About
For an immersive, otherworldly artistic experience, book a tour of the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA.)
The breathtaking underwater museum spectacularly merges art and marine conservation. It is home to over 500 life-sized sculptures strategically placed to form artificial reefs.
Established in 2009, MUSA was the brainchild of artist Jason deCaires Taylor and the Cancun and Isla Mujeres marine park authorities. Its goal was to draw visitors from the overburdened coral reefs. MUSA offers an extraordinary underwater experience for divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottom boat tours.
All sculptures use eco-friendly materials that promote coral growth. Over time, they will transform from static art pieces into living structures teeming with fish, coral, and other marine life.
MUSA offers two underwater galleries with different water depths and viewing opportunities.
The Punta Nizuc has shallower waters ideal for snorkeling and currently houses seven statues, including Gardner of Hope and Holy Man.
The Manchones underwater exhibit is off the coast of Isla Mujeres. It is in deeper water suitable for scuba diving. It currently houses twelve sculptures, including Silent Revolution, a breathtaking collection of 450 standing human figures.
The Manchones exhibit is close to other Isla Mujeres attractions, such as Playa Norte and Garrafon Park. This convenience makes planning to visit multiple attractions easy!
Few experiences match MUSA's surreal beauty and purpose-driven design. When vacationing in Cancun, be sure to include a visit.
MUSA: Fun Facts & Cool Features
Visiting MUSA is appealing because the tours are tailor-made for all ages and swimming abilities. The glass-bottom boat tours are for those who prefer to stay dry and above the water's surface. The snorkel tours require guests to be confident swimmers and comfortable snorkeling. Dive tours are available to certified and non-certified divers.
For those who don't desire to get in or near the ocean, the Galeria Villa Roda-MUSA offers an educational and exhilarating experience. Visitors learn the history of MUSA and meet some of the artists when they are on site. Reservations are required, and admission is free if you sign up for any of the tours!
An intriguing aspect of the water tours is noting how important placement is for every sculpture. Each piece is set for optimal sunlight, creating a magical play of shadows underwater.
A biological fun fact is that over time, and as part of MUSA's initiative, the sculptures transform into living reefs. You'll witness this on several snorkeling and dive tours as sea turtles are beginning to make these their home.
After touring the gallery or any of the stimulating tours, discuss your adventure over a delicious meal at a nearby eatery. If you're on Isla Mujeres, check out Zama Beach Club, while those on the Cancun tour can explore Ryoshi Cancún.
No Cancun vacation is truly complete without a visit to MUSA. The combination of underwater artistry, ecological ingenuity, and unparalleled scenic beauty makes it a bucket-list destination.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from Cancun to MUSA::
- Head southeast on Av. Tulum/Cancun-Chetumal toward Bonampak Blvd.
- Turn left onto Av. Bonampak and continue toward the Hotel Zone.
- Merge onto Blvd Kukulcán and drive approximately 15 miles (25 km).
- Look for the Ultramar dock at Km 4.5 of Blvd Kukulcán. This is where boats depart for MUSA.
- Address: Blvd. Kukulcán Km 4.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico.
Local Tips
- Book your tour in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
- Arrive 30 minutes early.
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen to protect marine life.
- Water current determines what sculptures are safe to explore.
- Snorkel and dive tours include basic equipment; wetsuits are not provided.
- Bring a waterproof camera for unforgettable photos.
