fbpx
SANTURTZI

MUSEUM OF THE SEA

visit us
Visit Santurtzi
Santurtzi

ITSAS MUSEOA

The Museum of the Sea is located in the Fishermen’s Guild building at the heart of the fishing port in Santurtzi.

Its mission is to show visitors the links between Santurtzi and the sea in all areas – work, culture, leisure and social life – without forgetting that much of the town’s maritime heritage lies with its people.

A number of audiovisual presentations show the town’s close ties to the sea from 1600 to the present day.

Visitors can learn about the struggles of local river pilots to deal with the dreaded sand bar that hindered the passage of vessels into and out of the Bilbao river estuary, and about how the problem was eventually solved.

Santurtzi Itsasoa Museoa -El Museo del Mar
Santurtzi Itsasoa Museoa -El Museo del Mar

The interpretation center

The interpretation centre tells the exciting tale of the corsairs and pirates who sailed these seas, including the exploits of an infamous Santurtzi-based smuggler of the 16th century and the story of how the boat races which are now such a tradition in the area began.

It also looks at the life of the sardine sellers who have become one of the town’s most iconic symbols: a group of self-reliant fishwives who kept watch for the arrival of the fishing fleet and sold their sardines up and down the banks of the river and as far afield as Plentzia and Balmaseda.

It is suitable for visitors of all kinds

For families it offers maritime-themed workshops and activities, plus a fun tour in which children are asked to follow clues and pass tests to obtain a final surprise.

It is accessible for persons with physical, hearing, sight, intellectual and organic diversity.

Santurtzi Itsasoa Museoa -El Museo del Mar
The museum of the sea Santurtzi
A safe area

The Museum of the Sea Interpretation Centre has undergone a meticulous external assessment to confirm that it has suitable protocols in place to be classed as a safe area.

It holds the SCTE Safe Destination distinction, awarded by the Secretariat of State for Tourism and Basquetour (the Basque Tourist Agency).

Services that we provide

The museum tour can be taken in Basque, Spanish, English or French.

The Museum of the Sea is a living venue where you can engage in many different activities and have fun as you learn. 

Click below to sign up for the activity of your choice!

Audio-guided tours
General and by appointment for groups
BOOK WITH US
Dramatised visits
Representation of a fish auction
BOOK WITH US
Space for events
Alquiler de las instalaciones
BOOK WITH US

More activities in Santurtzi

Santurtzi Itsasoa Museoa -El Museo del Mar

Guided tours of The Museum of the Sea

The Museum of the Sea, Santurtzi Itsas Museoa, gives you an original view of the history of Santurtzi and its seafarers and helps you understand how the coastline has changed over the centuries.
KNOW MORE
Pesquero Agurtza, Santurtzi

The Agurtza Museum Boat

A fishing boat that has been converted into a museum and interpretation centre focused on the fishing and canning of white tuna. It is the only vessel of its kind in Bizkaia.
KNOW MORE
Santurtzi, El Bote Tours

The Bote Tours

Sign up for a trip with El Bote Tours and visit the municipalities of Bilbao, Getxo, Portugalete and Santurtzi by boat.
KNOW MORE
Ver ballenas en Santurtzi

Whale watching

Seeing a whale blow just a few metres away is one of the most exciting experiences that Santurtzi has to offer.
KNOW MORE
Spa Kabiezes, Santurtzi

Santurtzi SPA

An urban SPA in Santurtzi with swimming pool, jacuzzi, circuits, treatments, massages and first class equipment.
KNOW MORE
Monte Serantes, Santurtzi

Guided tours of Mount Serantes

Let us show you around: book one of our guided tours of Mount Serantes. Trails, tours and workshops for audiences of all types.
KNOW MORE

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news from us by e-mail.

Don’t miss the latest updates on events, activities and attractions in Santurtzi.

Use our discount coupons for meals, shopping and accommodation and win prizes in our contests and draws.

Everything you need to have a great time in Santurtzi.

Logotipo Santurtzi

The taste of the sea

Santurtzi is a town on the coast where you can enjoy the sea and the hills with urban and natural attractions, try exquisite seasonal fish dishes such as grilled sardines (the local speciality) and sample tasty bar snacks or pintxos.

You can also see the only traditional wooden sailing vessel open to visitors in Bizkaia and the Museum of the Sea, which features exhibits that show the maritime soul of the town and dramatised recreations of traditional fish auctions.

Or feel the unforgettable excitement of seeing a whale blow just a few metres away from you.

Take to the sea on one of our sailing trips or hire a venue for a musical performance or for your association.

Come to Santurtzi, an attractive, friendly town with the sea in its blood.

Tourist Office
SEE AGENDA
What to do
Gastronomy
Shopping
Useful information
Departamento de Turismo Gobierno Vasco
Bilbao-Bizkaia Be basque
Ⓒ 2021 - Made by Inboost Tourism KO