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The oceans are not only filled with natural marvels but also host remarkable human-made creations. Statues have been submerged worldwide for diverse purposes—serving as memorials, protecting delicate marine ecosystems, or standing as artistic masterpieces. Adorned with algae and coral, some of these statues have become must-visit attractions for travelers.
1. CHRIST OF THE ABYSS // A TRIBUTE TO FALLEN DIVERS
Christ of the Abyss in Florida. Image credit: vgm8383 via Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0
Renowned Italian diver Duilio Marcante envisioned placing a Christ statue underwater near a popular dive site in San Fruttuoso, close to Portofino, Italy, following the tragic death of his friend Dario Gonzatti during a dive in 1947. Sculptor Guido Galletti was commissioned to create an 8-foot bronze statue of Christ with arms outstretched. Installed over 50 feet underwater in 1954, it serves as both a memorial for those lost at sea and a guide for divers in need.
Christ of the Abyss has evolved into a bustling dive site. In 2003, the statue was retrieved from the ocean for restoration after corrosion and anchor damage caused it to lose a hand. It was reinstalled in 2005. The statue's profound beauty and emotional impact have led to multiple recastings, with replicas now located in St. George, Grenada, and Key Largo, Florida.
2. VIRGIN MARY // COMBATTING ILLEGAL FISHING
In 2010, residents of Bohol, the Philippines, submerged two statues 60 feet underwater near the rare Danajon Bank double barrier reef. This fragile marine ecosystem had suffered from overfishing, with some fishermen resorting to destructive methods like dynamite and cyanide. To curb this, two 14-foot statues of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus were placed on the seabed, symbolizing the divine creation of this unique environment. The effort succeeded, as dynamite fishing ceased out of respect for the religious icons. Today, divers visit the site to admire and pray at the statues.
3. OCEAN ATLAS // SUPPORTING THE OCEAN'S WEIGHT
Ocean Atlas, the largest underwater statue, was created by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor and installed 16 feet underwater near Nassau, Bahamas, in 2014. The statue aims to highlight ocean conservation. Weighing 60 tons, it depicts a crouched girl seemingly holding the ocean above her, inspired by the Greek myth of Atlas, who bore the weight of the world. DeCaires Taylor specializes in underwater art, using pH-neutral marine cement designed to endure centuries and foster coral and seaweed growth, creating artificial reefs.
4. MOLINERE, GRENADA // THE GLOBAL PIONEER IN UNDERWATER SCULPTURE PARKS
Oblivious Dude via Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
In 2006, Molinere Bay near St. George's, Grenada, became home to the world’s first underwater sculpture park, established to aid recovery after storm damage. The park features empathetic sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor, designed to promote marine regeneration by offering surfaces for algae and coral growth. Among the initial installations was Vicissitudes, a ring of life-sized figures holding hands, molded from local children. Recently, 14 new sculptures inspired by Amerindian art, crafted by local artist Troy Lewis, were added, including a 3-foot Zemi, a traditional stone idol.
5. EASTER ISLAND STATUE // ENIGMATIC MOAI
D and the sea via Flickr
Near Easter Island, famous for its iconic Moai stone carvings, lies an underwater statue shrouded in mystery. The 10-foot concrete Moai is not an ancient relic but a contemporary replica. Its origins are debated—some believe it was crafted by locals to attract tourists, while others claim it was a prop for a Chilean TV show or the 1994 Kevin Costner film. Regardless, the statue has become a favored dive spot, with its crystal-clear, pollution-free waters offering excellent visibility.
6. AMPHITRITE // THE MERMAID OF GRAND CAYMAN
In 2000, Canadian artist Simon Morris crafted a 9-foot bronze statue of a mermaid, named after Amphitrite, Poseidon's wife in Greek mythology. Weighing 600 pounds, the statue was submerged 50 feet underwater at Sunset Reef off Grand Cayman Island (a similar version exists in British Columbia). A crane carefully lowered it into the water, and three holes were drilled in its head to prevent cracking during submersion. Today, it’s a beloved attraction for divers.
7. NEPTUNE MEMORIAL REEF // AN UNDERWATER RESTING PLACE
The Neptune Memorial Reef, established in 2007 off Key Biscayne, Florida, serves as an underwater mausoleum. Designed to resemble the lost city of Atlantis, it’s the largest human-made reef globally. Cremated remains are mixed with cement to create statues or memorials, allowing loved ones to be part of this unique coral garden. Divers and snorkelers can explore the site, paying tribute to those memorialized there.
8. RUINS OF BAIAE, ITALY // ANCIENT ROMAN DIVE DESTINATION
During the Roman era, Baiae on the Bay of Naples was akin to Las Vegas—a luxurious retreat filled with opulent villas and frequented by the wealthy. However, volcanic activity led to its downfall, and by 1500, the city was abandoned and eventually submerged. Today, Baiae is a protected underwater archaeological park. While many original statues have been moved to museums, replicas now stand in their place, preserving the site's historical charm. Visitors can explore the ruins via glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, or scuba diving, offering a fascinating look into this once-thriving Roman resort.
9. MUSA // UNDERWATER ART GALLERY
Andy Blackledge via Flickr // CC BY 2.0
The Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA) near Cancun, Mexico, is an underwater sculpture park featuring over 500 statues. Established in 2009, it spans 4520 square feet of seabed and uses materials that encourage marine growth, forming an artificial reef. Six artists contributed to the museum, with exhibits ranging from interactive stone hoops to Silent Evolution, a massive installation of 450 life-sized figures. The project aims to protect nearby natural reefs by attracting visitors to this previously barren underwater site.
