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: Created in 2012 by Jason deCaires Taylor, this sculpture depicts a young girl lying on a garden patio surrounded by plants. The piece symbolizes the nurturing of life and the hope for environmental restoration.

Notable Features: Made from pH-neutral cement, the work’s intricate plant and flower details encourage coral growth and create microhabitats for small marine species. The girl’s serene expression contrasts with the dynamic life that gradually covers the installation.

Fun Fact or Unique Angle: The piece reflects the potential for future generations to restore balance with nature, reinforcing the museum’s conservation mission.

Current Use or Visitor Info: Found in the shallow Punta Nizuc area, it’s ideal for snorkelers and glass-bottom boat visitors. Clear waters and natural sunlight make it a favorite for underwater photography.

The Gardener of Hope

The Gardener of Hope at Cancun Underwater Museum combines youthful innocence with coral-friendly art, making it a snorkeling highlight in Cancún, Mexico.

The Gardener of Hope

Cancún, Mexico

The Gardener of Hope at Cancun Underwater Museum combines youthful innocence with coral-friendly art, making it a snorkeling highlight in Cancún, Mexico.

Location