Cancun Underwater Museum
NileGuide Expert Says:
Cancun's Underwater Museum is one of the largest artificial, underwater attractions in the world. This unique museum is a must-see, while in Cancun.Address:
Cancun, Mexico
Phone:
52 (998) 192-1189Description:
Cancun Underwater Museum, also known as MUSA-Museo Subacuatico de Arte, is the area's newest, and definitely the most unique, attraction. Occupying over 1,600 square feet, it is one of the largest artificial, underwater attractions in the world.In 3 areas, off the shores of Cancun and Isla Mujeres, over 400 sculptures have been sunk at depths of 9-20 feet. The artwork was created by British artist, Jason deCaires Taylor, and each of the pieces was made from environmentally-friendly materials so as not to harm the environment.
The sculptures were placed near the famous Manchones reef, which is visited by over 750,000 snorkelers and scuba divers, each year. The Underwater Museum was built to draw traffic away from the natural reef, and allow it to recover from damage caused by hurricanes, in recent years. Over time, coral will begin to grow on the clay sculptures, creating one of the most unusual artificial reefs in the world.
Cancun Underwater Museum opened on November 26, 2010, but it will quickly become the premier spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Snorkel trips and dive trips can be arranged through Aqua World Cancun and Aqua Fun, as well as through other local tour operators.
For those of you that don't snorkel or dive, Aqua World Cancun offers a tour on their SubSee Explorer, which allows you to view the Underwater Museum from inside their half-boat/half-submarine water craft.
