Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)

The Basics

British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor is the artistic mastermind behind the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art, also known as the Underwater Museum, Museo Subacuático de Arte, or MUSA. The establishment’s goal is to conserve the existing natural reefs while building new nooks and crannies for local fish and marine life to inhabit. The hauntingly beautiful underwater phenomenon helps establish Cancun as an artistic destination, as well cement it as a tourism hot spot. Plus, the museum makes for a unique scuba diving and snorkeling experience.

You can explore the submerged statues with a snorkeling or diving tour via speedboat from Cancun. Glass-bottom boat tours are available as well.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Cancun Underwater Museum is a must-see for avid snorkelers and divers of all skill levels.

• Bring an underwater camera in order to snap photos of the sculptures surrounded by plenty of tropical fish.

• The museum is divided into two galleries: Salon Manchones, which is 26 feet (8 meters) deep and suitable for both divers and snorkelers, and Salon Nizuc, where you can only snorkel.

How to Get There

MUSA is located in the National Marine Park surrounding the area of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Punta Nizuc. Tours typically depart from the Cancun marina, which is easily accessible from the hotel zone. You can reach the museum’s Salon Nizuc portion by glass-bottom boat, jungle, and snorkeling tours.

When to Get There

Cancun is considered a year-round diving location because the water temperatures remain constant—you can dive roughly 300 days a year. That said, you may want to avoid hurricane season (usually June to October or even into December), since dives may be canceled due to storms.

Nearby Isla Mujeres

Located off the northeastern tip of the Yucatan ­Peninsula, right off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres draws loads of day-trippers from Cancun and nearby Playa del Carmen. Sailing tours to the Cancun Underwater Museum often include a stop at the tiny island, where you can relax at a beach club and browse the artisan shops. If you have ample time, spend the night so you can enjoy quiet evenings and empty beaches once the tour boats depart.

Ways to explore

While scuba diving is the most popular way to experience the Underwater Museum of Art, you can still enjoy the sculptures and marine life without a PADI license. Snorkeling trips from Isla Mujeres offer a fun way to admire the collection, while glass-bottom boat tours mean you don’t even have to get wet. Catamaran tours departing from Cancun and the Riviera Maya to Isla Mujeres typically drop anchor at the museum, or you can opt for a private yacht tour for a more exclusive experience of this popular seaside spot.

Accessibility

You'll need to be a competent swimmer to see this underwater attraction. Most tours don’t offer wheelchair accessible equipment, but some are available.

Age limits

While guidance differs between tour providers, most suggest that kids should be at least 4 years old to snorkel and 12 years old to scuba dive. Check tour details carefully if you’re traveling with children.

What to pack

Take a towel and a change of clothes for when you get out of the water. If snorkeling, most tours provide equipment, but you’re welcome to bring your own if preferred. Some tours include snacks and drinks, but pack these if yours doesn’t.

What to wear

The sun is typically strong here, so wear something that covers your back while swimming to avoid sunburn.

Not allowed

Non-swimmers, littering

Amenities

Amenities vary between boats, so check before booking if you’d like a vessel with restrooms or other facilities.

Address

While some boat trips depart from Cancun, the easiest way to reach the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) is via a boat that leaves from the main ferry point on Isla Mujeres on Avenida Rueda Medina.

Driving

Help to maintain the peaceful island atmosphere and leave your car in Cancun; you can practically walk the whole island in a couple of hours, so you’re unlikely to need your own wheels.

Public transportation

The fastest way to reach Isla Mujeres from Cancun is by taking the Ultramar ferry service. Boats depart regularly from Puerto Juárez and the journey takes around 30 minutes.

Best times to visit

Stay overnight on Isla Mujeres and head out to MUSA in the early morning before the Cancun day trippers arrive.

Best days to visit

Weekends see large numbers of boats bobbing on the surface of the museum, so come midweek for a more relaxed experience.

Best months to visit

For the best visibility when snorkeling and scuba diving, visit Yucatan during the dry season from December through April.

Special events

US spring break sees a huge influx of travelers to this part of Mexico—either join them for a rip-roaring party, or avoid this period if you prefer peace.