Best time to visit Canary Islands

Museo Atlántico (Lanzarote Underwater Museum) in Canary Islands

Unique architectural creation and amazing sculptures are waiting for you under the ocean near the coastal area

Best time: all year round

Museo Atlantico Lanzarote is the first underwater museum in Europe located near Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. The depth of this museum is 12 m, which makes it visible not only for divers but for snorkelers and glass-bottom boats as well. The highlights include a 30 metre-long and 100-tonne wall and lots of real size human sculptures.

Sculptures depict kids and adults sitting in the boats, standing, lying, playing or just walking on the bed of the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the appearance of human sculptures is taken from the local people of Lanzarote. All the sculptures have been made of a pH neutral material not to influence local biodiversity. Moreover, they have been designed to serve as a habitat and reproduction area for the local fish species.

It took the artist Jason deCaires Taylor around two years to complete 12 installations that consist of over 300 sculptures. They will now become a part of the local marine life, representing the harmonious relations between humans and nature.

Practical info

What is the recommended time of year to visit Museo Atlantico in Lanzarote?

Lanzarote can be visited any time of the year, but avoiding peak seasons will be advantageous. The period between November and April is the best time to visit Lanzarote because the ocean is at its calmest and provides the clearest visibility under the water. To avoid crowds, it is also suggested that visitors go to the Museo Atlantico on weekdays. Show more

What is the depth of Museo Atlantico and what kind of sculptures can visitors see there?

Visitors to the underwater museum can see over 300 sculptures, including human sculptures, boats, and cars, among other things; the depth of Museo Atlantico is 12m, making it accessible to both snorkelers and divers. The sculptures are a habitat and breeding ground for the local fish species, and visitors can observe the various marine life inhabiting the region. Show more

What is the pH-neutral material used to craft the Museo Atlantico statues, and how did the sculptures create a home for fish?

The pH-neutral material used to manufacture the statues at the Museo Atlantico does not affect local biodiversity. A pH-neutral underwater cement has been used to construct the artwork. The material enables local marine species to thrive and take shelter in a perfect environment. The sculptures fuse with the nearby marine life, demonstrating the harmonious relationship between individuals and nature. Show more

How much time did Jason deCaires Taylor, the artist, take to finish the sculpture collection, and what was the design's goal in providing fish with a habitat?

All 12 installations comprising over 300 sculptures took Jason deCaires Taylor approximately two years to build. To create a natural reef, the sculptures and statues were put underwater at various depths, providing a habitat and breeding ground for the local fish population. The sculptures were created with small openings and hiding spaces, allowing tiny marine animals to take refuge. They were placed in a spot where a marine life ecosystem already existed. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin