The Museo Histórico Marino de la Ciudad de Puntarenas is at once an aquariums showcasing marine life from as far away as Cocos Island and a beautiful viewpoint of the port city.

The Historical Marine Museum of Puntarenas, Costa Rica, displays much of the maritime history of the port city, and it also showcases ecological points of interest. The museum has both indoor and outdoor segments. The outdoor section of the museum is an amphitheater where varying types of performances take place. Inside the museum, you’ll find pre-Columbian artifacts (including ritual funeral instruments), the diversity of natural resources, information concerning indigenous groups and much more.

Museo Histórico Marino de la Ciudad de Puntarenas is also home to a public library, and the culture museum is used to present monthly paintings and sculptures from local artisans. The museum even discusses the natural wealth of Cocos Island, and some of its history in regards to treasure and piracy. It has long been believed that Cocos Island served as a dumping ground for passing buccaneers including Sir Francis Drake who is the namesake of Drake Bay, Costa Rica.

Near the Historical Marine Museum of Puntarenas is also the Sacred Heart of Jesus, or el Sagrado Corazón de Jesus in Spanish, and the Cathedral of Puntarenas. The building itself is the historical Puntarenas barracks where remnants of the time when both the port city and Costa Rican citizens beared arms in defense of the country can be found. The Museo Histórico Marino de la Ciudad de Puntarenas has explanatory signage that is in both English and Spanish.

Museo Histórico Marino de la Ciudad de Puntarenas is located in the Building Command Plaza in the city of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. It is open from 9:45 in the morning to 12 o’clock in the afternoon and then 1 in the afternoon until 5 from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is 1,600 colons for children, 2,900 colons for adults and 700 colons for seniors. The museum closes for holidays, also.

Location: Building Command Plaza, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Hours: 9:45 am-12 pm & 1-5 pm Tue-Sun
Price: Children=¢1600 Adults=¢2900 Seniors=¢700
Galleries: Ecological, Maritime History