museum · Balneário Piçarras, SC
Museu Oceanográfico Univali
Run by the Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, it holds one of the largest oceanographic collections in the Americas, with fossils, whale skeletons, sharks and shells. Outside it displays Navy aircraft, such as a Sea King helicopter.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museu Oceanográfico Univali
The Museu Oceanográfico Univali (oceanographic museum) is on the campus of the Universidade do Vale do Itajaí in Balneário Piçarras, on the northern coast of Santa Catarina. It is a natural history museum devoted to marine life, run by the university, and one of the largest of its kind in Latin America.
The museum was founded in 1987. The collection brings together marine species from the Brazilian coast and other seas, and is also used for research. Highlights include the large shell collection, the sea turtles and the collection of sharks and rays, cited among the largest in the world.
The exhibit halls display skeletons of whales, marine mammals, fish and invertebrates. In 2025 the museum opened new wings, with themes such as the polar regions, ocean pollution, fishing and traditional boats, as well as a wing with original pieces and replicas related to the Titanic.
In front of the building, a large mural of a life-size whale catches the eye as you arrive. The whole visit is indoors, good for rainy days, and especially appeals to families with children and science lovers.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside one to two hours to go through the wings at a relaxed pace.
Best time
It works well year-round and is a great option for rainy or windy days on the coast; the museum opens in the afternoon, so pair it with a morning at the beach.
How to get there
It is on Avenida Sambaqui, on the Univali campus in Balneário Piçarras, away from the waterfront; the easiest way to get there is by car or ride-hailing app, and there is parking in front of the building.
Tip
There is an entrance fee and the museum opens only in the afternoon; check days and hours on Univali's official channels before you go.
A look at the place
Museu Oceanográfico Univali in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu Oceanográfico Univali
Is there an entrance fee for the Museu Oceanográfico Univali?
Yes, admission is paid. Check prices and reduced-price tickets on Univali's official channels.
How long does the visit take?
One to two hours is enough to see the wings at a relaxed pace.
Is the museum open every day?
Not necessarily, and it opens only in the afternoon. Check the days and hours on the official channels before you go.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. Skeletons of whales, sharks and turtles, along with shells, usually delight children, and the whole visit is indoors.
Can you walk there from the beach?
The museum is on the Univali campus, away from the Piçarras waterfront. The easiest way is by car or ride-hailing app; there is parking in front.