Tour the Tall Ship ELISSA: A Galveston, Texas Adventure
The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA in Galveston is one of the oldest actively sailing ships in the world—and visitors can climb aboard and explore her for themselves. Over 4th of July this year, New York City hosted Sail4th 250 where 47 tall ships and 40+ navy gray-hull vessels sailed past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River. One of those very tall ships, the ELISSA, calls Galveston, Texas home and you can walk it’s decks almost any day of the week.
The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA just returned home from its NYC voyage and is now back and docked at Galveston’s Historic Seaport. Tours reopen Tuesday, August 25, 2026. If you’re not a ship enthusiast, that’s ok too, because there’s so much history and fun things to learn in this nearly 150 year old ship.
We have the Galveston Historical Foundation to thank for bringing the ELISSA to our shores. Back in the early 1980s staff and volunteers completed her restoration so all could learn from her. It took almost 4 years to complete the restoration, that is after they acquired her from a scrapyard in Piraeus Harbor, Greece. She is one of only three ships of her kind in the world.
Touring the ELISSA | Galveston, Texas
The tour starts out with the real stories of the ELISSA’s most early years with Captain Herbert Pomeroy carrying 588 tons of English iron bound for Tampico, Mexico in 1883. They enter the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season. Tales of the ELISSA’s adventures continue as you explore the ship, mutiny, shooting a first mate and why you should never bring bananas on a boat.
When we visited the ELISSA we had the ship mostly to ourselves. You’re able to explore all decks including the captains quarters, the bow, and the stern. She truly is a floating museum. Admission gets you free access to Galveston’s Immigration Experience Ship to Shore(opens in new tab), which still remains one of our favorite small museums.
This is an excellent adventure if you’re currently doing Texas history. Lern
Want to sail the ELISSA? You can do that too, check for special sailing events on their website. You can also rent the entire ship for events, weddings and receptions, probably the most interesting event space available in Galveston. Group tours and experiences are also available.
Tickets, Pricing & Tips
Visiting the ELISSA is relatively inexpensive, adult tickets(opens in new tab) are $14, Youth (6-18) are $8, and Children 5 and under are free. Here are a few tips for your visit.
- Bring sunscreen, you'll be exploring the deck right on the water and you will burn.
- Start your adventure in the morning touring the ELISSA, there's no air conditioning so it will be warm. Finish your adventure in the Ship to Shore museum next door to cool off.
- Take lots of pictures, there's so many fun photo ops here.
- Read all the info plaques, there's so much interesting information to learn here.
Remember, the adventure also gives you admission to the Ship to Shore museum(opens in new tab). This is a totally worth it excursion in Galveston weather you’re there on vacation, just going for the day, or just a stopover before and after a cruise.
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