Fodor's Expert Review Isla Mujeres Underwater Museum

Combining art and nature, sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor has created "underwater museums" off the shores of Punta Cancún, Punta Nizuc, and Manchones Reef near Isla Mujeres. Locally known as MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), his main work features more than 480 lifelike statues that serve as artificial reefs to attract marine life. Within the 12 galleries is "The Silent Evolution," a 120-ton work of more than 400 individual statues, as well as "Anthropocene" a full-scale VW Beetle made from 8 tons of pH-neutral concrete. The displays have conveniently been placed in shallow areas for viewing by divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottom boats. The unusual artificial habitat also helps restore the natural reefs that have suffered damage over the years. Most local dive shops can organize excursions to the site starting at $47 USD.