Cancún: MUSA Underwater Art Museum Snorkelling Tour
Snorkel around amazing permanent life-sized and monumental sculptures
- Use of snorkelling equipment
- 45-minute snorkelling experience
- Life vests
- Water
- Lockers
- Showers
MUSA Cancún Underwater Art Museum Tickets and Information
Is MUSA Cancún Underwater Art Museum Worth Visiting
- It’s not something that you get to see everyday, that is for sure!
What You See at Is MUSA Cancún Underwater Art Museum
- Submerged sculptures
- Marinelife
About MUSA Cancún Underwater Art Museum
The MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte) Cancún Underwater Art Museum is a truly unique attraction! The museum is located beneath the sea off the coast of Cancún. Yes, that’s right - this museum is underwater. We did say it was fairly unique!
Where art meets nature
MUSA blends creativity with conservation in a remarkable way. It’s not just a museum; it’s an immersive experience that promotes environmental sustainability while showcasing art in the form of sculptures. It may also be the wettest museum visit you'll ever have! How many other underwater museums can you name?!
MUSA was established in 2009 as a collaboration between the Mexican government, the National Marine Park, and the Cancún Nautical Association, with its goal being to redirect tourist activity from the fragile coral reefs in the area while encouraging the growth of artificial reefs at the same time. The underwater structures provide a foundation for new coral to flourish, protecting marine life and the natural ecosystem.
What to Expect at MUSA Cancún Underwater Art Museum
The Submerged Sculptures
The sculptures that form the unique underwater gallery were all created by different artists which was done intentionally to ensure they are all different! The sculptures range from realistic human figures to abstract shapes. They offer an amazing and thought-provoking experience for divers, snorkelers, and those exploring by glass-bottom boat.
Promoting Coral Growth
MUSA's mission goes beyond art, as it plays a vital ecological role. The sculptures are crafted from materials that encourage coral growth, helping foster new reef systems while relieving pressure on the region's natural reefs, which have suffered due to tourism. Over time, the sculptures become covered with new, fresh coral and they go on to attract marine life and help boost biodiversity. It’s art that truly serves the sea!
This blend of art and conservation makes MUSA a model for protecting delicate underwater ecosystems, and a concept that could be replicated in reef areas around the world!
Visitor Options at MUSA Cancún Underwater Museum
- Diving at Manchones Reef
Certified divers can immerse themselves in the full MUSA experience by scuba diving at the Manchones Reef, off Isla Mujeres. There are 473 sculptures spread across a depth of 8-10 metres and the location provides a surreal underwater landscape teeming with marine life. It’s also a fantastic spot for underwater photography, blending art and nature in one stunning frame. - Snorkelling at Punta Nizuc
If diving isn't your style, the museum offers an equally enjoyable snorkelling experience at Punta Nizuc which is located at the southern tip of the hotel zone. Here, 33 sculptures lie at a depth of 2-4 metres making them easily accessible for snorkelers. The crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean offer superb visibility, creating a mesmerising glimpse into the underwater world! - Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Prefer to stay dry?! Opt for a glass-bottom boat tour instead! This option lets you enjoy the underwater sculptures from the comfort of a boat, providing a clear view of the artwork without ever stepping into the water. - Visitor Center at Plaza Kukulcán
For a dry-land alternative, visit the MUSA Cancún Visitor Center which is located at the Plaza Kukulcán Mall. Here, you can explore 26 replica sculptures and one original piece in the sculpture garden. The centre also features a photo exhibition that showcases the history and creation of MUSA.
A Harmony of Art and Nature
MUSA Cancún Underwater Art Museum shows how human creativity and environmental conservation can come together. Visitors not only experience the awe-inspiring beauty of submerged sculptures but also contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems. It’s the best of both worlds!
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MUSA Cancún Underwater Art Museum FAQs
- What is MUSA in Cancún?
MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte) is an underwater art museum in Cancún that features over 500 life-sized sculptures which are submerged in the ocean with the aim of promoting coral reef growth. - Where is MUSA located?
MUSA is in the waters around Cancún, Isla Mujeres, and Punta Nizuc in the Mexican Caribbean. - How do you visit MUSA?
You can visit MUSA via snorkelling, scuba diving, or taking a glass-bottom boat tour! - How deep are the sculptures at MUSA?
The sculptures are placed at depths ranging from 4 to 8 metres (13 to 26 feet), depending on the site you are planning to visit. - Who created the sculptures at MUSA?
British artist Jason de Caires Taylor and several Mexican artists, including Karen Salinas Martinez and Rodrigo Quiñones Reyes, created the sculptures. They used different artists to ensure the sculptures differed from each other. - Why was MUSA created?
MUSA was established in 2009 with the aim of diverting tourists away from natural coral reefs to allow them to regenerate, and to promote marine life by creating artificial reefs, which would go on to create new reefs. - Can non-swimmers visit MUSA?
Non-swimmers can take glass-bottom boat tours to view the sculptures from the surface without getting in the water! - What marine life can be seen at MUSA?
You can often see fish, sea turtles, sea stars, and other marine creatures that have made the sculptures their home. - How long does a visit to MUSA take?
Tours typically last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the type of tour and location. - Is there a best time to visit MUSA?
The best time to visit MUSA is between November and April when the waters are calmer and visibility is better. - What makes MUSA different from other art museums?
MUSA is unique because it combines art, marine life, and environmental conservation. Unlike traditional museums, it’s underwater and designed to interact with the ocean ecosystem. How many other underwater museums have you visited! - Can children visit MUSA?
Yes, children can visit MUSA. Many tours allow children ages 8 and up to participate in snorkelling or scuba diving with proper supervision. Otherwise, they can enjoy the boat tour!
MUSA Underwater Museum Cancún Interesting Facts
- World’s Largest Underwater Museum
MUSA is the largest underwater museum in the world, with over 500 sculptures spread across multiple locations! Let’s be honest though, they haven’t got much competition! - Sculptures Promote Coral Growth
The materials used in the sculptures are pH-neutral and designed to encourage coral growth, serving as artificial reefs. - Sculptures are Full-Sized
The sculptures are life-sized and depict real people, including locals and famous figures, frozen in various poses. - Sculptures are Environmentally Safe
All sculptures are made from marine-grade cement and other materials that are environmentally friendly and designed to foster marine biodiversity. - Support for Coral Reefs
MUSA’s installation has successfully helped alleviate human impact on natural coral reefs in the Cancun area. - Sculptures Are Slowly Evolving
Over time, coral, algae, and sea life will completely overtake the sculptures, transforming them into living art pieces that evolve with the ocean ecosystem.
Useful Information About MUSA Cancún
Tips for Visitors
- Options: You don’t have to swim if you don’t want to! If you would simply prefer to visit the sculptures on the boat, you can!
- Book Tickets Online: We always suggest booking your tickets online. This ensures you get the ticket you want and can also save you time.
- Docking Fee: Please note the venue is located inside a national park which requires a docking fee to enter. The docking fee is NOT INCLUDED in the ticket price as it must be paid on site at the entrance.
How To Get There - Meeting Point:
- Blvd. Kukulcan Km, 15.3, Zone Hotelera, 77500, Cancún
Visitor Centre Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 - 13:00
- Tuesday: 10:00 - 13:00
- Wednesday: 10:00 - 13:00
- Thursday: 10:00 - 13:00
- Friday: 10:00 - 13:00
- Saturday: CLOSED
- Sunday: CLOSED
