Replicas of Columbus ships “Nina” and “Pinta” open for tours at Chattanooga Pier. STARTS TODAY

Maybe you visited the “Nina” and “Pinta” when these Columbus replica ships sailed into Chattanooga three years ago.

If not, or if you just need a reminder, here are a few things to know before you go for a first or return visit. The ships, technically known as caravels and used as floating museums, are docked in Chattanooga starting today, Nov. 10.

› The “Nina” is the most historically accurate replica of a Columbus ship ever built. The original “Nina” was said to be Columbus’ favorite, and it was on that ship that he sailed across the Atlantic on his three voyages of discovery to the New World, more than 25,000 miles, beginning in 1492. That ship was last heard of in 1501. The replica “Nina,” built to scale, has a 65-foot deck length and 18-foot beam (width).

› The “Pinta” was built to accompany the “Nina” on all of her travels. It is a larger version of the archetypal caravel, and with an 85- foot deck length and 23- foot beam, is 15 feet longer and 8 feet wider than the original. The extra deck space can better accommodate walk-aboard tours, and there’s even a 40- foot air- conditioned main cabin with seating.

› There are two ways to tour the ships. Self-guided tours are for anyone who shows up during open hours and pays to go aboard to experience the ships. Guided tours are educational programs open only to groups of 15 or more. During these tours, a guide will explain what life was like aboard a ship in the 15th century, about Columbus’ many voyages, the mechanics of the ship and what life aboard the ship is like today.

› Where’s the “Santa Maria”? According to the Columbus Foundation, “Santa Maria” was a different type of ship, a nao, and considerably larger than the caravels. The biggest operational difference between the two designs is the draft. “Santa Maria” would require 14 feet of water depth; the “Nina” and “Pinta” draft only 7 feet. A “Santa Maria” replica would not be able to travel to many places where the caravels visit. Routes in a typical year include the Gulf Coast, East Coast, Great Lakes and the Midwestern river system.

› Chattanooga is the next- to- last stop in this touring season. The ships will be docked at the Chattanooga Pier at Ross’s Landing through Sunday, Nov. 27. Tours will be offered from 9 a. m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving Day). Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 60 and older, $ 6 ages 5-16, $5 for groups of 15 or more. For more information, call 787-672-2152 or visit www.thenina.com.

STAFF FILE PHOTO The Columbus Foundation prepares to dock replicas of Columbus’ ships “Pinta” and “Nina” at the Chattanooga Pier during their previous visit to Chattanooga in October 2016. The ships are back in town today, Nov. 10.