Maritime history is synonymous with Ushuaia. Still the disembarkation point for cruises to Antarctica, Ushuaia is where Charles Darwin set sail in 1833 to traverse the Beagle Channel. His HMS Beagle voyage helped him develop his theory of evolution. The museum's building, once one of the most remote penal institutions, was a prison from 1902–1947. Some cells have been preserved, showcasing how punishment worked in early 20th century Argentina and the harsh living conditions that prisoners endured.
The museum features temporary and permanent exhibitions.
Opening hours are April–October 10am to 8pm, and November–March 9am-8pm.
Tickets can only be purchased on-site at the museum and are valid for two days in a row.
If you're staying in Ushuaia, it’s easy to reach the Maritime Museum on foot. It’s set just a few streets back from the main port, where tourist boats depart for the Beagle Channel and islands. To reach Ushuaia, take a flight from various Argentinian cities, or arrive via a cruise. Taxis in Ushuaia are inexpensive, charge by the meter, and take cash.
Visiting the maritime museum is recommended no matter the season of your visit. It’s open seven days a week, and the insights on cartography, local history, geography, and shipwrecks in the area (of which there are many) are deeply explored in the museum and often of interest for anyone setting off on a cruise to Antarctica, as it tells the story of the first explorers to do so.
It’s little surprise when considering the harsh landscapes and weather conditions, but the Beagle Channel is peppered with shipwrecks, and the details of many of them are covered at the Ushuaia Maritime Museum. To get a deeper picture, you can go scuba diving in Ushuaia—although it isn’t for the fainthearted. A popular shipwreck to explore is the Monte Cervantes passenger boat, which sank in the 1930s. It’s recommended solely for experienced divers.