The Cancún Underwater Museum is a unique attraction. Famous around the world, the museum features more than 500 sculptures and art installations displayed in crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat rides and swimming.

There are different Underwater Museum tours available, and this is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring the beauty of the ocean floor and the ingenuity of British artist, Jason Decaires Taylor.

Here's all you need to know about the Underwater Museum, one of the most amazing museums in Cancún.

How much do Underwater Museum tours cost?

The Cancún Underwater Museum is spread across multiple locations, so the price depends on where you visit and from which area you depart. There is a wide selection of guided tours and combination day trips that will be more comprehensive, at different prices.

The range of basic Cancún Underwater Museum tickets, with official MUSA prices per person, is below.

MUSA Gallery visit: $30.00
Glass bottom boat in the gallery of Punta Nizuc: $47.00

Snorkeling tours

Snorkeling at the gallery of Punta Nizuc: $47.00
Snorkeling Musa Manchones departing from Cancún: $60.00
Snorkeling Musa Manchones departing from Isla mujeres: $60.00
Jungle Tour with snorkeling: $70.00
Glass Bottom Boat with snorkeling: $70.00

Diving tours

Certified divers departing from Cancún: US$90.00
Certified divers departing from Isla Mujeres: US$125.00
Non-certified divers with one dive in Cancún: $115.00
Non-certified divers with two dives from Cancún: $145.00
Non-certified divers departing from Isla Mujeres: $160.00

Twelve years old is the minimum age required for diving tours.

Who is eligible for discounts?

For most snorkeling tours, discounts are offered for children aged 12 and younger. Check with the specific tour operator to see specific discounted prices, as each Underwater Museum guided tour differs.

What are the best Underwater Museum tours?

Basic Underwater Museum Snorkeling Tour

The most affordable and straightforward option this tour takes you to the Punta Nizuc reef to explore the sculptures up close. You'll have plenty of time to swim and take photos, with a guide on hand to point out the highlights.

Underwater Museum Scuba Diving Tour

This tour is for certified scuba divers only and takes place at either the MUSA Manchones or Punta Nizuc reef. You'll have one or two tanks worth of time to explore the sculptures, with a guide on hand to help you make the most of your dive.

Are there any combined tours available?

Ideal for those who want to make a day of it, these multi-activity adventures include a visit to the MUSA gallery, either snorkeling or scuba diving at one of the reefs and a selection of other notable landmarks or activities.

Many different tour operators in Cancún offer combo packages that include a visit to the Underwater Museum as part of a longer day trip, like swimming with dolphins, visiting nearby archaeological sites or going on a jungle tour.

You'll get an in-depth look at the museum while still getting plenty of time to experience greater Cancún and Mexico.

Jungle Tour & Snorkel at Punta Nizuc Reef, Underwater museum

Combine your Underwater Museum tour with a speed boat ride through the local mangroves. Suitable for 2-4 people, this tour is an excellent option for couples, families or small groups looking for both thrills and privacy.

Punta Nizuc Reef Submarine Tour & Cancún Underwater Museum

Combining experiences above and below the waves, this tour starts with a submarine ride at Punta Nizuc Reef before heading to the Underwater Museum. You'll get to explore two different ecosystems and learn about the area's rich history and ecology.

Should you book the tours in advance?

It is highly recommended that you book your tour in advance, as the Underwater Museum is one of Cancún's most popular attractions.

Tours often sell out days or weeks in advance, especially during the high season (December to April). By booking early, you can ensure that you get the tour date and time that you want.

What will you see inside?

An art gallery below the surface, the Underwater Museum is home to over 500 life-size human sculptures.

The statues were created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor and are made from pH-neutral concrete to provide a safe haven for marine life.

Over time, the statues become covered in coral and sponges, providing a home for fish, crabs and other sea creatures. Some of the notable sculptures include:

The Last Supper

Featuring a table carved from stone with a large bowl of food in the center, and two dinner plates set out, but with no guests, this sculpture is beautifully eerie.

The Silent Evolution

One of the most popular sculptures in the museum, this piece features over 400 human figures arranged in a circle, as if they are watching a performance.

Anthropocene

28 feet below the surface at the Machones reef, you'll find a life-size, 8-ton cement replica of the classic Volkswagen beetle car.

The Bankers

This politically satiric group of sculptures features people in business attire, with briefcases, burying their heads in the ocean floor.

How to get to it?

The museum is divided into two main areas: the Manchones reef, which is shallower and ideal for snorkeling, and the Punta Nizuc reef, which is deeper and better suited for scuba diving.

The Manchones reef is located about 1 kilometer southwest of Isla Mujeres, an island just north of Cancún. To get there, you can take a short boat ride from any of the marinas on the island (or the mainland).

Closer to the mainland, the Punta Nizuc reef is located off the coast of the Punta Nizuc National Park, near a secluded beach on the hotel zone of Cancún. To get there, you'll need to take a boat ride from one of Cancún's docks.

When is the best time to visit the Underwater Museum?

The warm, clear waters of the Caribbean make for excellent visibility year-round. However, the best time to visit the Underwater Museum is between November and April, when the weather is dry and sunny. The wet season, June to October, is also whale shark season.

Due to the long day trips, it is recommended to start in the morning so you don't need to rush through activities.

Travel tips

Bring plenty of water as well as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for your Underwater Museum visit.
Book your Underwater Museum tour in advance. As one of the world's premier snorkeling spots, positions can fill up fast.
Consider adding other tours to your Cancún itinerary such as Isla Mujeres, Chichen Itza, or one of the many cenotes.
Take advantage of the all-inclusive resorts and package deals - they can be great value for money.