Visit Museo Atlántico: Europe’s only underwater museum
Museo Atlántico in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, is Europe’s first underwater museum. Located at 12 to 14 meters deep, this unique installation combines art and marine conservation. Visitors experience an extraordinary underwater world where creativity and ecology coexist.
Why is Museo Atlántico so unique?
Created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, Museo Atlántico is not just an attraction – it’s an ecological project. The sculptures are made from pH-neutral materials that foster coral growth and marine biodiversity. As a result, it’s both a living reef and a powerful artistic statement.
An artwork beneath the sea
Over 300 life-sized figures form a series of haunting installations:
- ‘The Rubicon’: 35 human figures walking toward a wall.
- ‘The Raft of Lampedusa’: referencing the refugee crisis.
- ‘Los Jolateros’: children in traditional tin boats.
- Hybrid human-nature figures.
- ‘The Portal’: a mirror reflecting the ocean surface.
- ‘Deregulated’: businessmen on seesaws and swings.
- ‘The Human Gyroscope’: a circle of 200 figures depicting life cycles.
How deep is Museo Atlántico?
The sculptures rest 12 to 14 meters underwater – deep enough for an immersive dive, yet shallow enough for excellent visibility. These conditions make it accessible and safe for both certified divers and beginners.
What can you expect during your dive?
You’ll dive in calm, clear waters with exceptional visibility. The statues gradually become living reefs, attracting marine life such as barracudas, octopuses, stingrays, and sardines. The entire installation evolves over time as nature integrates with art.
Who can visit Museo Atlántico?
This underwater museum is open to everyone – whether you’re a certified diver or trying diving for the first time.
Certified divers
If you have a diving license, you can join a guided boat dive. The dive is relaxed and focused on exploring the installations at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities for photography.
No diving experience?
Beginners can join a specially designed program that includes:
- A practice session in the swimming pool.
- A beach dive to get familiar with equipment.
- A guided boat dive to the museum, to a maximum depth of 12 meters.
This experience takes around five hours and is supervised by instructors who ensure safety and comfort throughout the dive.
How much does it cost to visit Museo Atlántico?
The cost depends on your experience and the type of program. Certified divers pay from €48. For visitors with no diving experience, the complete introductory program costs €149. This includes a theory session, a shallow sea dive, pool training, and a guided dive to the Museo Atlántico.
Where is Museo Atlántico located?
The museum lies about 300 meters offshore from the Papagayo beaches in Playa Blanca. The dive site is accessed by boat and located in a sheltered bay, offering calm conditions and excellent visibility for divers of all levels.
Ecological impact
Beyond its artistic message, Museo Atlántico plays an essential role in marine regeneration. The sculptures serve as artificial reefs that attract fish, promote coral growth, and increase biodiversity in the area.
Why you should visit Museo Atlántico
It’s a rare opportunity to explore underwater art in a safe, enriching environment. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a complete beginner, Museo Atlántico is an unforgettable experience that merges creativity, adventure, and conservation.