Live an incomparable experience and let yourself be amazed at this unique underwater gallery that is waiting for you at the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art, or MUSA, for its acronym in Spanish.
This amazing museum opened its doors in 2009, intending to protect, save, and promote the vibrant coral reefs that surround Quintana Roo by giving divers a special location to explore the pristine waters of the zone.
Everything is normal up to this point, right? Well, the little extra about this museum is that there are many intricate and striking structures submerged in the water. This brilliant concept tries to show how art and environmental science can coexist.
Ideally, the structures will eventually integrate into a complex reef structure that marine life can colonize and occupy.
The sculptures are all composed of specific materials and attached to the seafloor. The PH-neutral surface of the marine-grade cement encourages coral growth.
Today, there are more than 500 life-sized sculptures spread throughout the museum, and every year, MUSA receives close to 200,000 visitors. It’s definitely a must-go when you’re at Costa Mujeres!
Unique Underwater Sculptures
The sculptures at the MUSA change throughout time, unlike those at a regular museum, as they become essential components of the aquatic ecosystem and homes to numerous plant and animal species.
The Silent Evolution, created by Jason deCaires Taylor, the founder of MUSA, is one of the more well-known sculptures. This piece is made up of roughly 450 life-size figurines arranged in a way that suggests peaceful cohabitation between humans.
Additionally, "Anthropocene" is a genuine submerged Volkswagen Beetle that may be found close to Manchones Reef. The car's surface is covered in different plants, and it now supports a wide variety of aquatic life.
How to Explore MUSA
Diving
Scuba diving is undoubtedly the ideal method to explore MUSA because most of the sculptures are situated at depths of up to 25 feet. It is advised that guests feel at ease swimming in open water. Visitors don't need to have prior diving experience, though.
Before entering the galleries, visitors get basic safety and equipment instructions.
Snorkeling
This is a great option for families or younger visitors who may not be able to operate scuba gear. The MUSA provides visitors with same-day training on snorkeling safety and will let you get comfortable by first practicing in shallower pools before visiting the galleries.
Boat Tour
If you are looking for a superstar entrance, you definitely have to opt for the 30-minute boat ride that ends at the doors of this museum.
Once there, the glass-bottomed hull of the ship makes it possible to view several of the MUSA's well-known displays from the bottom deck.
Available Tours
The Cancun Underwater Museum is a fantastic destination for both families and students. We advise scheduling a tour via MUSA's official website if you are hesitant about finding a private tour provider.
Non-certification diving tours departing from Cancun are priced between US$75 and $115 per person and last for around 5 hours.
How to get to MUSA from Costa Mujeres
Between the northernmost point of the Hotel Zone and Isla Mujeres, in the Cancun National Marine Park, is where you can find MUSA.
Booking with a local tour operator is typically the simplest choice for tourists. You should be able to arrange this with any resort hotel. There are various locations in Cancun where you can get picked up for the ferry, including the Marina Puerto Cancun in the Hotel Zone.
Recommendations to Visit the Underwater Museum
- Don a towel, a hat, and comfortable, sun-protective clothing.
- Avoid applying sunscreen. Even biodegradable ones pollute, and any leftovers in the water might harm aquatic life.
- Consider buying some waterproof camera gear to take fantastic underwater photos.
- Anyone between the ages of 10 and 60 may participate in diving tours. Children under the age of 18 will get assistance from a qualified diving instructor. For people who can't swim, the glass-bottom boat tour is a good choice.
- Whale shark season lasts from June to August, and demand significantly rises during this time. To avoid losing out at these times, be sure to prepare ahead.
Before we wrapped up…
You can't miss the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art when you travel to Costa Mujeres or its surroundings. It is truly an unparalleled experience that you literally can't find anywhere else on the planet as this museum is one of a kind.
So pack your bags and let yourself be impressed by this brilliant concept museum that perfectly reflects how art and environmental science can coexist.
Frequently asked
Where is the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art?
Between the northernmost point of the Hotel Zone and Isla Mujeres, in the Cancun National Marine Park, is where you can find MUSA.
How far is MUSA from Costa Mujeres
MUSA is just 15 miles away from Costa Mujeres, about a 25-minute drive by car.
How can I get to the Cancun Underwater Museum?
In Costa Mujeres, there is no public transportation. However, there are still a ton of ways to get to the Cancun Underwater Museum, including private shuttles, hotel shuttles, local cab services, and auto rentals.
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