The Underwater Museum of Cancun (MUSA) is set to close the year with an estimated total of 300,000 visitors. This figure includes both domestic and international tourists, underscoring the significance of the museum in alleviating tourist pressure on natural reefs.
The museum, comprised of three galleries, is particularly popular among beginner divers. The Manchones gallery, home to the largest collection of statues, attracts approximately 90 percent of these novice divers.
The majority of the museum's visitors are international tourists, drawn to the destination by the chance to marvel at the over 500 sculptures on display. The Manchones gallery is the most frequented due to its extensive collection.
The museum serves a dual purpose, not only attracting tourists but also protecting natural reefs from damage caused by inexperienced divers. Many first-time divers, unaware that the reefs are home to living organisms, inadvertently cause harm. By directing these divers to the artificial reefs of the museum, the impact on natural reefs is minimized.
The MUSA features life-sized sculptures that coexist with the marine ecosystem. One of the most striking exhibits is a sculpture of a sedentary man watching TV, surrounded by a school of fish – a truly unique sight.
The museum's director emphasized the ongoing monitoring and nurturing of the marine life within the museum. Regular studies and evaluations ensure that the sculptures continue to fulfill their purpose – to reduce visitor pressure on natural reefs and aid in their preservation.
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