Destinations

The Cancun Underwater Museum officially opened its doors on November 26, 2010, completing the exhibition titled “The Silent Evolution” by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. With 400 life-size sculptures submerged, this completed phase 2 of the world’s largest underwater museum, located in the beautiful waters of Cancun.

The National Park, located in Isla Mujeres Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc welcomes approximately 750,000 tourists a year and is now home this impressive sculpture museum. Just days after almost all the sculptures were submerged, the welcoming they received by Mother Nature was amazing, with hundreds of swarming Gray Angel fish, that up until now, were rarely seen around the Manchones area.

Lots To See at Cancun Underwater Museum

The main gallery is formed by 400 life-size figures, based on real people. Its building required 18 months of hard work, 120 tons of cement, 400 kg of silicone, 3,800 glass fiber and more than 120 submarine work hours, as well as effort and dedication from a committed team with a dream, that began almost two years ago.

The technique, developed by the sculptor, allows the creation of life-size figures that keep the models original gestures and positions. The sinking process to more than 10 meters of depth consists on placing the sculptures over a 2 tons base, which will be positioned safely on rocky surfaces to avoid any damage caused by waves. The Underwater Museum can be appreciated not only from the bottom of the sea, all the pieces are placed in a way that looks like a human eye as seen from the air.

Cancun Underwater Museum Construction Started 1 Year Ago

The first sinking took place on November 14th, 2009. In the project’s first phase and under the supervision of the renowned artist and sub aquatic sculpture Jason deCaires Taylor, three sculptures were submerged: “Coleccionista de Sueños” (Dream Collector), “Hombre en llamas” (Man on Fire) and “La Jardinera de la Esperanza” (The Gardener of Hope). The sculptures where placed near the natural reefs and close to marine life habitats in order to create a natural ecosystem that helps maintain corals and reefs in the best conditions.

The project is backed by Cancun’s Ministry of Environment and its Nautical Association and has required an investment of more than $350,000 USD, in order to allow the natural reefs that surround the sculptures, to remain untouched. That is why this Marine Park was up for the challenge and developed a way to deviate tourists from the natural habitats, through coral reefs, without having to loose its visitors and the $36 million dollars that these represent in annual income.

Jason deCaires Taylor is the Director

It is important to point out that due to the success of this great project, Sculptor and artist Jason deCaires Taylor, has accepted the position as the museum’s artistic director

The cultural and environmental importance of the project, make the Underwater Museum a once in a lifetime experience. In collaboration with marine biologists and other experts from the National Marine Park and – Artificial Reefs, a company based in the USA, the sculptures have been designed to attract coral, but have also been immersed and positioned in a certain way and on certain so that they contribute to the further development of different coral species.

These magnificent sculptures will be available for tourists and visitors that wish to admire the originality, beauty and uniqueness of these works of art, while snorkeling or dive in the sub aquatic museum, as one of the many activities to do in Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Entrance to the museum is free, although is highly recommended that visitors of the museum utilize an appropriate tour operator with trained professionals to enjoy this experience to the most.

It is important when going to Mexico to avoid bacteria in Cancun. Whenever I travel I try to be very clean. The reason for this is that the bacteria that we are used to in North America is of course different then what is common in Mexico. As people travel they bring the bugs commons to their home be they real bugs or bacteria. And remember bacteria can not be seen so you don’t even kn ow about it.

Spring Break can be a tough time for germaphobes, particularly when traveling by air. Fortunately, there are some easy tips to stay healthy while sharing tight quarters with those bound for Cancun.

Bacteria on Planes

Unsurprisingly, airplane lavatories are the grossest, with a high likelihood of bacteria on seats and handles. And this is not even bacteria in Cancun but before you have arrived.

They are “hands-down the germiest place on the trip,” Peter Sheldon, vice president of operations and development for Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System, tells USA Today.

“Numerous studies have shown that these are teeming with E. coli on almost every surface.”

They are also rarely sanitized and have “the cumulative effect of hundreds of users.” The size of the sink also makes it difficult to thoroughly wash your hands, he says.

Other than the obvious solution of avoiding the bathrooms altogether, Sheldon says, it’s a good idea to bring your own sanitary wipes, and use paper towels to touch anything in there.

Seats and tray tables are another germ hotspot. Among the worst horror stories are mothers changing their babies right where later passengers put their pretzels and peanuts. Some disinfectant there could go a long way.

The recent scare of the 27-year-old woman diagnosed with measles who flew from Britain to Washington Dulles International Airport in February is good reminder to exercise healthy caution of fellow travelers.

The enclosure of an airplane cabin is “particularly risky for airborne-spread diseases” such as measles, Physician Martin Myers, director of the National Network for Immunization Information, tells USA Today.

The simplest solution to this specific incident, or other potential exposure to contagious diseases, is to get immunized, Myers says. Not rubbing your eyes or touching your nose or mouth helps too.

Bacteria in Cancun Avoidance Tips

When going to Cancun you may find want to take a couple of important precautions to avoid the bacteria in Cancun. Get a hepatitis shot a few weeks before as there is a lot of Hepatitis in the Cancun area and secondly make sure you have a bunch of baby wipes so that you can wipe down surfaces like counters and stuff. Cleaning staff at resorts can inadvertantly spread germs that could be avoided if you are careful.

Also of course avoid the obvious like water from a tap and ice cubes (made from tap water) and stay hydrated by drinking lots of safe bottled water (check the seal) as sun and alcohol can make you more sensitive to these bacteria.

Cancun is an awesome place for a vacation but it is important to be careful to watch out for  bacteria in Cancun at the same time.

Designed in the Mayan temple style of architecture, the Gran Melia Cancun is located on one of the largest beaches in Cancun, and it offers one of the largest marina’s in the area. The Gran Melia Cancun compares with the most prestigious and exclusive hotels in the world offering guests outstanding service, beauty, and elegance.

The Gran Melia Cancun Hotel boasts 794 guest rooms with private terraces that provide breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon. The hotel has a time sharing vacation club for which it keeps over 100 of it’s rooms reserved. Junior Suites, a Governors Suite and a Presidential Suite are available as well. The hotel reserves a special Royal Service floor, which offers Executive guests special services including express check in, butler services, and more.

Catering to families, the Gran Melia Cancun Hotel has an activities program for children as well as adults. There is a nine-hole, par 3 golf course on the grounds as well as a tennis court, unique swimming pools, and a shopping area. The hotel features five restaurants and five bars as well. The Gran Melia offers all inclusive vacation plans that will suit your needs and also caters to ‘room only’ guests as well. [Read more…] about Gran Melia Cancun Hotel