Sightseeing Boat Santa Maria Pier

In short

The boarding area located at the "Kaiyukan West Pier" next to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, from which the Santa Maria, a sailboat-type sightseeing ship that cruises around Osaka Port, departs. The Santa Maria is a vessel built at approximately twice the size of the Santa María, the flagship of Columbus that reached the Americas in 1492, and it is the largest sailboat-type sightseeing cruise ship in the Osaka Bay Area.

• ​Approx. 45-minute Day Cruise​​: It offers ocean views of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, and container wharves, and passes beneath massive bridges such as the Tempozan Ohashi Bridge and the Minato Ohashi Bridge
• ​Sunset Twilight Cruise​​: An approximately 60-minute cruise operated for limited periods, allowing passengers to enjoy the evening scenery
• ​Columbus's Room​​: In the first-floor cabin "Sala de Colón," navigational equipment is on display, and visitors can learn about the history of the Age of Discovery through panel exhibits

History and Highlights

​Sightseeing Boat Santa Maria Pier​ is the boarding area located at the "Kaiyukan West Pier" next to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. From here, the Santa Maria, a sailboat-type sightseeing ship that cruises around Osaka Port, departs.

The Santa Maria is a vessel built at approximately twice the size of the Santa María, the flagship of Columbus that reached the Americas in 1492. It is the largest sailboat-type sightseeing cruise ship in the Osaka Bay Area and the largest ship operated by Osaka Suijo Bus. The four-story ship features food counters and observation decks. There are several viewing spaces, and except for the "First Class" special room on the third floor, passengers can move freely between them. At the food counter in the second-floor cabin "Sala de Patio," you can purchase light meals and drinks to enjoy while gazing at the bayside outside the windows.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Approx. 45-minute Day Cruise​​: Cruising from Tempozan past Sakurajima and the South Port (Nanko), it offers ocean views of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, and container wharves. Passing beneath massive bridges such as the Tempozan Ohashi Bridge and the Minato Ohashi Bridge is another highlight.
• ​Sunset Twilight Cruise​​: An approximately 60-minute cruise operated for limited periods. In addition to the Day Cruise course, it also loops past Maishima and Yumeshima, allowing passengers to enjoy the evening scenery.
• ​Columbus's Room​​: In the first-floor cabin "Sala de Colón," navigational equipment is on display, and visitors can learn about the history of the Age of Discovery through panel exhibits. On the open deck, you can take in the magnificent scenery while feeling the sea breeze.

Visitor Tips

The pier is about a 10-minute walk from Osakako Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line. It is located right by the "Tempozan Harbor Village" stop on the Osaka City Bus, and about 10 minutes from Universal City Port via the Captain Line ferry. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located about 80 meters to the east, and the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel stands to the northeast. Departure times for the first and last trips vary by season, and operations may be suspended for safety depending on the weather or sea conditions.