Statues and monuments are pretty standard sightseeing locations-but what about statues underwater? Most of us don't think about the sights that lie on the ocean floor. From mysterious shipwrecks to underwater museums, here are the five underwater statues worth taking the plunge for.
1. Museum of Underwater Art
The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is located in the Great Barrier Reef in Townsville, North Queensland. Created by underwater sculptor Jason deCaries Taylor, MOUA was designed to educate visitors about reef conservation. The Coral Greenhouse is filled with 20 "reef guardians" that are made with special cement and stainless steel to aid in coral growth.
2. Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail
Although not a statue, the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail is a unique kind of museum. Here you'll find nine wrecked ships, dating all the way back to 1733. You're free to explore the wrecks, but it is encouraged to take a formal tour to hear the history and stories of each individual ship and the people navigating it.
3. The Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
The Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park is home to 75 sculptures, including Christ of the Deep, The Vicissitudes and The Lost Correspondent. The Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park is another work of art created by Jason deCaires Taylor. If you're not in the mood for a dive, you can view the Underwater Sculpture Park from a glass-bottom boat.
4. Cancun Underwater Museum of Art
The Cancun Underwater Museum of Art actually encompasses three different sets of underwater statues located in Manchones, Punta Nizuc and Punta Sam. Here you'll find more creative structures, depicting giant hands, a Volkswagen Beetle and a group of people with their heads buried in the sand.
5. Ocean Atlas
Yet another creation from Jason deCaires Taylor, Ocean Atlas is a massive underwater sculpture standing nearly 17 feet tall, located in the Bahamas. Ocean Atlas depicts a kneeling Bahamian girl and is inspired by the Greek myth, Atlas, whose punishment was to hold the world on his back. The statue is located just five meters from the surface, making this a great option for snorkeling beginners.
Don't cross underwater sightseeing off your list just because you're not an experienced diver. Many of these attractions offer options for beginners or those who don't wish to dive. Whatever method you choose, seeing these unexpected museums will be worth the effort.
