ARQVA, National Museum of Underwater Archaeology

What It Is

The ARQVA is the state museum of underwater archaeology, on the Paseo de Alfonso XII, opposite the harbour. It gathers and studies the heritage sunk off the coast: wrecks and cargoes of ships from Antiquity and the modern age, such as the Phoenician ones of Mazarrón, whose recovery the Ministry of Culture has agreed. It is the visit for a rainy day or for children who like ships.

What You Will See

The building is a large open space, without barriers, on two levels joined by a gentle ramp. Upstairs, an introduction explains what underwater archaeology is and how it works, with models, dioramas, interactive displays and reproductions, and panels in Spanish and English; it stresses the UNESCO convention on underwater heritage and the damage done by looting.

Downstairs, the pieces are arranged by period, from protohistory to the 20th century, in sections devoted to the first navigators, trade in the Mare Nostrum, shipbuilding and ocean navigation. There are Phoenician, Punic, Roman and Late Antique amphorae, pieces from the Phoenician ships Mazarrón 1 and Mazarrón 2 and coins from the frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, such as pieces of eight, escudos and macuquinas. Tactile naval scenes reproduce the shape, structure and cargo of the ships.

Hours and Price

In November 2026 it opens Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 to 20:00 and Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 15:00. Admission costs €3 and the reduced rate €1.50. It is free on Saturdays from 14:00 and all day Sunday. Telephone: 968 12 11 66.

In addition, with proof, the following enter free: under-18s and over-65s, students aged 18 to 25, people with disabilities and their companion, the unemployed, pensioners and large families. There is also free entry on 18 April, 18 May, 12 October and 6 December. The ticket is bought at the ticket office on the same day, in cash or by card, and those arriving on a Renfe long-distance train get a 50% discount with the ticket from the last 48 hours.

With Children

The museum organises activities for families every month, with limited places and prior booking by email at [email protected], stating the activity, the day, and the name and age of the child and the accompanying adult. On its website there is a guide for touring it as a family independently and other downloadable materials, such as games about amphorae and navigation. For guided visits in sign language, see its accessibility page.