Discover the history and development of Santander's relationship with the sea when you tour the Cantabria Maritime Museum. From archeology and natural history to shipbuilding and maritime heritage, it is a rich immersion into the importance of the waters of the Cantabrian Sea.

Go down to the basement level for the aquariums, where there are a collection of tanks, each one representing a different underwater environment. Also on this level are scientific instruments and other materials that belonged to Augusto González de Linares. The Spanish zoologist participated in the creation of Spain's first marine biology center, in 1886. In the Augusto G. Linares room see skeletons of large marine mammals and specimens of other marine creatures that are preserved in jars.

Head up to the second floor and study exhibits that cover the local fishing industry and the communities that have relied on it. Learn about early fishing communities and the boats and instruments they used and their traditional ways of life. See clothes, instruments, model boats and other artifacts. Acquaint yourself with 2,000 years’ worth of history of the Bay of Biscay covering trade, scientific expeditions and how ports defended themselves during times of war.

Conclude your visit on the third floor where there are artifacts and model ships that focus on the development of the naval industry and instruments that made it possible to explore the underwater environment. Then visit the exhibition on the evolution of traditional fishing vessels. This floor also has a café and terrace from which there are excellent views of the Bay of Santander.

The Cantabria Maritime Museum is open daily except for Mondays and a few days around Christmas and New Year. Admission charges apply with discounts for senior citizens and children between the ages of 5 and 12. The museum is located on the seafront, close to Los Peligros Beach. Buses stop a few minutes’ walk away. There is parking at the museum for people with reduced mobility.