For over 25 years, the Maritime Museum of San Diego has been proud to host popular, award-winning educational events that provide exceptional hands-on learning experiences for youth and student groups year-round.

Scouts BSA youth are invited to earn their Oceanography Merit Badge at the Maritime Museum of San Diego by attending one of three engaging Saturday classes. Each session runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and scouts need only attend one class to complete the badge requirements.

This unique program gives local scouts a chance to dive deep into oceanography—right in the heart of San Diego’s waterfront. Through a dynamic mix of field work, hands-on lab activities, and thought-provoking discussion, Oceanography Merit Badge Days immerse participants in the many branches of oceanographic research

Fashioning an Icon: Virgin of Guadalupe Imagery in Textile Design celebrates her representation on clothing and adornment. Objects range from traditional garments created by over 70 artists from Mexico, to a selection of local artistic interpretations of la Virgen. Inspired by her long history of depiction on textiles, these works explore the Virgin of Guadalupe’s endurance as an iconic cultural symbol fashioned through creative expression.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, whose mission is to serve as the community memory of our seafaring experiences by collecting, preserving, and presenting our rich maritime heritage and historic connections with the Pacific world, announces the opening of the new exhibit Celebrating the Sea: Exploring the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Hidden Collection in the Compass Gallery on the ferryboat Berkeley. Entry to the new exhibit is included with general admission. October 2024 through July 2025 visitors can revel in a rare and rich tapestry of treasured maritime-themed art and admire notable artists’ work, embracing the nautical world of breathtaking coasts, artifacts & treasured ships. 

All aboard the 16th-century galleon for this hilarious interactive show? We put our visitors right in the middle of the pirate action. Participants will be sworn in as part of the ship crew, trained how to navigate, sword fight, bail water from a sinking ship, escape from the King’s Jail, swab the deck and other pirate skills. Performances are 90 minutes. Plus tickets include general admission to tour the historic fleet of ships and fascinating below deck exhibits before or after your show! Recommended for 5+). Check-in 30 minutes prior to your show at 10:30 a.m. or 12:45 p.m.