Steinbeck’s Western Flyer Visits Maritime Museum for One-Day Public Tour

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is thrilled to announce that the restored Western Flyer, the historic fishing vessel used by John Steinbeck during his 1940 Sea of Cortez expedition, will be available for public tours on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This exclusive one-day event commemorates the 85th anniversary of Steinbeck and Ricketts' journey, which significantly influenced modern ecological thought and conservation efforts. Visitors can explore the 77-foot sardine seiner as part of the museum's general admission, delving into its rich history and legacy.

Published in 1941, "Sea of Cortez: A Leisurely Journal of Travel and Research" chronicled the historic voyage, leaving a profound impact on both the scientific and literary worlds. The book was among the first public calls for conservation in the region and played a key role in raising awareness about the ecological significance of the Gulf of California.

Over the decades, it has inspired countless students to pursue careers in marine and field biology. While the book endured, the boat itself disappeared into obscurity for decades. She reappeared 20 years ago, but then sank twice, and was given up for dead, destined to be chain sawed into a tourist attraction in Salinas, California. However, thanks to the efforts of the Western Flyer Foundation, the boat has undergone a meticulous restoration.

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