Best Maritime museums in Spain

Spent a wonderful day at the museum with a lovely lunch break in the middle. Very informative, lovely interactive displays. The replica of the Royal Galley is magnificent!

A great museum over the history of Spanish navy and commercial ships. There's a real-life galera ship which is worth the entrance. There are plenty of ship models and panels to read. I spend a good 3 hours there.

Very interesting museum with lots of models of ships. The replica is huge and amazing, but for me the building itself is equally interesting. There are very old walls still standing.

After the Kingdom of Spain was formed, it began making full-fledged expansion into the maritime world and became a powerful nation with the largest territory in Western Europe. The population of the Spanish territory alone was 6,800,000 around 1500, and if you include the entire Habsburg family and the areas it controlled from outside, the population exceeded tens of millions. Based on the population secured in this way, it raised a large army and was considered the strongest country in Western Europe during this period. Afterwards, the Kingdom of Spain prospered by using numerous products brought from the sea. A museum that shows this history as it is. An almost life-sized model of a galley that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world is on display.

Other than the full replica of the flagship of Habsburg fleet during the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, the site itself is a place of interest, as it had been the naval arsenal of Aragon since 12-13th century. It’s good to see such an important site put to good use today (in contrast the historically important naval arsenals of Lisbon and Venice have been neglected and deserted so far).

A very interesting exposition. It is easy to get highly involved strolling through the museum halls for hours seeing models, real boats and galleys, watching historical movies, etc. Highly recommended, especially for families with boys.

An amazing museum with a lot to see. From the ship miniature models with interesting stories behind them to a full-size galley. Fun interactive displays and cool usage of transport containers as rooms. Also entrance is free after 15:00 on Sundays.

One of the best place that I’ve visited. So peaceful, soothing and calming watching those beautiful creatures

Como museo lo veo bien pero como emplazamiento para el Belén en Navidad lo veo poco accesible además de incómodo y no señalizado. Yo me salí sin verlo porque no pone dónde está.
Una pena que no se piense en un lugar más accesible, parece que se esconde a propósito.

I always visit here when I am in San Sebastian, even on my 3rd visit there are new aspects to enjoy. It's much more than an aquarium, a large portion of the building is dedicated to the fishing history of the town and full of amazing dioramas - it's my favourite part honestly! A great activity when the weather is poor, it takes about 3 hours to see it all.

Great museum that is free! It’s small but has some neat artifacts. And it’s free!

Amazing museum to learn about the history of sailing and shipping in Spain. This museum is housed in the former shipyard of Barcelona, and there’s an impressive replica of the Royal Spanish Galley. It’s very worth the 10 euro ticket price, and it’s not crowded despite the scale and huge amount of exhibits here.

Un museo de parada obligatòria para conocer la historia del lugar y su relación con la pesca y demás. Situado debajo de la oficina de turismo hubicada en el puerto de Santurzi. Ideal para toda la familia

Recordando la historia de nuestra" Bonita Aldea" sus marineros, , sus sardineras, nuestras historias bonitas y sencillas

Such a WELL DONE aquarium! The lady at the ticket counter was friendly and they have free cubbies for shopping bags and backpacks. They have models of ships, bones, shells, and so many cool animals!! The whole thing is laid out well and has lots of opportunities for being up close with the fish and sea creatures. I especially liked the auditorium where people can sit and watch the huge tank of fish (see if you can find the two eels) and the tunnel under the shark tank. I saw a bunch of new animals and had a blast! It was a great rainy day activity and I'm so glad I didn't miss it!

Wow... this Aquarium educates viewers on the importance and impact the ocean has on this northern part of Spain. The ocean provides the livelihood for many residents in Spain for centuries. It still does today, as well as the showing the many activities in the ocean even today. Breathtaking aquarium and sea life in sparkling tanks... fascinating to see the divers feed the fish... one of the best aquariums we have ever been to! We could spend days here and still not take it all in! The model ships are a true gem!

Plenty in English. Quite interesting but a lot of reading. It was free so what's not to like.

Vistas muy bonitas, no está mal para pasar un rato.

The people at the front desk were nice.

The exposition could be larger. The most memorable, for me, was the medieval trading boat.

I wish it had more maritime art, though there was some.

The museum is full of maritime history, which may not be everyone's first interest. The history of Bilbao city and especially it's transformation since the eighties however was fascinating and made the visit well worth the while.

Very informative and well managed marine time museum and aquarium. Big tank is stunning. Can keep watching for hours

I am surprised how quiet this museum was, it is so interesting! I spent a happy 3 hours inside and would recconend anyone in Bilbao to have a look. A very interesting insight to the history and present of Bilbao and the surrounding waters.

The tickets are also very cheap for students and there are bathrooms inside.

Brilliant experience for a family. Really education maritime museum with great history of San Sebastian followed by a great aquarium. The highlight for the kids was the underwater tunnel. Highly recommend.

A great display and introduction to the history of the region, especially how the maritime laws evolved. Well worth a visit

Nice aquarium. It’s also a ship/fishing/whaling museum. Big enough that it never gave me the feeling it was busy. (Mid summer vacation). Entree fees are good for what you get. Near the old town of San Sebastián and surrounded by good restaurants.

At first, it can appear a tiny bit boring, because youre expecting to see fish, and there are tons of boats and ships, but after that, there is a LOT of interesting old things, makets, and when it comes to the aquarium itself - it's crazy beautiful and fascinating. The fish is soooo pretty, different, and interesting. Not only fish! The seahorses, jellyfishes, sharks, and a lot more. Definetly 5 stars.

A must do. A fabulous experience. Lots of things beyond the aquarium. Really interesting maritime history of the area and stunning miniature dioramas. Main tank with sharks is outstanding. Gift shop is disappointing. Poor quality fridge magnets, very few things with aquarium name on it and no guide book. 14 Euro for adults...absolutely worth it.

I was surprised how good this place was! Interesting films and installations. It charts the history of Bilbao in an engaging way.

Title: A Serendipitous Voyage through Itsasmuseum: Bilbao's Hidden Gem

Bilbao, Spain – a city renowned for its architectural prowess, gastronomic delights, and the Guggenheim Museum. But hidden amidst the vibrant streets and bustling pintxo bars lies a lesser-known gem that caught me off guard: Itsasmuseum. Initially, I approached this maritime museum with low expectations, assuming it would be a mere collection of rusty anchors and dusty ship models. However, what awaited me inside was a delightful surprise that swept me away on an unexpected nautical adventure.

Stepping into Itsasmuseum, the first thing that struck me was its breathtaking design. Set within a restored warehouse by the river, the museum's modern and sleek architecture seamlessly merged with its industrial past, creating a sense of anticipation as I made my way through its doors. I could feel the thrill of the open seas calling me deeper into its domain.

My expectations, however, were quickly shattered as I delved into the intricate details and beauty of the exhibits. The museum's collection spanned centuries, showcasing the rich maritime history that shaped Bilbao and its people. From ancient navigational tools to a captivating display of seafaring maps, the meticulous attention to detail was awe-inspiring. Itsasmuseum breathed life into the maritime world, making me feel like an intrepid explorer on an epic voyage.

Wandering from room to room, I couldn't help but notice one minor drawback – not all the displays had translations in English. It was a regrettable oversight, and I couldn't help but wonder if I missed out on some intriguing narratives due to the language barrier. Nonetheless, the vibrant visuals and captivating artifacts managed to transcend the boundaries of language, captivating my imagination and igniting a sense of wanderlust.

One exhibit in particular stood out, showcasing the Basque region's strong connection to the sea and its fishing traditions. The vibrant photographs, the distinct aroma of the sea, and the interactive displays that allowed me to try my hand at traditional Basque fishing techniques were the highlights of this immersive experience. The museum's commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the region was evident in every corner.

The highlight of my visit, however, was a replica of an ancient Basque whaling boat, painstakingly reconstructed with such precision that I could almost feel the waves crashing against its bow. It was as if I had stepped back in time, witnessing the courage and resilience of those who embarked on perilous journeys in pursuit of these magnificent creatures. Itsasmuseum succeeded in immersing me in the history and culture of Bilbao's maritime legacy.

Beyond the exhibits, Itsasmuseum offered breathtaking views of the Nervion River and the surrounding cityscape. The picturesque panorama from the museum's terrace provided a moment of tranquility and reflection, allowing me to appreciate the juxtaposition of Bilbao's industrial past with its modern-day vibrancy.

I urge you to venture off the beaten path and discover Itsasmuseum. Embrace the unexpected, for it is often where the true beauty lies. Despite the occasional language barrier, the museum's immersive exhibits and impeccable attention to detail will transport you on an unforgettable journey through Bilbao's maritime history. So set sail, my fellow explorers, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Bon voyage!

A really fun aquarium to visit for both locals and tourists. There is a very range of sealife including sharks, colourful fish, seahorses and even strange looking fish. The aquarium is well designed so that visitors see a lot throughout the experience. The aquarium also offers a sneak peak into the naval history of the area with cool 3rd figures of ships and accompanying historical narratives with interesting facts. A very entertaining visit and it's also English friendly.

Interesnte

We visited the aquarium on a day when the weather wasn't particularly good. What a fantastic and informative experience. Learnt a lot more of the history of Donostia-San Sebastian. Great displays and the marine life of display was amazing.

Great for all ages.

Informative museum sharing Bilbao's maritime past and future. Lots of the blurb is in English too.

Loved the museum, found it really interesting to see how Bilbao developed over time, and the surfing related history of the area.

Everything about sardinaras" - women that was selling fish in the past times. Restroom 🚻, restaurant, coffee, tapas.

Detailed, thoughtful exhibit on maritime exploration as it relates to the slave trade. There was also a fun interactive video experience about Magellan & Elcano’s journey around the world. Small, free, and worth even a quick visit.

Not a musuem. More of an exhibition space. No charge. Very small - located on two floors. More a teaching space for local school trips. The Magallenes video however is excellent - giving a vivid ( in various languages) description of the 2 year round world gory and violent voyage undertaken back in the 1500s
The rest is not worth the time.

Brill place, easy access and Free of charge, tell you the stories of the 5 ships that left Spain many centeries ago, only 1 ship and 18 crew returned. Lovely displays and smiling staff x

excellent exhibition, currently on Elkano. it seems to rotate every once in a while, but the exhibition now is very well curated and interesting

Best enjoy it in evening

Pequeño museo que esplica la historia marinera de la zona. Recomendable para visitar con niños. Localizado en el antiguo edificio de subastas de pescado. Cerca hay dos bonitos murales con escenas marineras.

Nice displays but very confusing. A whole floor on the US fight for independence with no English translation as to how it relates to Spain & the Basque culture. English notes that are present were so small they were difficult to read. Just glad we came on a free day!

Small museum specializing in the marine history of San Sebastian. Be sure and visit it as the special exhibits are well done. We saw an exhibit on the importance of women of the area on the marine economy. The women were and are a vital part of this areas well-being.