Playa Blanca Underwater Museum

Mantaray Sculpture and Merperson RenardLoria (Atlas Obscura User)

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Inaugurated in 2022, this museum holds sculptures you can only visit if you scuba dive or can hold your breath long enough to admire them. This underwater sculpture garden was built by a local hotel developer to promote the preservation and enjoyment of marine life.

Depending on the tide, the depth of the sculptures can be between six to 20 feet deep. The underwater museum currently features depictions of a turtle, a crocodile, a manta ray, a seahorse, and an Indigenous Garabito nan, created by chief sculptor Fabio Brenes. There are plans to continue adding more sculptures to the museum.

Know Before You Go

Though it is open to public every day, some accesses to the beach where you can enter to see the museum may be restricted to visitors by the hotel company that manages the natural reserve. Hence it would be wise to coordinate the visit via the same management company (Punta Leona). Otherwise, the beach may be accessed by foot (not accessible for people with disabilities) via the neighboring beach Playa Mantas this route is walkable in both high and low tide.

Weather affects the underwater visibility, hence it is better to visit during the dry season. During high winds or rainy weather, the sand on the ocean floor can loosen and affect visibility of the sculptures.

It is advised that visitors are capable swimmers and be accompanied by a guide or scuba-trained professional in case of emergency.

The beach is always guarded by lifeguards.