MUSA Underwater Museum

The Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) is one of the most unique museums in the world — and it's entirely underwater. Created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor and other artists, the museum features over 500 permanent, life-size sculptures installed on the ocean floor in the waters between Cancún and Isla Mujeres. The sculptures serve as artificial reefs, attracting marine life and promoting coral growth, while creating an unforgettable art-meets-nature experience.

Families can visit MUSA three ways: snorkeling, scuba diving, or glass bottom boat. For most families with kids, snorkeling or the glass bottom boat are the best options. The snorkeling tours take you to the Punta Nizuc gallery, where sculptures sit in relatively shallow water (about 4-6 meters deep), making them clearly visible from the surface.

Kids swim over life-size figures of people in everyday poses — sitting at desks, standing in groups, even a full-size car — all encrusted with coral and surrounded by tropical fish.

The glass bottom boat is the best choice for families with children under 8 or anyone uncomfortable in open water. You'll see the same sculptures through the clear hull, and the guide narrates the story behind each piece.

MUSA can only be visited on organized tours — you can't simply show up and swim out to the sculptures. Tours depart from various marinas in the Hotel Zone and Isla Mujeres. Most snorkeling tours last 2-3 hours including boat time, with about 45-60 minutes of actual snorkeling.

The combination of art, ocean ecology, and adventure makes MUSA a rare attraction that appeals to both kids and adults on completely different levels. Kids see it as an underwater treasure hunt; adults appreciate the artistry and environmental message. It's one of those Cancún experiences that families talk about for years.