Cancun Underwater Museum, Underwater art museum in the Caribbean Sea, Mexico
The Cancun Underwater Museum is an art exhibition with roughly 500 life-sized figures made from marine concrete in the Caribbean Sea. The sculptures rest on the seabed in various depth zones between Isla Mujeres and Cancun, together forming an artificial reef structure.
The museum opened in 2010 during the global climate summit held in Cancún as a way to protect natural coral reefs from heavy tourist pressure. The installation was conceived in response to the impact of tourism on existing marine ecosystems.
The sculptures underwater come from international and Mexican artists who intentionally used marine-friendly concrete that attracts sea life. The figures show human forms and address environmental themes that you encounter directly while diving or snorkeling.
You can explore the works underwater through glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling trips, or diving sessions with certified instructors. The best time to visit is during dry months with calm sea conditions, when underwater visibility is clearer.
Corals, algae, and sea creatures gradually colonize the sculptures, transforming the artworks into living installations. Over time, these figures become actual reef structures that harbor and support thousands of marine organisms.
Location: Cancun
Inception: 2010
Website: https://musamexico.org
GPS coordinates: 21.07626,-86.84620
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
Marine museums present the history of seafaring, scientific exploration of the oceans, and the diversity of marine life. These institutions display ship models, nautical instruments, aquariums with living sea creatures, and exhibitions about oceanography. Visitors learn about historical voyages of discovery, modern ocean research, and the protection of marine ecosystems. Notable examples include the Oceanogràfic in Valencia with its various marine biotopes, the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam with its collection on Dutch naval history, and the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, founded in 1910. The Maritime Museum of San Diego preserves historic vessels, while the Museum of Oceanography in Sopot documents Baltic Sea research. These museums combine scientific education with the fascination for seas and oceans.
Quintana Roo contains remote beaches, Mayan ruins and natural areas. The region features cenotes with underwater caves, historical sites in the jungle, and small islands. These locations allow encounters with Mexican local culture and nature.
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