11 hauntingly beautiful underwater sites

We live in a beautiful world, but some of the most mesmerizing sites take a little digging (or diving) to find. From shipwrecks to sculptures, these underwater attractions are the perfect combination of eerie and alluring.

Yonaguni Monument, Japan

The Yonaguni Monument was discovered in 1986 off the coast of Yonaguni, one of the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. Since then, it has been the subject of much speculation and debate. The rock formation has tiered planes and straight edges, giving it a sort of pyramid shape. While some think the shape looks manmade, others claim the stratigraphy is normal for sandstones in areas with tectonic activity. So: Japanese Atlantis or geological wonder? Therein lies the monument's mystery—and appeal.

Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA), Cancun, MexicoThis enchanting underwater museum features more than 400 permanent life-size sculptures on the ocean floor, each designed to promote coral and marine life. Visitors reach the museum via boat and snorkel above the statues, which range from groups of people to a Volkswagen coated with seaweed.

Ginnie Springs, FloridaFlorida has a wealth of freshwater underwater caves to explore, but Ginnie Springs stands apart for its accessibility and crystal-clear water. There’s no need for extra training to explore the large cavern in Ginnie Springs; it’s been deemed safe enough for open-water certified scuba divers to enter. The upper portion is lit by sunshine filtering through the entrance—an impressive sight. —Jonathan Shannon

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