Plunge Into Underwater Museum Of Art - Florida

By Sarah Miller Freelance Journalist

Just 58-feet below the surface, divers will find a dazzling display of over 41 sculptures. These sculptures aren’t just masterpieces, they’re helping marine life flourish. Over time, the sculptures metamorphose into living ecosystems. Subtle changes start slowly, with the growth of algae. Then over months, a mature reef bursts into a colorful habitat teeming with sea life.

Before the museum, 95% of the area was made of barren sand flats. With the installation of artificial reefs, sea life can find protection and nourishment needed for survival.

Allison Wickey, a diver and artist, was familiar with artificial reefs–all of them cement or limestone blocks stacked in pyramids. Wickey dreamed of combining form and function, art sculptures that would bring beauty and life under the sea. With support from the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and SWARA (South Walton Artificial Reef Association), Wickey’s vision transformed into a living, breathing underwater museum.

Sea Sculptures

Art lovers swim and swoop over sculptures that provoke thought and pure whimsy. In 2022, “The Seed and the Sea” was submerged. Davide Galbiati, an artist living in France, created a woman, eyes closed, head tilted up, to comment on the fragility of marine ecosystems and the need to cherish all life. Now a few years underwater, this marine masterpiece is even more beautiful as hundreds of shiny bait fish zip past her upturned face.

Divers won’t have trouble finding the museum’s centerpiece, a 5-ton pirate skull sculpture by artist Vince Tatum. Allison Wickey, a founder of UMA, created Opus, an octopus that captures the mystery, intelligence, and playfulness of her favorite sea creature.

New sculpture installations are submerged every year, 2024 will bring eight new sculptures like Poseidon’s Throne by artist Nathan Hoffman and Bubbly Barnacles by Donna Conklin King. Divers can shine light into the barnacles in the sculpture’s base to reveal hidden sea life.

Since the opening of UMA, divers have observed more than 100 different marine species. From small sea creatures like lobster and toadfish, to large species like the goliath grouper who can reach 800 pounds, they’ve all found a home at the UMA. Even rare sightings of the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, one of the rarest

and smallest sea turtles in the world have found a safe haven here.

Each sculpture attracts different sea life depending on its shape, size, and design. Walt Hartley owns a diving tour company and is involved in conservation efforts. “Installing artificial reefs is about conservation. At least we can start to put a dent into problems like pollution and overfishing.” Hartley loves sharing the UMA with visitors and knows every crevice of the sculptures. “Seeing a napping Kemp’s ridley turtle relaxed in the wild gave me a sense of pride that what we’re doing here is really working.

How to see the UMA?

To see the UMA, you’re going have to go scuba diving and be SCUBA certified. Hartley and his crew at Dive30A, can set you up with tours and equipment. If diving is not on your list, then visit Dive30a.com for a list of excursions including snorkeling.

Where to stay

Finding a place to stay will not be hard here. Whether you opt for glamping at one of Grayton State Park Beach’s cabins or staying at one of the nearby resorts like the WaterColor Inn and Resort in the idyllic Seaside, Florida, you’ll find plenty of excellent options.