Santa Maria Cruise Osaka Ticket Price USD

The Santa Maria Cruise is a sightseeing boat in Osaka Bay that offers scenic harbor cruises! Here's what you need to know:

Overview

The Ship

• Replica of Christopher Columbus's Santa Maria ship
• About twice the size of the original
• Spanish galleon-style design
• Distinctive red sails and classic appearance

Location

• Departs from Tempozan Harbor Village
• Near Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• Osakako Station (Osaka Metro Chuo Line)

Cruise Options

Day Cruise

• 45-minute cruise around Osaka Bay
• Views of Osaka Port area
• Passes by shipping terminals, bridges, and warehouses
• Can see the city skyline

Sunset/Twilight Cruise (Seasonal)

• Evening departures
• Beautiful sunset views over the bay
• City lights beginning to illuminate

Night Cruise (Sometimes available)

• Special seasonal offerings
• Enhanced lighting and atmosphere

What to Expect

Views & Sights

• Tempozan Bridge
• Osaka Port facilities
• Container terminals
• City skyline from the water
• Sometimes see large ships
• Tempozan Ferris Wheel from the bay

Onboard Experience

• Multiple decks to explore
• Indoor and outdoor viewing areas
• Photo opportunities
• Relaxing atmosphere
• Announcements in Japanese (limited English)

Practical Information

Schedule:

• Multiple departures throughout the day
• Typically runs 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM range (varies by season)
• Check official schedule as times change seasonally
• May not operate in bad weather

Tickets:

• Adults: approximately ¥1,600-1,800
• Children: approximately ¥800-900
• Can purchase at the pier ticket office
• Sometimes combo tickets available with aquarium

Duration:

• 45 minutes per cruise

Access:

• Osakako Station (Chuo Line) - 5 minute walk
• In Tempozan Harbor Village area

Tips

Best Experience:

• Choose a clear day for better views
• Sunset cruises are particularly scenic
• Upper deck offers best views (can be windy)
• Arrive 15-20 minutes early to board

Photography:

• Great for photos of the ship itself
• Bring camera for bay views
• Less crowded on weekdays

Combine With:

• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (right next door)
• Legoland Discovery Center Osaka
• Tempozan Ferris Wheel
• Shopping and dining at Tempozan Marketplace
• Easy to spend half-day or full day in this area

What It's Good For

✅ Relaxing break from city sightseeing ✅ Families with children (kids love the ship) ✅ Photography enthusiasts ✅ Completing the Tempozan area experience ✅ Unique perspective of Osaka

❌ Not ideal if you're prone to seasickness (though waters are usually calm) ❌ Views are industrial port (not as scenic as some other harbor cruises) ❌ Limited English information

Nearby Attractions (Tempozan Area)

The Santa Maria is part of a cluster of attractions:

• Osaka Aquarium (5 min walk)
• Legoland Discovery Center (same building as aquarium)
• Tempozan Ferris Wheel (was one of world's largest)
• Tempozan Marketplace (shopping & dining)

This area makes for a great half-day or full-day outing, especially for families!

Weather Considerations

• Cruises may be cancelled in heavy rain or strong winds
• Check weather forecast
• Can be chilly on the water - bring a light jacket

The Santa Maria Cruise is a pleasant, leisurely activity that offers a different perspective of Osaka. It's particularly nice if you're already visiting the aquarium and want to make a full outing of the Tempozan area!