If you think museums are an ordinary tourist attraction, think again. We know the ones like Smithsonian offer so much. But this one takes a step further. It’s none other than the Cancun Underwater Museum. Yes, it’s not just hotels like the upcoming underwater hotel in Dubai are below the water. Being the world’s largest underwater museum, it is making big splashes these days. It’s placed under the turquoise sea off the coast surrounding Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc in Mexico. It’s the perfect location for divers and snorkelers to admire not just the marine life, but modern art as well. The masterminds behind this amazing Cancun attraction are Jaime Gonzalez Cano of The National Marine Park, Roberto Diaz of The Cancun Nautical Association and Jason deCaires Taylor. Jason – an artist, a photographer and a scuba instructor has done many sculptures here. So get ready with your snorkel gear to explore this contemporary underwater museum.
Cancun Underwater Museum Mexico
Cancun Underwater Museum Sculptures | (cc) Photo By Margarita Cabrera
Cancun Underwater Museum captures the beauty of the sea with art. The project began by placing a hundred statues in shallow waters in November 2009. Now the museum has 450 submerged permanent ghost-like sculptures based on real people. These sculptures are located within the boundaries of The National Marine Park. So you can also enjoy the beach while here. The important fact about these life-like sculptures are, that it is made with a special cement to provide a livable environment. So the coral and the ecosystem is not harmed in any way. Therefore the tourists can enjoy both Cancun marine life and modern art.
Map of Cancun Underwater Museum | (c) Illustration by MUSA
The museum is divided into two galleries – Salon Manchones and Salon Punta Nizuc. The first is eight meters below the water, which is suitable for both divers and snorkelers. Second one is four meters deep and only permitted for snorkeling. If you’re not comfortable with diving or snorkeling, you can still see the exhibits from a glass-bottom boat. No doubt this is one of the best underwater experiences to enjoy.
The Last Supper | (c) Photo By Jason
One of the first sculptures that was submerged under the sea is called The Gardener of Hope. It features a young girl lying on garden patio steps, cultivating pot plants. The most recent sculptures include The Last Supper, which is a table for two with plates of half-eaten fish and a centerpiece of apples and hand grenades. This work depict the threat oceans face as a result of over-fishing.
Cancun Underwater Museum Exhibits | (c) Photo By Jason
By the looks of it, this underwater museum will grow even more. Currently, the Cancun Marine Park, where the Cancun Underwater Museum is, attracts around 750,000 tourists per year. It is also one of the most visited stretches of water in the world. So if you’re a diver or a snorkeler, this might be one of the best tropical vacation destinations for you. Of course you will need a waterproof map, diving or snorkeling gear and a guide to see this underwater museum.
Have you seen the Cancun Underwater Museum?
My name is Salika Jay, and I'd like to welcome you to my travel blog! Ever since I was a kid, I loved traveling the world. I started this blog to share my journeys around the world and everything travel.
It’s amazing!
And entire World is down there. Too bad I’m not into diving, but as they say: “it’s never too late”!
It sure is never late. You can also view the sculptures from a glass-bottom boat.
I’m longing to see this place. It would be definitely a very unique experience to see the underwater museum that contains number of sculptures.
Tajamal recently posted..Explore the Beauty of Nature – Palouse Falls State Park, Washington
It’ll definitely be a unique underwater experience.
I definitely want to see this one day! It is such a creative idea to attract tourists to the area.
Candice recently posted..Choosing The Best Trip For You
It’s certainly a great attraction for tourists to Cancun.
I’ve heard about this but we weren’t certified yet when we were in Cancun. It looks a little bit scary and beautiful at the same time. I’d love to go back there now that we’re certified.
jill recently posted..Selected Stories and Pictures from Climbing Bugaboos
Seeing life-like statues underwater sure is scary but beautiful too.
I have known about this for some time, seeing pictures of it online. I really really hope I can get to see it in person someday. It looks awesome! In one of my dives once, we went to a wreck where there were bottles on a table. It was beautiful but this is 100x more!
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..A Lazy Weekend at the Loreland Farm Resort
Hope you’ll get to go there one day soon :)
I’d just recently heard of this museum but had never seen photos. What an interesting looking spot. I’d love to snorkel here – and join the throngs.
Leigh recently posted..A Coastal Hike in Forillon National Park, Quebec
No doubt visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Cancun.
Oh wow, that is AMAZING! Talk about a truly unique destination :) I cannot believe in all my Mexico travels I have never heard of this place. Thank you so so very much for sharing!!! :)
Derek Freal recently posted..Banyu Sumurup: Traditional Village And Home Of The Kris
Maybe because this was built recently :)
Argh Salika….my now ex wife and I were in Cancun post honeymoon phase 20 years ago. I sooooo regret all of the “roses” we did not stop to “smell”. This being an example! Great post! :)
Mike recently posted..Phoenix And His Daddy, Things That Lurk In The Dark
You can always go there when you visit Cancun next :)
Cool museum! There’s a similar underwater museum in the Caribbean waters off the coast of Grenada. The museum there has the same circular sculpture in your first picture in honor of the slaves who lost their lives in the Middle Passage.
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted..Ummm…This is NOT a Class 1 Rapid! (Rafting in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic)
If you’re talking about the Moilinere Bay one, it is by the same sculptor.
Hi Salika, It has been a long long time since I visited Cancun, long before this stunning museum was established. This amazing underwater museum is certainly a reason to go back.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates recently posted..Hiking and Devouring in Cinque Terre – Part 2
Hi Marisol, this is indeed a good reason to visit Cancun.
This Cancun Underwater Museum looks amazing! I’d love the idea of seeing marine life + modern art underwarter. It’s a very unique way of appreciating both. Thanks for sharing.
Michela @Rocky Travel Blog recently posted..Kings Park Perth
You’re welcome Michela. Thanks for leaving a comment!
I have heard of this museum and see its pictures around LAX airport for a Cancun billboard. It just looks so amazing and surreal no wonder they used it to advertise to go visit Cancun. I would love to see it someday.
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..A Bird’s Eye View of Prague
It was also published in many publications like The New York Times, USA Today, National Geographic etc.
The sculptures are amazing :)
Muza-chan recently posted..Shibuya Station Green Frog
They sure are :)
I have not heard of Cancun Underwater Museum Exhibits let alone see it. Seems one of its kind and would love to visit it and try it out. Seems very fascinating. Seems as if a lot of underwater projects are being undertaken.
Shalu Sharma recently posted..India Travel Survival Guide For Women now in paperback
It sure is one of a kind attraction.
I’d never heard of this museum before. I love unusual museums and would like to see this. However, being that I’m not an underwater kind of person, I’ll probably have to settle for enjoying the photos.
You can still see them from a glass-bottom boat.
The underwater museum is gorgeous! I’ve seen pictures of it and I can’t wait to see it myself someday.
Freya Renders recently posted..Things to do in and around Dinant
Hope you’ll see it in your Mexico travels.