St Katharine Docks announced the return of El Galeon Andalucia on 13 November, staying until the end of the year. The full-size replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon gives visitors a rare chance to step aboard one of the ships that carried the world’s trade across the oceans. It’s a fitting guest for a dock that was once a hub of international trade, handling ivory, spices, tea and textiles from around the globe.
The ship first arrived in London in September 2024, sailing up the Thames and passing under Tower Bridge before docking at the estate. Her visit drew wide press attention, and her stay was extended because of public demand (she welcomed over 400 visitors a day). This winter’s return gives everyone who missed her the first time round a second chance to see her.
Built in Spain by the Nao Victoria Foundation, the ship has sailed more than 70,000 nautical miles and visited over a hundred ports on four continents. Her hull and decks were built using a construction method never before used for ocean-going ships of her size, then clad in timber, with traditional craft skills completing the masts, rigging and sails.
Inside, six decks hold exhibits, live displays and a crew in period costume, bringing the age of the Spanish galleons to life. These ships carried wheat, wine and weapons out to the Americas and Asia, returning with gold, silver, silk and precious gems, and helped connect the two halves of the Earth.
St Katharine Docks is becoming a destination for vessels like El Galeon Andalucia. In recent years the estate has welcomed a run of historic replicas, including the Saga Farmann, a 20-metre reconstruction of a 1,000-year-old Viking trading ship. It arrived in the summer of 2025 after a two-year voyage from Norway and called the docks home for a number of weeks. The estate also hosted the Nao Santa Maria replica in May 2025, and this summer welcomed the Nao Victoria, a 26-metre replica of the ship that completed the first circumnavigation of the world. Berthed in the centre basin from 30 June to 12 July, the Nao Victoria drew visitors to climb aboard and explore her wooden decks.
The estate’s winter programme gives visitors even more reasons to visit. The Christmas Market brings gifts, decorations and festive treats to Marble Quay from 7 November to 3 January. The light switch-on on Thursday 19 November adds live Christmas music, a visit from the Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London and Santa to the waterside. From there, St Kat’s Jazz Sessions takes to the floating pontoon every weekend in December until Christmas.
The estate’s waterside restaurants and bars are also serving seasonal menus, from hearty comfort food to festive drinks, with tables overlooking the marina and the yachts moored beside them, including El Galeon Andalucia.
A floating living museum, El Galeon Andalucia is popular with school groups and visitors looking for something different this winter. The ship can also host receptions and corporate events for up to 250 guests.
Arriving at St Katharine Docks on Friday 13th November until the 28th December 2026, for visiting times and to book tickets see https://www.skdocks.co.uk/visit/
