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The Cancun Museum of Underwater Art (MUSA) is one of the most successful conservation projects in the world, and it has quickly become one of Cancun’s top attractions. The project was launched in 2009 to create an artificial reef and help restore marine life in the Cancun and Isla Mujeres areas.
Where is MUSA located in Cancun?
The Underwater Museum of Art or MUSA is located under the waters of the Mexican Caribbean Sea, in the area surrounding Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Punta Nizuc.
How deep is the Underwater Museum in Cancun?
The underwater sculptures of MUSA Cancun are located 30 feet deep, which makes them perfect for recreational diving activities; whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, you can enjoy this wonderful place.
Why are There Sculptures in the Cancun sea?
In addition to its paradisiacal beaches, Cancun has an underwater museum with 500 sculptures located at the bottom of the sea. These works of art stimulate the growth of coral reefs different species of marine life and for tourists to enjoy while diving.
How to visit MUSA
There are three ways to visit the Underwater Museum of Art in Cancun:
- Snorkel or Scuba Diving (certified divers and/or beginners)
- Onboard a glass-bottom boat
- Jungle Tour
You can book any of these tours directly at the MUSA official website, or you can also book from other tour operators. We recommend you book directly from MUSA if you’re unsure about choosing the right private tour operator.
Diving Tours
The diving (non-certificate and certified) 5-hour tours from Cancun cost between $90 USD and $145 USD per person. From Isla Mujeres, prices range between $115 and $155 USD. You can decide what works best for you, your personal preferences, and your familiarity with water sports. Regardless of the diving tour you choose, the Cancun Underwater Museum will be a memorable experience. Diving tours include basic equipment and supervision from a diving instructor. The minimum age for this tour is 12, and they should be accompanied by an adult (18+).
Snorkel Tours
The crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Ocean make it easy to observe the art from a distance. Even if you can’t get as close to the sculptures as you could by scuba diving, snorkeling is a fantastic way to enjoy these magnificent underwater sculptures. This is an excellent option for families or younger visitors who cannot dive. The MUSA provides visitors with same-day training on snorkeling safety and will let you practice in shallow pools before visiting the galleries. Prices for the snorkeling tours range from $47 to $70 USD.
Glass Bottom Boat
This tour will take you to observe the marine life in the reef of Punta Nizuc, part of the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest in the world. Take a trip to the bottom of the sea without getting wet aboard a glass-bottom boat, where you can enjoy the incredible underwater landscape. You can also book a tour that combines the glass bottom boat and snorkeling. Prices range from $47 to $70 USD.
Jungle Tour
Explore the jungle and dive into the second-largest coral reef in the world, doing the Jungle Tour. It’s one of the most popular tours in Cancun. If you prefer an adrenaline-filled adventure, this is the tour for you. Explore Cancun’s mangroves and the Nichupté lagoon. On this tour, you can navigate the lagoon through its channels, enter the jungle and observe firsthand the natural wonders that this ecosystem has to offer. You’ll have an experienced guide who directs you all the way while you drive your own boat. Emerging from the impressive mangroves towards the Caribbean and its turquoise waters will take your breath away. MUSA offers this 3-hour tour for $70 USD.
Important tips to consider before you visit MUSA:
- Make sure you have a good meal well before you’re scheduled to be in the water.
- Only wear eco-friendly sunscreen and/or insect repellent lotions.
- Take some cash, preferably pesos, to tip tour guides or ferry operators.
- This would be an excellent opportunity to invest in a waterproof camera if you want to take underwater pictures.
- Although tours are available year-round, June to August is considered high season because of the whale shark arrival; book ahead of time if you’re traveling in these months.
- Avoid touching the sculptures or disturbing the marine life. Observing the rules and conservation protocols will make your tour a more enjoyable experience.
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