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 8, 2025 10:53
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 is a coastal region where remote beaches, Mayan archaeological sites, and natural wonders come together. The area is known for its cenotes – natural freshwater sinkholes, some with underwater caves and clear water for swimming and diving. You will find ancient ruins hidden in the jungle, small islands with diverse wildlife, and beaches where you can experience local Mexican culture away from crowds. Sites like Muyil, Kohunlich, and San Gervasio reveal the history of the Maya people, while cenotes such as Sac Actun, Casa Cenote, and Angelita expose an underwater world beneath the surface. Lagoons like Kaan Luum and Bacalar invite exploration of mangrove forests and aquatic life. Beaches such as Xcacel, Paamul, and Xpu-ha offer tranquility far from major tourist centers, while small islands like Isla Contoy shelter seabirds and marine habitats. Together, these places form a destination where history, nature, and local life intertwine.
El Rey archaeological site
7 km
Playa Ballenas
8.2 km
La Gran Plaza Cancun
7.3 km
Playa Coral
6.7 km
Plage Jade
8.5 km
Letras "Cancún 50"
8.3 km
Entry of the Kabah park
7.4 km
Jungle Tour Adventure Cancun
7.7 km
Volleyball, 1 goal for beach football
7.3 km
Zona Arqueológica El Rey
6.9 km
Playa Delfines
7.2 km
Riviera Cancun Golf & Resorts
7.4 km
Playa San Miguelito
8.6 km
Playa San Miguelito
8.6 km
Iberostar Golf Club Cancun
6.8 km
Plage Taco Arte
8.5 km
Beach
8.2 km
Cancun sign
7.1 km
CCU_03
1.4 km
Work of art
4.7 km
Sculpture, Work of art
8.5 km
Work of art, sculpture
8.5 km
Work of art, sculpture
8.5 km
Sculpture, Work of art
8.5 km
Work of art, sculpture
8.5 km
Sculpture, Work of art
8.5 km
Mirador playa delfines
7.1 km
Mirador
7.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes