If you’re looking for unforgettable things to see in Cancún, the Cancun Underwater Museum (Museo Subacuático de Arte, or MUSA) is an absolute must. Located off the coast of Cancún in the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean, this extraordinary attraction blends art, marine conservation, and adventure into one surreal experience. Conceived in 2009 by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor in collaboration with local artists and the Cancun National Marine Park, the museum was created to protect the area’s fragile coral reefs by offering an alternative dive site—and it has since grown into one of the most captivating historical sites in Mexico for both divers and snorkelers.

A Museum Unlike Any Other

When you visit Cancun Underwater Museum, you’re not strolling through a gallery—you’re diving into it. The museum currently features over 500 life-size sculptures submerged at depths between 3 and 6 meters (10–20 feet). These hauntingly beautiful works of art depict men, women, children, and everyday scenes frozen in time, slowly transforming as marine life claims them. Coral, algae, and colorful fish weave themselves into each piece, turning the statues into living, evolving ecosystems.

The museum is divided into three main galleries: Manchones (suitable for divers), Punta Nizuc (ideal for snorkeling), and Punta Sam (accessible for glass-bottom boat tours). Each site offers a different perspective—whether you’re gliding above the sculptures in crystal-clear water or swimming among them at eye level.

What Makes It So Special

Beyond its artistic allure, the Cancun Underwater Museum plays a vital role in marine conservation. The sculptures are made from pH-neutral marine cement, encouraging coral growth and creating habitats for fish and other marine species. Over time, these installations have become vibrant underwater communities, proving that art can actively heal the environment.

A fun fact? One of the most famous sculptures, The Silent Evolution, consists of more than 400 figures arranged in a circle, representing the relationship between humans and nature. Another intriguing piece, The Banker, features businessmen with their heads buried in sand—an underwater nod to modern social commentary.

Visiting Today – What to Know

Today, the Cancun Underwater Museum tourism industry thrives, attracting adventurers, art lovers, and eco-conscious travelers alike. You can explore it via scuba diving, snorkeling, or glass-bottom boat tours, with trips departing daily from Cancún and Isla Mujeres. Snorkeling tours typically cost around $30–$50 USD, while certified divers can expect to pay $60–$100 USD for a two-tank dive.

The museum is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during Cancún’s dry season (November to April) when the waters are calm and visibility is at its best. Remember to practice respectful tourism—avoid touching the sculptures or disturbing marine life. The site is family-friendly, though diving is generally recommended for those aged 10 and up with proper certification.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or simply curious about the ocean’s hidden wonders, the Cancun Underwater Museum promises a once-in-a-lifetime journey where art, history, and nature meet beneath the waves.

Cancun Underwater Museum

Discover the Cancun Underwater Museum in Cancún, Mexico—a breathtaking fusion of art, history, and marine conservation. Created in 2009 by Jason deCaires Taylor, this unique underwater gallery features over 500 life-size sculptures designed to protect coral reefs and attract marine life. Perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, or glass-bottom boat tours, the museum is one of the top things to see in Cancún and a must-visit for Cancun tourism enthusiasts. Experience one of the most extraordinary historical sites in Mexico, where sculptures come alive with coral and sea creatures.

Brief History: Added in 2011 by Jason deCaires Taylor, Anthropocene features a life-size Volkswagen Beetle made from marine-grade cement. It is part of the museum’s focus on the human footprint on Earth’s environment.

Notable Features: The car is hollow, providing shelter for marine creatures, and its surface is designed to encourage coral attachment. The realistic details of the Beetle make it both surreal and familiar in the underwater setting.

Fun Fact or Unique Angle: The name “Anthropocene” refers to the proposed geological epoch defined by significant human impact on the planet’s ecosystems. This sculpture merges pop culture with ecological awareness.

Current Use or Visitor Info: Located in shallow water, it is accessible to snorkelers as well as divers. Marine life, including lobsters and small fish, frequently use the car as a habitat, adding to the charm for underwater photographers.

Anthropocene

Anthropocene, a life-size Volkswagen Beetle sculpture at Cancun Underwater Museum, offers divers and snorkelers a striking eco-art experience in Cancún, Mexico.

Anthropocene

Cancún, Mexico

Anthropocene, a life-size Volkswagen Beetle sculpture at Cancun Underwater Museum, offers divers and snorkelers a striking eco-art experience in Cancún, Mexico.

Location