A day exploring Lanzarote's Underwater Museum

Are you dreaming of an escape to Lanzarote? Are you also obsessed with the ocean and its wonders? If you would like to add some adventure to your usual travel plans, then don’t hesitate to go on a trip to Lanzarote’s Underwater Museum! 

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a researcher, a photographer, an archaeologist, or an art lover, Museo Atlántico has something to pique everyone’s interest.

A group of scuba divers exploring the beautiful seabed

Museo Atlántico - Europe's first underwater museum

Off the south coast of Lanzarote, in the Bahía de Las Coloradas, the Museo Atlántico is situated within Lanzarote’s UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and was created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. It was first opened in early March 2016, has a depth between 12 and 15 meters and is suitable for divers of all experience levels. 

If you’re interested in learning more about this interesting museum in Lanzarote, continue reading.

How can you reach the Underwater Museum? 

The Underwater Museum can only be reached by boat from the port of Playa Blanca.

A boardwalk at the port of Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Who can dive to Museo Atlántico?

Certified divers, as well as beginners without a diving license, have the opportunity to visit this wonderful underwater museum. The best way to see the statues is scuba diving, but freedivers and snorkelers can also enjoy the place.

Your guide will brief you on how to dive into the museum, as well as the statues you will see and their significance and meaning according to their creator. The excursion will take about 50 minutes in total. 

What does the museum consist of?

More than 300 life-size human figures are included in the project's 12 installations grouped by themes such as climate change and the co-existence of nature and humanity. It was created with the aim of bringing about environmental awareness and social change, with each piece creating an artificial reef that will support marine life. 

In fact, since 2016, marine life has increased in diversity by over 200%. The Museo Atlántico is now home to rare angel sharks, large shoals of barracuda and sardines, octopus, marine sponges, and the occasional butterfly ray. 

Some of the most famous works on display at the museum are the Portal Mirror, Crossing the Rubicon, the Raft of Lampedusa, the Immortal Pyre, and Los Jolateros. Keep in mind that it is not allowed to touch the exhibits, but divers are encouraged to clean Portal’s mirror for an interactive experience. This is also a great location to take a photo with your dive buddy!

Tip: check out more must-see attractions during a day trip in Lanzarote here!

The endangered angel shark spotted in the Canary Islands

Can’t wait to visit the breathtaking Underwater Museum on Lanzarote? Book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper and jump on the ferry from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote to explore the top attraction of the volcanic island!