Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) is a unique underwater art museum located off the coast of Cancún, Isla Mujeres, and Punta Nizuc in Mexico. It is one of the world’s most renowned underwater attractions, dedicated to the preservation of marine life and the creation of an artificial reef through the installation of submerged sculptures.

MUSA was founded in 2009 as a collaborative effort between artists, marine conservationists, and the Mexican government. The primary goal of the museum is to divert tourists away from natural coral reefs, which are vulnerable to damage from large numbers of visitors, and instead provide an alternative site for snorkeling and diving that contributes positively to marine ecosystems. It features a collection of over 500 life-sized sculptures, which are made from materials that encourage the growth of coral and marine life.

Our Experience with

the Underwater Museum Tour

Over the new year’s we took a vacation to Mexico to escape the cold and soak up some sun. We started in Cancun at the Dream Sapphire Resort and then we took the ferry to Isla Mujeres. While in Isla Mujeres we heard about MUSA and decided to take a snorkeling excursion. The island isn’t too big so we walked to the pick up location, a small shop not far from where we were staying. At the shop they provided us with our snorkeling gear. They gave us information including not wearing sunscreen due to having to protect the reef. They walked us out to the docks and we all loaded up on a boat. There were a couple other couples and a family of 5 with us.

On the Boat and in the Water

On the boat, it was a short drive to the museum area. They require you to wear life jackets throughout the entire trip. One the first stop, we all hopped off the boat (literally) and followed the leader around the first area. The water was very choppy and I kept getting water in my snorkel. The leader had an underwater GoPro so he took photos and videos of us as we swam. I didn’t love that they dropped us off then moved the boat so we had to follow the leader and swim to another area to get back on the boat. There were a lot of other tours happening at the same time and it was hard to keep track of which boat and person was ours.

The took us to two more locations. The second location had even choppier water. At this point, I was kind of over it so I did not go in for the third stop. Which I’m glad because they said it was even more choppy of water than the other two. After everyone was back on the boat, they took us to get lunch on the other side of the island. The lunch was included. They had rice with fish and some veggies. There was an option to order other food or drinks as well. The area had a couple of small shops and a small beach area. It was nice to get off the boat for a bit and walk around.

After everyone finished their food, we headed back to the boat that took us back to Isla Mujeres.

The Good and The Bad

The good was it was easy to find the pick up location. The gear was in good condition with the snorkels being new. Lunch was included in the cost and they had plenty to go around. The number of people on the tour was a comfortable amount. It was enough that we got to talk to others and make connections without it feeling overwhelming.

The bad was that they required life jackets. Ross still swam pretty deep down (which is hard to do with a lifejacket on but he is big strong). They did provide us with the photos but only after we left them a positive review (that felt a little scam-y). There were a ton of other people taking tours so even though our group wasn’t too big, there were a ton of other groups at the same time. The water is also not calm. So if you are not a super strong swimmer, this can feel rough.

Recommendations

• Take the Scuba Tour instead if you are comfortable with diving – I would not have done this because I do not want to scuba dive but Ross would have preferred this.
• Put on your sun screen early or look for reef safe sunscreen.
• Take your motion sickness medication.
• Bring your own GoPro and waterproof phone case.

If you are interested in taking a similar tour, there are some links below to different options!

Check out our other posts about Mexico to plan a great trip!

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