Monday, June 1 Depart from C Dock (8:30am)
The seafaring beauty blends maritime history with modern adventures and offering family fun activities on select days from 10 -11 AM: “Plankton Pals” May 23 and 30 (Science based) and “Ship in a Bag” May 24 & 31 (Nautical Activity) as part of the Ventura Harbor experience. Reservations for the special activities are required to participate at https://www.mysticoceanadventures.org
Operated by the nonprofit Mystic Ocean Adventures (MOA) with a passion for preserving maritime heritage, Mystic Whaler is more than a ship, it’s a floating classroom and an environmental advocate. Mysitc Ocean Adventures’ mission is to utilize adventure through sailing and the sea to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills for the communities of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties with a special focus on youth.
The arrival of this magnificent vessel coincides with Ventura Harbor Village’s ongoing Spring seaside events/activities throughout May 2026, including a stellar lineup of seaside music on Ventura Harbor Village’s Promenade Stage and Channel Islands Courtyard. Live bands perform from 1- 4 pm on Friday, May 22, Saturday and Sunday May 23- 24, Monday Memorial Day May 25, and Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, 2026 On Friday, May 22, celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Ventura Harbor Village offering a free “Gyotaku” fish printing craft from 1-4 pm honoring a traditional Japanese art form dating back over 100 years, used by fishermen to record their catches. Ventura Harbor Village’s Boatyard Pub Seafood & Spirits and Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant also offer live music weekends.
Plan and make a day of it to wine and waterside at many of these Ventura Harbor Village restaurants and eateries. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/dine/
For more information about the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler deck tour information visit https://www.mysticoceanadventures.org For the latest updates regarding the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler and other spring events, visit https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/
Visitors from near and far are encouraged to take photos at the Village’s docks and share their Instagram-worthy Tall Ship Mystic Whaler photos by using #SeaTallShip and tag @VenturaHarbor on Instagram!
About Mystic Ocean Adventures (MOA) Tall Ship Mystic Whaler:
Rich in history and seaside lore, the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler, designed by V.B. Crockett, was built in Tarpon Springs, Florida in 1967, and is representative of a late 19th Century cargo two-masted schooner. Following a significant overhaul in 1995, Tall Ship Mystic Whaler then operated on the East Coast for 26 years and provided educational programs/charters throughout Long Island Sound, Connecticut, and the Chesapeake Bay. The schooner then started a three-month journey to California in October 2021 and was donated to Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation in January 2022. The organization’s mission is to utilize adventure through sailing and the sea to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills for the communities of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties with a special focus on youth ages 10-18 years old.
About Ventura Harbor Village:
Nestled along the scenic California Central Coast, Ventura Harbor offers breathtaking views and a vibrant maritime atmosphere. Ventura Harbor Village is the perfect Springtime waterfront destination. For more information about activities and live music at Ventura Harbor Village contact 805-477-0470, visit VenturaHarborVillage.com or join in the conversation on social media with @VenturaHarbor.
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