Niña III

Niña III is a wooden replica caravel standing on the waterfront in Las Palmas, on the island of Gran Canaria, just behind Santa Catalina Park and close to the El Muelle shopping centre and the cruise port. The ship marks the city's role in Columbus's voyage to America — his fleet made a stop here in 1492 before crossing the Atlantic.

The replica was built in 1992 at the Castro shipyard on Spain's Galician coast, designed by sailor Carlos Etayo under the supervision of engineer Francisco Lasa. It reproduces the proportions and look of a late-15th-century Latin caravel with an open deck: 17.3 metres long, with a draught of 1.2 metres and a displacement of 36.3 tonnes.

Construction was part of the commemorations for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. Niña III sailed out of Palos de la Frontera and made the crossing to Santo Domingo in the Caribbean under sail alone, with no engine support — the only one of the anniversary replicas able to make that Atlantic crossing in conditions close to the original voyage. It returned to the Canary Islands in 2000 and has remained in Las Palmas ever since as a permanent landmark.

How to get there?

The ship stands in an open public space behind Santa Catalina Park, within walking distance of the harbour promenade and the cruise terminal. It's an easy stop to combine with a visit to the El Muelle shopping centre or a walk along Las Canteras beach, which begins a few hundred metres away.

What will you see?

The wooden hull, with its distinctive lateen sails and raised stern deck, gives a clear sense of how modest the vessels of the Age of Discovery were compared with the ocean crossings they made. In May 2023 the replica was damaged in a fire, and the city council later commissioned a technical study on its restoration — it's worth checking the ship's current condition and whether the interior is open before visiting, since access can vary depending on the restoration stage.

When to visit?

Las Palmas has mild weather year-round, so any month works for a walk along the waterfront to see the ship. Early morning or late afternoon tends to be most comfortable, when the sun is lower and temperatures are easier for walking.

Frequently asked questions

Is Niña III the original ship Columbus sailed on? No — it's a replica caravel built in 1992, modelled on the ship from Columbus's voyage, not a historical artifact itself.

Where exactly is the replica located? Behind Santa Catalina Park in Las Palmas, near the El Muelle shopping centre and the cruise port.

Can visitors go on board? That depends on the ship's current condition following the 2023 fire and the ongoing restoration work — it's best to check locally or with the tourist information point before visiting.

Is there an admission fee? The ship stands in an open public area, so viewing it from outside is free; access on board, when open, depends on the current arrangements for the site.