Tall Ships In Boston & Small Ships In Newport This Weekend

NEWPORT, RI — On Friday, the Nina and the Pinta, two Christopher Columbus replica ships are expected to arrive at Fort Adams (84 Fort Adams Drive, Newport 02840). The Columbus Foundation, which teaches the public about the caravel type ships, said the schedule depends on weather. (They're coming from Hartford, though, so they'll probably be on time.) Both ships will stay in port until June 25. They're open for tours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets cost $8 for adults; $7 for seniors (60 and older); $6 for children between the ages of 5 and 16. Age 4 and under are free. They accept cash or credit card (with a $20 minimum) at the blue tent near the boats. Groups with 15 minimum people pay $5 per person and qualify for a 30-minute guided tour. (To qualify for the group rate, call 787-672-2152 to schedule a tour.)

Also Friday, the Providence-Newport ferry starts runs between India Point and Perrotti Park. The ride takes an hour. (The schedule says it leaves Providence at 9:30 a.m. and arrives in Newport at 10:30 p.m., but that's a typo.) Tickets are $10 one-way & $20 round trip for adults; $5 one way and $10 round trip for children, seniors (65 and older) and the disabled. Pets and children under 2 ride free, and bicycles are welcome. Ferry Parking in Providence is free at India Point, and RIPTA is also running a free shuttle on its Route 91 bus. The ferry tickets can be purchased online.

Saturday, the Tall Ships arrive in Beantown. The U.S. Coast Guard's Eagle will lead 55 tall ships into Boston harbor.

"This is the first time in 17 years that a 'Parade of Sail' of this magnitude has taken place," said Robin Reibel, Sail Boston spokeswoman. And she promises watching them race in will be a magnificent sight.

Tall Ships Boston 2017: What You Need To Know, Dates, Times, Events, Security

Courtesy Photo: Sail Boston 2017