Museo Naval del Caribe

The Museo Naval del Caribe in Cartagena, Colombia, showcases over 400 historical objects and interactive exhibits, highlighting Colombia’s naval tradition and the Caribbean’s strategic role in the country’s development.

Planning your visit

Cartagena was the fortified treasure port of the Spanish Main, where silver from Potosi and goods from across the empire were gathered for the convoys to Spain — which made it the most attacked city in the Caribbean, besieged by Drake, by French forces and, most famously, by a vast British fleet under Vernon in 1741 that was defeated by Blas de Lezo, a Spanish commander already missing an eye, an arm and a leg.

The Museo Naval del Caribe occupies a seventeenth-century colonial building within the walled city and covers that maritime history: the fortifications, the sieges, piracy, the independence wars, and the modern Colombian navy, using over 400 objects, models, weapons and interactive displays.

Underwater archaeology features, including material relating to the wrecks in the bay — Cartagena's waters hold a considerable number, and the San Jose galleon found nearby is the subject of an ongoing international dispute.

Bookable options include entrance with transportation. Current availability is listed below.