Did you know that Cancun -Riviera Maya is home to the natural wonder of the Mesoamerican Reef System, the second largest barrier reef in the world, surpassed only by “The great barrier reef” in the sea of coral off the Australian coast (approximately 2,600 km long). The Mesomerican reef system extends across four countries for more than 1,000 km of coastline starting at Isla Contoy island at the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and continuing South along the entire Riviera Maya and the rest of the coast of the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and ends in the islands of the Bay in Honduras.
Thousands of tourists who visit Cancun and Riviera Maya every year are fascinated by the snorkeling and diving experiences in this area (locally known as Punta Nizuc), since its biodiversity is unique. The reef system forms the habitat of more than 65 species of stony coral, 350 different species of mollusks and more than 500 species of fish. It is an important refuge for many protected or endangered species such as the green turtle, loggerhead turtle, leatherback turtle, hawksbill turtle, queen conch, and Caribbean manatee.
This natural wonder offers countless areas throughout the entire Riviera Maya where, whether snorkeling or diving, you can experience an up-close look at these incredible ecosystems.
Photo courtesy of www.musamexico.org
MUSA – In 2009, the Director of the Cancun National Marine Park, Jaime Gonzalez Canto, along with British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, had the idea to create an alternative location for divers and snorkelers in order to help save and protect the local reef system and so MUSA (Museo Subacautico de Arte) was born. In 2009, the first 4 sculptors were submerged and the park officially opened in 2010. Along with the collaboration of 5 devoted Mexican sculptors and by the end of 2013, MUSA contained 3 separate galleries composed of 500 sculptures made of concrete sunken on the floor of the ocean which nature has naturally transformed into coral reef. The sculptures are located between 10 and 20 feet deep in the marine park with designated areas for snorkeling or diving. Taylor placed 487 sculptures while Mexican artists Karen Martinez Salinas, Roberto Diaz Abraham, Rodrigo Quiñones Reyes, Salvador Quiroz Ennis and Elier Amado Gil placed the rest.
Photo courtesy of www.musamexico.org
On your next visit to Cancun or Riviera Maya, contact an Expert to not miss out on this extraordinary experience. http://miexperts.com
