The Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico is Cantabria's maritime museum, on Santander's waterfront near Los Peligros Beach. It covers the sea's role in the region, from natural history and archaeology to shipbuilding, navigation and fishing. Scale models of sailing ships from different eras are on display, and the aquarium holds many local species along with a large whale skeleton. Plan two to three hours to see the top platform, the main exhibition and the aquarium in that order.
A museum built around the sea
Santander's ties to the sea run deep, and this museum tells that story for the region. Its displays cover natural history, archaeology, ethnology, shipbuilding and cartography, so a visit moves from early finds to the boats of recent times.
The museum explains that many towns on the north coast of Spain have a long and complicated relationship with the sea, and that many of the great sailors and merchants Spain produced came from this area. Maritime museums and stations existed on this site before the current building. The museum was set up by the regional government of Cantabria to preserve and show the region's maritime heritage.
The building
The museum occupies a modern building with an exposed concrete and glass façade. The architects were Vicente Roig Forner and Ángel Hernández Morales, and construction took three years.
Inside the three sections
Start on the top floor, where a viewing platform looks out over the ocean. The main exhibition fills the lower floors, with traditional Spanish boats, shipbuilding techniques and the daily work of fishing. Models of ships from several eras sit among the displays, and cartography collections show how sailors read the coast.
The aquarium comes last and has sixteen tanks of local species, including giant squid among the marine life. Look for the two-headed sardine and a whale skeleton that weighs 60 tons.
Visiting with children
The museum suits curious children. The large whale skeletons and tanks of local fish hold young visitors' attention, and interactive exhibits give them hands-on moments.
Access, tickets and food
The building is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, elevator, restroom, seating area and parking lot. There is a changing table, and parking on site is paid.
An on-site restaurant has bay views, so you can eat after your visit. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long do you need at the Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico?
Plan two to three hours to see the top platform, the main exhibition on the lower floors and the aquarium.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes, the museum recommends getting tickets in advance.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, elevator, restroom, seating area and parking lot are all wheelchair accessible.
Is there a restaurant at the museum?
Yes, there is an on-site restaurant with bay views.
Are the displays in English?
Some information plaques may not have English translations, so a phone translation app can help.
