The Nao Victoria is a stunning replica of the first ever ship to fully sail the world. Her arrival follows the huge success of the Galeón Andalucía‘s visit to the Kent port in 2025 and symbolises another extraordinary moment in world history.

The Nao Victoria represents the greatest adventure in sea navigation: the first circle around the world in the 16th century (1519/1522). On 8^th September 1522, 18 men, under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, arrived back in Seville, Spain after more than three years at sea crossing five oceans to reveal the full size of Earth.

The initial expedition was originally made up of five ships and 243 crew members (“The Spice Army”), who, under the command of Ferdinand Magellan, left Seville, Spain on 10^th August 1519. However, the Nao Victoria was the only ship to complete the return journey. The ship due to be on display, mirrored the same adventure in 2004, becoming the first replica to sail the globe.

Diederik Smet, Civic Engagement and Partnership Manager at the Port of Dover said:

“It’s amazing to have another iconic tall ship coming to the Port for the second summer in a row. The Galeón Andalucía was hugely popular with our local community in 2025, so we are delighted that they can be immersed in the inspiring story of another piece of maritime history here in Dover once again. Thank you to the Nao Victoria Foundation for making this happen.”

The Nao Victoria Foundation added:

“Sailing the Nao Victoria to Dover is a truly epic event. We are talking about the world’s only seaworthy replica of the ship that accomplished the greatest maritime feat of all time: the first circumnavigation of the globe. This very ship, which we are now bringing to the public, is a living legend that has already sailed the five great oceans of the planet. Seeing its historic masts rise against the imposing backdrop of Dover’s White Cliffs will be an unforgettable sight; it is a unique and monumental opportunity for visitors to have the privilege of stepping onto the very decks that changed our world forever”.

Nao Victoria will be positioned at Dover Marina, by the RNLI lifeboat station. Full booking details can be found here (including an online ticket promotion).

ENDS

Notes to editors

• The Port of Dover is closing the gap every day between the UK and the world by connecting trade, travel, visitors and communities locally-globally, collaborating with local and international partners to create a more seamless, sustainable and tech-enabled port. 

• As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade, Dover handles £144 billion of trade per year, 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU and welcomes over 11 million passengers. 

• Dover is also an award-winning cruise port, delivering world class travel and visitor experiences to over 20 cruise lines each year. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a new marina which is a major feature of the exciting waterfront development, and opportunities for further expansion in the future, Dover’s proud history dating back 400 years has a new modern twist.