Cannon Battles
September 11 @ 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
One event on September 12, 2026 at 3:30 pm
One event on September 13, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Cannon Battles
Step aboard a historic tall ship and set sail off the coast of Dana Point. While on board learn about maritime history and experience the thrill of mock cannon battles at sea.
Enjoy blasting cannons, towering rigging, bustling decks, and the magnificence of a canvas full of wind during a Cannon Battle! Work with the crew hauling up sail or simply sit back and enjoy the spectacular demonstration of skill, knowledge, and survival! Ticket includes Festival Adventure Pass
Must be at least 4 years old for Tall Ship Sails.
All ages are welcome on the R/V Sea Explorer Escort Cruise! Enjoy complementary beer and wine for guests 21+.
Pricing:
- Tall Ship Sail Ticket: $80
- R/V Sea Explorer Escort Cruise: $60
Schedule:
3:30 pm – Check-in
4:00 pm – Boarding begins
4:30 pm – Depart Dock
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm – Sailing and Cannon Battles
7:00 pm – Reenter Harbor
7:30 pm – Dock and Depart Ship
Don Telford Photography
Don Telford Photography
F.A.Q.
What time should I be there?
- Check-in begins at 3:30 pm. We recommend arriving an hour early to find parking.
- Your ticket also includes the Festival Adventure Pass, which gives access to Ocean Institute’s exhibits and tours of all the visiting ships. The Institute and ships will open at 9:00 am. Ship tours will end at 2:00 pm to start battle preparations.
What should I bring?
Make sure to have your ticket on your phone or printed out. It can be cold on the water, so please wear layers and/or bring a jacket.
Where do I park?
Parking is extremely limited during the festival. Please allow plenty of time to find parking.
On Friday, there should be some available parking at Baby Beach.
On Saturday and Sunday, you can park at Dana Hills High School and take the shuttle to Ocean Institute. Please see our parking page for more information.
Where do I check in?
- You will check-in at the main ticketing tent in Ocean Institute’s parking lot. Each person must sign the manifest and will then be given a wristband that has a sticker with your ship’s name.
- At 3:30 pm, you will be directed to form a line by the ticketing tent with the rest of the passengers on your ship. A volunteer will lead you down to the dock and onto the ship once everyone has checked in.
How long will we be sailing?
Boarding begins at 4:00 pm, and the ship will depart from the dock by 4:30 pm. It will take about a half hour to exit the harbor after leaving the dock. Once the ships are at sea, they will sail and battle for an hour and a half. The ships will re-enter the harbor by 7:00 pm and reach the dock for disembarking by 7:30 pm.
How loud is it?
The cannons are very loud when you are on the ship. We recommend that those with sensitivity to loud noises wear protective earphones or watch from shore.
Can I bring food and drinks?
You can bring food and drinks in sealed containers. Alcohol is not permitted.
Is there a bathroom onboard?
While most of the ships do have a restroom onboard, they should only be used when absolutely necessary. Please make sure to use the restroom on shore before you check in. There are public restrooms in the brown building by the ticketing tent.
What if the weather is bad?
Cannon battles will continue rain or shine, unless conditions are deemed unsafe by the captains. If the battle is canceled due to weather, you will receive a refund.
Is there a place to sit?
There are areas to sit on each ship. For those with mobility issues, please note that you will have to climb up a set of stairs to board the ship.
Maritime Festival Tickets – Refund and Transfer Policy – Click Here
