News
Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (MUSAN) is now open

The opening of MUSAN took place with an impressive ceremony last week at Pernera beach in Ayia Napa.
MUSAN is an aquatic treasure for Cyprus, since its uniqueness in combination with Ayia Napa’s marine environment create a special project, the like of which isn’t offered anywhere else.
The ceremony was opened by Ayia Napa’s Mayor, Christos Zannettou who stated: “I am very excited that this project is inaugurated during my time as mayor. It’s a legacy for future generations and contains many symbolisms about the alienation of humans from the environment, the relationship between different generations and climate change”.
The creation of MUSAN was a result of the joint effort of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, the Ayia Napa municipality and the Ministry of Tourism. In her speech, the director of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Marina Argyrou, expressed her great satisfaction and excitement that a unique and innovative project that was envisioned with the Ayia Napa municipality is becoming a reality. “I firmly believe that Jason’s 93 artworks will be a haven for many sea creatures and will contribute to the development of biodiversity in the area. The underwater museum will be a living visual and ecological experience, with works of art interacting with nature and evolving over time and I’m certain it will bring people closer to the marine environment and the conservation and protection of our marine ecosystem”. The Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works and former Mayor of Ayia Napa, Yiannis Karousos also addressed the guests. “When asked what projects I am proud to have promoted or implemented during my seven-year term as Mayor of Ayia Napa, among the first I mention is the MUSAN Underwater Museum that we are inaugurating today”, said Mr. Karousos. “It’s a Mediterranean jewel created by the world-renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor and offers visitors an unforgettable experience that demonstrates the relationship of humans with nature, the environment and the seabed.”
MUSAN is a landmark for the tourist product and the promotion of the marine environment of Cyprus, since it is an unmatched experience that combines the natural environment of the sea with art in a way that stands out. In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Savvas Perdios, stated that “diving tourism is a priority in the National Tourism Strategy 2030″.
At the new Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa, visitors can tour an underwater forest, a world’s first. There, they will view 93 works of art by Jason deCaires Taylor, inspired by nature and humans. At the same time, the museum is a work of art in itself, in which nature will be an artist and will make its own interventions, over time. The sculptures have been designed and made with materials that attract marine life, and are placed at different depths, thus creating a suitable substrate for marine life at all levels.
The sculptures are made of inert materials, with neutral pH, so as not to adversely affect the area. It’s a sandy area, 200 meters from the coastline of Ayia Napa and it is expected that over time the biodiversity of the area will be enriched, thanks to the museum.
Museum visitors can be divers, but also swimmers with mask and snorkels. The entire project is a water journey into the relationship between man and nature, as created by the renowned Jason deCaires Taylor. The artist uses his knowledge and skills as a sculptor, marine conservationist, underwater photographer and scuba instructor to create unique works of art, which respond to the place they are put and enhance marine life.
For more information visit the MUSAN website by clicking here.
Header Image: © MUSAN / Costas Constantinou
Marine Life & Conservation
Jeff chats to… Ana Filipa Sobral, Founder of The Manta Catalog Project in the Azores (Watch Video)

In this exclusive Zoom interview, Jeff Goodman, Scubaverse Editor-at-Large, chats to Ana Filipa Sobral, Founder and Project Leader of The Manta Catalog Project in the Azores.
Ana Filipa Sobral is a marine biologist and conservationist based in the Azores Islands. She moved to the Azores in 2011 and once there, realised that this was one of the few places in the world where Sicklefin Devil Rays (Mobula tarapacana) gather in large groups, making it a strategic place to study them. She started the The Manta Catalog Project and through this project, collects photo ID and occurrence data on Mobulid Rays, with the precious help of divers and dive operators as citizen scientists.
Ana is also finishing her PhD which focuses on population genetics and connectivity of migratory elasmobranchs in oceanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The main goal fueling my research has been to help fill the knowledge gaps on elasmobranch biology and ecology to ultimately assist in the design of effective conservation and management plans aimed at protecting their populations in this remote region of the North Atlantic Ocean.
You can find out more about Ana’s important work at: https://mantacatalogazores.wixsite.com/mobulaid/project.
Rather listen to a podcast? Listen to the audio HERE on the Scubaverse podcast channel at Anchor FM.
News
Dive Holiday Deals from Diverse Travel

Planning your next dive holiday? Check out the latest special offers from UK-based Tour Operator Diverse Travel and get yourself a great dive holiday deal!
INDONESIA | MY Emperor Harmoni | Bali, Sumbawa & Komodo | 15 – 23 September 2022
Save up to 1/3 off a trip to Indonesia!
Your chance to dive Bali, Komodo and Raja Ampat aboard the NEW luxury MY Emperor Harmoni for less!
Launching in September 2022. Emperor Harmoni is Emperor Divers Indonesia’s brand new liveaboard.
Built of Sulawesi Ironwood and offering a truly new experience to liveaboard holidays, experience a true sense of sailing the Indonesian seas in freedom, style, comfort and confidence with her two engines. Enjoy spacious diving and relaxation areas or relax with a massage on deck.
Example price based on Bali departure to Komodo
WAS £2900 / NOW from just £1995* per person based on sharing a twin luxury cabin including:
- 1 night in Bali before the boat departure with airport transfers
- One way flight from Labuan Bajo to Bali after the liveaboard with 20kgs baggage
- 7 nights onboard MY Emperor Harmoni with 3 meals a day, afternoon snacks, unlimited drinking water, tea & coffee
- All diving with guide, cylinders & weights, Marine Park & Port Fees
- Free Nitrox
- 1 cocktail party on a local island (weather allowing)
- Return airport transfers
* Price excludes international flights, these can be quoted at the time of reservation
Booking deadline: Subject to availability.
Other Dates available – book before 30 September!
MALTA | Dolmen Hotel | 28 September – 05 October 2022
With easily accessible dive sites offering great visibility, caves, overhangs and swim-throughs, with few currents, Malta is an ideal diving holiday location.
A modern hotel, with spacious, comfortable guest rooms and a choice of restaurants with delicious international and national cuisine. Several wonderfully relaxing bars, outdoor and indoor pools, plus a casino and several function rooms.
Price from just £975 per person and includes:
- Flights from Gatwick to Malta with 23kgs baggage
- 7 nights in twin room
- Bed & Breakfast meal plan
- 5 day / 10 dives diving with guide, tanks & weights
Booking deadline: Subject to availability – alternative dates available
MALDIVES | Emperor Atoll | Best of Maldives | 10 – 18 September 2022
This popular liveaboard and her crew give a personalised welcome to small groups of no more than 12 guests.
Built to high, comfortable standards she measures 26 metres and accommodates guests in 6 twin-berth cabins, all with air-conditioning and private bathrooms.
From just £1925 per person based on sharing a twin cabin including:
- Flights from London to Male with 30kgs baggage
- 7 nights in shared cabin
- 3 meals a day, afternoon snacks, unlimited drinking water, tea & coffee
- 6 days’ diving – total of 17 dives (incl. 1 night dive), guide, cylinders & weights
- Free Nitrox
- 1 BBQ dinner on uninhabited island (weather allowing)
- Malé city tour (on request)
- Return airport transfers
Booking deadline: Subject to availability.
EGYPT | Emperor Superior | Reefs & Wrecks | 11 – 18 November 2022
A very popular liveaboard, Emperor Superior offers fantastic diving in comfortable surroundings. Her experienced crew make this one of the best for divers in the Red Sea.
NOW from just £1255 per person based on sharing a twin cabin including:
- Flights from Gatwick to Hurghada with 23kgs baggage
- 7 nights in shared cabin
- 3 meals a day, soft drinks, red wine with dinner
- 6 days’ diving, guide, 12ltr tank & weights, Marine Park fees and port departure fees
- Free Nitrox
- Airport transfers
Booking deadline: Subject to availability. Limited spaces available.
EGYPT | Emperor Echo | South & St Johns Itinerary | 05 – 12 January 2023
Jump on board the latest addition to the Emperor fleet and enjoy diving the famous sites of the Red Sea with this fantastic special offer. Great value for money and perfect for small groups of buddies with a ‘Book 5 and 1 dives for FREE’ offer all year round.
Price NOW from just £1035 per person based on sharing a twin cabin/room including:
- Flights from Gatwick to Hurghada with 23kgs baggage
- 7 nights in shared cabin
- 3 meals a day, soft drinks, red wine with dinner
- 6 days’ diving, guide, 12ltr tank & weights, Marine Park fees and port departure fees
- Free Nitrox
Booking deadline: Subject to availability – limited flight seats at this price.
Alternative departure airports available at a supplement.
All offers are subject to availability. Call Diverse Travel on 01473 852002, email the team at info@diversetravel.co.uk or click HERE to see the latest special offers on their website.
-
Competitions2 months ago
WIN a Sharkskin Performance 40L Duffle Bag!!!
-
Competitions3 months ago
Win a Vasili Lights Fish Lantern!
-
Competitions2 months ago
WIN a c-monsta Wetsuit Hanger!!!
-
Dive Training Blogs3 months ago
Jeff chats to… Jim Elliott and Tinamarie Hernandez of Diveheart (Watch Video)
-
News2 months ago
DIVING talks 2022: the discussion we all want to hear
-
News1 week ago
Irish Marine Science student wins European Scuba Diving Scholarship
-
News2 months ago
DIVING talks 2022: all you need to know about this year’s event in Portugal
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs3 months ago
Love is in the air at Blue Planet Aquarium