Explore Musa Underwater Museum near Isla Mujeres & Cancun

Have you ever imagined swimming through an art gallery at the bottom of the ocean? That’s exactly what you’ll find when exploring the MUSA Underwater Museum near Isla Mujeres and Cancun. With hundreds of submerged sculptures creating a one-of-a-kind diving and snorkelling experience, MUSA is both fascinating and a little surreal.

I know many travellers wonder if it’s worth adding to their itinerary, how to get there, what the tours cost, and what the experience is actually like? Whether you’re staying in Cancun or heading across to Isla Mujeres, visiting MUSA is surprisingly easy once you know your options.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting the MUSA Underwater Museum, including how to get there, the costs, the different ways you can see it (snorkel, dive, or glass-bottom boat), and exactly what to expect from the experience.

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How to Get to Musa Underwater Museum

Musa Museum is located just off the coast of Isla Mujeres (please see location map HERE) in the Quintana Roo Region of Mexico (between Cancun’s “Hotel Zone” northern tip).

The only way to get to Musa Museum is by Boat. This could be your own boat or one you hired, or more likely, you’ll pay for an organised tour to take you there. While generally a higher cost, I personally find the day trips tours are convenient, you see more in less time and gain knowledge from the local guides. 

This is Musa Museo Subacuatico de Arte or “the Underwater Museum of Art.” If you didn’t know, it was created by Jason DeCaires Taylor, took 18 months to build, and opened in November 2010.

➡  Search Musa Museum tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

You can access day trips to the Art piece from both Isla Mujeres and Cancun. While Isla Mujeres is closer, it’s definitely more popular to get from Cancun, with more options from the mainland. In fact, it’s often referred to as Cancun’s underwater museum or the Cancun National Marine Park. 

Whether you’re an avid snorkeler or a seasoned scuba diver, this art installation will surely impress and I recommend weaving it into a 3 day Isla Mujeres Itinerary. 

The great news is most of the sculptures are placed between 3.5 to 8 metres below the surface of the water. This means snorkellers, divers, or Glass Bottom Boat users can explore the installation, which opens the opportunity to everyone (including Kids). 

Since taking this tour myself and actually diving at the Museum, I felt like I got to see the figurines in more detail. However, I do know there are different areas the Glass Bottom Boat and snorkellers go to that are closer to the surface and others enjoyed by all.

Either way, you’ll still see it and tick off your bucket list!  

Note: We choose to stay on the island of Isla Mujeres for this trip. Not only was it closer, but we also got to swim with the gorgeous Whale Sharks. 

How much do the Tours Cost?

Diving and snorkelling tours are simply a must-do for those looking to experience the underwater world! The price for Musa Underwater Museum Tours are an estimated cost between $50US to $200US per tour. However, variations depends on a few things:

• The location you’re leaving from (Cancun or Isla Mujeres)
• The activity you’re paying for (Diving, snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat)
• Tour Duration, or whether it includes other things to do!

➡  Search Musa Museum tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

Diving is obviously going to cost the most, with more gear and preparation involved, but the cost is worth the experience. People who choose the Glass bottom boat or snorkelling are more family-friendly and take less time to complete.

How deep is the Underwater Museum?

Musa Museum is about 3.5 to 8 metres below the water’s surface. While I was on my diving tour, I did see plenty of snorkelers leisurely propelling themselves down to see more. Surprisingly, some snorkellers were getting as deep as I was, but it was just a quicker look.

With certain areas of the museum being a bit more shallow, dive companies can take beginners on introductory dives through the museum, allowing you to explore the fascinating underwater art.

Divers Vs Snorkelers?

Whether you’re a diver or a snorkeler, you can enjoy the art piece in all its glory!

There’s no need to worry about missing out on anything, but it will determine which areas you see. Personally, I’d highly recommend diving if you want to get a more detailed and up-close view of the art installation and see more of the sculptures. 

As a diver, it’s a calmer environment, allowing you to take it all in at a leisurely pace. Although, don’t worry if you’re not certified, as you can always opt for an introductory dive with the waters being so shallow. 

What Sculptures Are in the Museum?

One of the most remarkable displays you’ll come across is the Volkswagen beetle car called “Antropoceno”, which has been converted into a sculpture. It’s sure to turn some heads! 

Beyond the vehicle, visitors can marvel at statues of people that have been molded from locals and are so incredibly life-like. And don’t miss out on the “Silent Evolution” – the statues of people scattered throughout the exhibition, frozen in time. 

Some of the structures included in the Manchones & Punta Nizuc are (just to name a few):

• Urban Reef (House 1 & 2)
• Man on Fire
• Silent Evolution 1 & 2
• The Bankers (Los banqueros)
• Vein Man
• The Bomb
• Time Bomb (Mine)
• The Anchors
• Beetle Car (Antropoceno)
• Self-Immolation
• Man on Fire (Hombre en llamas)
• The Gardener of Hope
• Void
• Ice Breaker
• Resurrection
• Reclamation
• Inheritance
• Inertia
• Ocean Muse
• The Last Supper
• Seascape
• Understanding
• The Speaker

Each piece is unique and thought-provoking, showing the power of art to inspire and spark conversation. I was lucky to see at least half of these structures over a couple of dives on my visit. And hopefully, I will be able to explore more one day!

My best Tips for the Tours!

Plan and Book Your Visit in Advance.

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico, so it’s important to plan your visit in advance. This will help you avoid disappointment with booked out or full tours. 

Bring a Camera.

There are plenty of photo opportunities, so don’t forget to bring your camera! Be sure to take pictures (or videos) of the exhibits that interest you the most to show your family and friends back home. I prefer to travel with my GoPro, which is very versatile in a situation like this. 

Bring plenty of sunscreen.

Since you will be spending a lot of time in the water, it is vital to bring plenty of sunscreen. Be sure to reapply it often, especially if you are swimming or sweating. Additionally, bringing a hat or other type of sun protection is also a good idea for when you are not in the water.

Enjoy Yourself!

Above all, remember to enjoy yourself! It’s a great place to learn about the art, how it was developed, and reef conservation.

FAQ’s – Common Questions?

Why was it built?

This museum is a unique attraction that’s caught the eye of many travellers. But MUSA is more than just a tourist hotspot – it’s a valuable conservation project that aims to repair the existing Mexican reef systems and provide an artificial reef. 

So, by providing another destination for divers, and the nearby reef can finally catch a break and start to recover. So, not only will you see some remarkable works of art, but you’ll also be doing your part to support a healthier ecosystem.

What Does MUSA Stand For?

MUSA or the Museo Subacuático de Arte means “Drawn out of the water” and contains several art installations with their own meaning and story. You’ll explore the different areas of the museum and learn about its history and why it was placed there. 

➡  Find Accommodation in the Quintana Roo Region HERE with Booking.com

How was in installed?

This museum is even more special because instead of creating sculptures underwater, they are made above ground and then carefully placed underwater. 

To ensure these works of art can withstand the harsh marine environment, the museum collaborated with the Cancun Nautical Association and the Cancun Marine Park to create them from pH-neutral marine concrete. 

Not only that, but the statues also contain special holes that are implanted with coral from damaged reefs in the area. This encourages the regrowth of coral and provides a space for marine wildlife to colonize and feed.

Interesting Facts to know!

Jason DeCaires Taylor spent 18 months and dedicated 120 hours working underwater to create a stunning installation that will leave you in awe. It’s incredible to think that this one-of-a-kind masterpiece used over 120 tons of concrete, sand, and gravel, 3,800m of fiberglass, and 400kg of silicone. 

That’s some serious dedication! Let me tell you, though, it was all worth it. Once you see this incredible piece of art, you’ll be immediately transported to an underwater paradise.

Wrap Up!

From vibrant marine life to surreal sculptures hidden beneath the crystal blue waters, this unique museum experience will indeed highlight your exploration pursuits. It’s an impressive collection of sculptures that have been carefully placed underwater, forming a unique and fascinating exhibit you won’t want to miss!

Thanks for reading this blog post today on how to get to the Musa Museum near Isle Mujeres or Cancun. I really hope you found the information you were looking for. Remember to check out my other blogs on Mexico to help plan your trip.

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