In short
- Wear flat walking shoes with a strong rubber grip.
- Bring a light jacket or windbreaker for cool harbor breezes.
- Pack sunscreen to protect yourself on the open upper decks.
In this article
Dressing properly ensures a safe visit to this floating living history museum. You will walk across wooden surfaces built to 17th-century standards. Weather on Plymouth Harbor also changes quickly. Read on to find out what footwear and layers work best.
What are the best shoes to wear on the Mayflower II?
You need comfortable walking shoes with a good grip.
The Mayflower II is a full-scale reproduction of a 1620 tall ship. Guests must navigate uneven wooden ship decks. These surfaces become slippery in wet weather. Proper footwear helps you safely explore the 106-foot vessel without slipping.
Why are the ship decks difficult to navigate?
The ship features steep stairs and cramped living quarters.
When you leave the Main Deck, you must walk down steep ship stairs. These lead to the 'Tween Decks. This lower area has low ceilings and is dimly lit. It shows where 102 passengers lived during their 66-day Atlantic crossing. You must step carefully here.
What clothing is best for Plymouth Harbor?
Wear a light jacket or windbreaker to block cool ocean breezes.
The ship is docked at State Pier on the water. The open upper decks expose you to the wind. You should also wear sunscreen and sun protection. The Main Deck and the Half Deck offer no shade from direct sunlight.
What else should I pack for my visit?
Bring a water bottle, a camera, and your digital tickets.
You will want a camera or smartphone to take photos. Costumed role-players walk the decks and stay in character as 1620s passengers. The museum accepts all major credit and debit cards. Pre-purchasing mobile tickets lets you skip the box office lines at the entrance pavilion.
Can I bring a stroller on the ship?
Standard strollers cannot go below deck on the Mayflower II.
The steep stairs make it impossible to roll a stroller into the 'Tween Decks. If you plan to visit the main Plimoth Patuxet campus later, bring a jogging stroller. Standard strollers struggle on the unpaved paths at the 17th-Century English Village.
Do I need walking shoes for the surrounding area?
Yes, the area around State Pier is highly walkable.
After touring the ship, you can easily explore the Plymouth waterfront on foot. Plymouth Rock is located less than 5 minutes away. Comfortable shoes will also help you visit the many nearby shops and restaurants.
Questions travellers ask
How long does it take to tour the Mayflower II?
A typical visit aboard the ship takes between 30 minutes and an hour. You will spend about 15 minutes on the Main Deck, 15 minutes in the 'Tween Decks, and 10 minutes on the Half Deck.
How much are tickets for the Mayflower II?
A standalone adult ticket to the ship costs $19. Combo passes covering all Plimoth Patuxet sites cost between $44 and $46 for adults. Ticket prices change depending on the booking platform.
Are dogs allowed on the Mayflower II?
No, only service animals are allowed on the ship. Pets are restricted to ensure the safety of visitors and the rare breed animals at the main museum campus.
