Hunt for Cozumel Street Art, A Must Do in Cozumel!
Whether you’re looking for what to do in Cozumel for a day, week or even a month, one of my top things to do in Cozumel during my stay was searching for street art. For such a small island, there is an incredible amount of artwork adorning it! Even if you’re not actively looking for it, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll find. This is nowhere near a complete list as I’m sure you’ll discover more with every visit. Consider this a great introduction to the world of Cozumel street art!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sea Walls: A Cornerstone of Cozumel Street Art
Many of the beautiful art pieces you’ll see are thanks to an initiative called Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans. Established by the PangeaSeed Foundation, this public art program communicates the importance of ocean conservation through street art. They collaborate with their community of over 200 international contemporary artists to create murals across the globe since 2014. Through their “artivism”, these artists become ambassadors and happily do so on a volunteer basis to support the cause.
Why ocean conservation? We need to protect them for so many reasons. Our oceans provide 70% of the oxygen we breathe, medicines we use to stay healthy, approximately a sixth of the animal protein many people eat, and more. Unfortunately, we take this plethora of help the seas gives us for granted. Humans keep overfishing, polluting and developing in such a way that it’s seriously affecting the health of our oceans. What PangeaSeed hopes with Sea Walls is to connect with the public on a less-intense, more relatable level by translating facts into visual stories. Their hope is to increase awareness of these issues while engaging with the general population in a non-confrontational way.
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Sea Walls Murals in Cozumel, Mexico
In 2015, Sea Walls took to the streets of Cozumel to create 36 murals. You’ll find the majority of them in the downtown core of San Miguel de Cozumel. While I wasn’t able to see them all, I managed to spot quite a few! I’ll definitely catch the rest during my next visit to the island.
The murals are listed in a general north to south direction along the island.
Curiot (USA)
You’ll have to look up for this one otherwise you might miss it! With this piece, American artist Curiot is addressing Cozumel’s coastal development. A massive influx of tourists to a small area can have an incredible impact. Pollution, waste, infrastructure and habitats are put under enormous pressure to try and cater to this influx which can burden the area.
Melhor (Mexico)
Mexican artist Melhor was tasked with illustrating the importance of living in balance with the marine life found around Cozumel. Nearly all seven species of sea turtles are classified as endangered because of humans. Their greatest threat is the deadly fishing nets they get caught in. Not only that, but they’re also exploited for their eggs, shells, meat and skin. The pattern Melhor uses is in reference to those found in art created by the Huichol or Wixáritari, one of the Indigenous Peoples of Mexico.
Frase (Mexico)
In this mural by Mexican artist Frase, he draws attention to the need to preserve our coral reef systems. As some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, they house about one-third of all marine fish species at some point in their life.
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Seher One (Mexico)
Mexican artist Seher One brings attention to the sea life along the country’s Yucatán Peninsula. Sustainable diving and snorkelling ecotourism are valuable opportunities as sharks, manta rays, turtles, and more bring visitors to the area.
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Jaz (Argentina)
Tasked with the topic of shark conservation, Argentinian artist Jaz chose to highlight the deadly effects of shark finning. Approximately 100 million sharks are murdered each year for their fins alone for the primary use of shark fin soup.
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Cyh Jason (Taiwan)
Taiwanese artist Cyh Jason embraced his imagination as he illustrated this turtle bus for his mural. As you can see along the top, he references a number of issues our oceans face.
Jason Botkin (Canada)
“When you enter the ocean, you enter the food chain, and not necessarily at the top.” – Jacques Yves Cousteau
This quote is all too real in Canadian artist Jason Botkin’s mural. While Cousteau may not have known about the effects of pollution, over-exploitation and other terrible human consequences, the films about his adventures aboard the Calypso garnered the public’s attention to just how disastrous human negligence can be on our environment.
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Meggs
Coral bleaching is a critical threat our oceans are facing right now, and Australian artist Meggs has illustrated just how much our coral reefs have been affected. His pie chart shows how one-quarter of our coral reefs are threatened while almost another quarter has already died from bleaching and acidification. We may have one-half of our coral reefs still, but we need to desperately protect them from bleaching by fighting against climate change and global warming. Scientists estimate by the end of the century, our oceans will be so acidic that coral may not be able to grow at all.
Jack Fox (South Africa)
Overfishing is a serious issue in the world which South African artist Jack Fox brings to the forefront with his mural. Over half of the fish stocks globally are being fished quicker than the species’ can replenish. 40,000 jobs were lost when a cod population collapsed and instead of fishing sustainably, governments are subsidising these fleets. This means they’ll go further to find fish and the devastation will only continue.
Chris Konecki (USA)
As coastal development continues, animal life continues to be impacted. This is what American artist Chris Konecki illustrates as fish, birds, and other wildlife get tangled in the human impact along their shores.
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Aaron Glasson (New Zealand)
Kiwi artist Aaron Glasson uses eye-catching colours to draw you into his mural for dolphin preservation. Living in complex social groups, highly intelligent creatures like dolphins need to be in the wild. Living in captivity severely inhibits their growth as wild dolphins swim up to 100 miles a day. The lack of socialization, hunting, and playing means these captive dolphins suffer and have a severely reduced lifespan.
Tristan Eaton (USA) & The London Police (UK)
This collaboration between American artist Tristan Eaton and British group The London Police captures capitalism’s impact on our oceans. As coastal nations sell fishing rights to big conglomerates who can pay the highest bid, small-scale fishing communities are suffering. This capitalist practice is directly impacting overfishing as well as small communities who depend on fishing for survival.
Phlegm (United Kingdom)
UK artist Phlegm focuses on the impact of humanity’s calamitous fishing practices. Over the last 50+ years, our impact has caused 90% of our oceans’ big fish like sharks, tuna and marlin to be overfished. We need to stop to save our oceans from the brink of destruction.
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Liz Rashell (Mexico)
By the middle of this century, the UN predicts our oceans will be empty due to our consumption habits. It’s these destructive behaviours that Mexican artist Liz Rashell highlights in her eerie mural. We need to utilize our natural resources in a sustainable way so future generations can live in a healthy environment.
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Zio Ziegler (USA)
Climate change is a real threat and American artist Zio Ziegler highlights that in his mural. As greenhouse gas concentrations increase, our waters heat up along with the world’s surface temperature. It’s a snowball effect as these warmer temperatures lead to a greater risk of coastal flooding, acidic oceans and impacted marine life. This all in turn will cause serious economic and environmental impacts.
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Hueman (USA)
“We’re just one person but we hold a lot of power” – a quote from Hueman which summarizes her choice to celebrate Dr Sylvia Earle of Mission Blue. She has dedicated her life to protect our oceans and continues to inspire many others to do the same.
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Colectivo la Quinta (Mexico)
These Mexican artists came together to paint an incredible mural highlighting many of the elements within our oceans. We all need to do our part to save them!
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Carote (Hong Kong) & Celeste Byers (USA)
This partnership between Chinese and American artists Carote and Celeste Byers starkly illustrates the impact of shark finning. As a multi-billion dollar industry which includes black market ties that rival drug trafficking, the shark fin trade is still going strong. It’s because of this industry and the unsustainable consumption habits it perpetuates that the world’s shark population has declined by 90%. Consumer demand will decide whether or not this industry dies the horrid death it deserves.
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Ian Ross (USA)
American artist Ian Ross had breathed new life into this local convenience store in Cozumel thanks to Pangeaseeds. His detailed design reminds us how intricate and interconnected our oceans are, and how we are to them.
Amanda Lynn (USA)
Plastic pollution is not to be scoffed at. American artist Amanda Lynn illustrates humanity’s impact as 44% of all seabird species, 22% of cetaceans, all sea turtle species and a number of fish species have been documented being affected by plastic. Whether it is found in or around their bodies, our carelessness is killing wildlife and will continue to do so until we do something about it.
Kai’ili Kaulukukui (USA)
Hawaiian artist Kai’ili Kaulukukui focuses on the threat our oceans’ sharks face. Right now, science estimates that the world’s shark population could be decimated within the next 10-20 years. They balance the delicate ecosystem of the ocean and this could have detrimental effects if destructive fishing/consumption practices don’t stop.
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Naturel (USA)
Cozumel is a fragile island community, and much like the flowers illustrated by American artist Naturel, they depend on the health of their ecosystems for survival.
Dherzu (Mexico)
Having lived in the world’s oceans for over 100 million years, sea turtles are an important link to marine ecosystems. Mexican artist Dherzu shows how our sea turtles are disappearing. However, with the help of ecotourism, they can hopefully survive while providing a source of income to local communities.
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Jesús Benítez (Mexico)
Oil drilling is dangerous and disastrous to our Earth. Mexican artist Jesús Benítez illustrates how catastrophic an oil spill is. All it takes is one error and an entire ecosystem can be forever impacted by an industry who’s response plans are less than adequate.
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Faith 47 (South Africa)
Best seen from the water, South African artist Faith 47’s mural is a stark reminder of how plastic kills. In just the past 10 years we have produced more plastic than in the previous century. There is so much plastic in our oceans that we could end up with it on every mile of beach throughout the world.
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NEWS (Mexico)
Overfishing is a serious issue and one that Mexican artist NEWS was tasked with emphasizing. The United Nations predicts that global fish stocks will collapse in 30 years or less if we don’t stop the current fishing trends.
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Fintan Magee
Australian artist Fintan Magee pays tribute to traditional fishing techniques. By passing on this knowledge from generation to generation, it increases the sustainability of marine natural resources.
Alexis Diaz (Puerto Rico)
We’ve discovered less than 10% of the Earth’s oceans yet we’ve overfished 90% of it. Puerto Rican artist Alexis Diaz reminds us that ocean exploration can lead to new discoveries, ideas and theories – even medicines! Currently, we use chemicals and even biological materials from marine organisms in anti-cancer drugs, tuberculosis, HIV, malaria and dengue.
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Cryptik (USA)
American artist Cryptik shows the interconnectedness and dependency so many parts can have – like us and the ocean. Over 2.5 billion people worldwide depend on our oceans for food and livelihood, which can have devastating effects if we don’t start protecting them.
EVER (Argentina)
With over half of the world’s population living in coastal zones, Argentinian artist EVER reminds us that the oceans are our lifeblood. Not only that but ocean-based businesses contribute over $500 billion to the global economy.
Smithe (Mexico)
Caribbean coral reefs have suffered incredible declines in the last 50 years. Mexican artist Smithe draws attention to the relationship between the people, reefs and species of the Yucatan Peninsula. With coral cover on the reefs in the region down to less than 15% today, the leading suspect is coral disease – stemming from declining water quality, coastal development, overfishing, and other human acts.
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N30 (Mexico)
Just 1 in 1000 baby sea turtles will make it to adulthood. Despite being a source of food for crabs, birds and other marine animals, humans are their biggest threat. Mexican artist N30‘s eerie ghoul-like figure is a testament to how our impact looms over their survival.
Paola Delfin (Mexico)
Mexican artist Paola Delfin focuses on the connection between humans and endangered sea turtles. Suffering from poaching and exploitation, these creatures have no chance unless we step up and stop reckless acts that threaten their survival.
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Bicicleta Sem Freio (Brazil)
While this mural by Brazilian artist Bicicleta Sem Freio is beautiful, a closer look shows the impact of unsustainable consumption of single-use plastics. This plastic waste kills over 100 million seabirds, mammals and fish each year.
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Tatiana Suarez (USA)
American artist Tatiana Suarez addresses the fact that our coral reefs are in peril throughout the world. The sickly green is a stark testament that approximately 75% of the remaining reefs are threatened.
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List of Additional Street Art in Cozumel
While the Sea Walls murals make up the majority of the street art on the island, there is more to be found! I’ve listed additional pieces I’ve come across along with their locations. I’ve either made up titles for these or describe them as I see them, so bear with me on the names!
Manta Ray & Octopus – Found outside of the Turquoise Beach Bar. I was surprised to find out these weren’t a part of the Sea Walls by Pangeaseed. It sure seemed like they would be! The murals all over this building are done by Leonardo Tezcucano who hails from Mexico City.
Papa Hog – Only at Papa Hog’s Scuba Emporium! Book with them if you’re planning on doing any scuba diving in Cozumel. Don’t mind my drowned rat look, I had just finished my open water certification!
Christmas-like Display – You can find this in the plaza next to City Hall. It almost looks like a stage, but I’m not sure!
RoboBird – You’ll see this on your way to the Mega grocery store via the back way. I really have no idea what it is but my best guess is it’s an air conditioner that’s transformed into an animal!
Coral Abstract – I’m referencing the colour, not the sea species! Done by Seone – I’m assuming a local artist?
All You Need is Love – In case you needed a reminder. It’s a great one for all of us!
Gryphon Outline – Sandwiched between a few murals, I’m not sure if this is actually a gryphon or two fierce birds. Anyways, I love the simplicity of this one – it really stands out amongst the others!
Apple Eyes – I think it’s self-explanatory… and a bit creepy if I’m gonna be honest!
Eyeballs – Watch out, they might follow you!
Motorcycles – You might be surprised at who you find on this mural! I’d say that looks a bit like Mick Jagger, don’t you think?
Sea Turtle Starfish – I thought this might have been part of the Sea Walls but it doesn’t seem so! Whoever the artist is, they did an amazing job!
Tiger & Turtle – Another fantastic mural featuring some of our world’s beautiful creatures.
F20 Leopard – I’m not sure what the F20 is for, but my story is he was too cool for the F1 race. So cool he’s F20. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Also, don’t quote me but I think this is another piece by Melhor, the same Melhor who participated in Pangeaseed’s Sea Murals.
Abstract Bird – I almost walked by this one! You’ll have to be going north in order to see it unless you make a point of turning around
Hello, Bob! – I don’t know about you, but this gentleman has a stark resemblance to Bob Marley! He seems to be commissioned by people in Cozumel to create art across the island. Amazing!
BirdSharkFish – It seems artists here like their animal mashups!
Free Tequila – Everyone loves this mural as it means the Free Tequila Tour is just one block away!
Man & Shield – You’ll find this just around the corner from the previous mural. This one has some tribal-like elements.
Fiesta! – You can’t miss the party as you make your way to Casa Mission for the Free Tequila Tour!
The Face of Tequila – You’ll have to go on the Free Tequila Tour to see this one, but it doesn’t cost you anything so why not?
Monochrome Fish – You’ll have to look up for this one, otherwise you’ll miss it!
Sunny Days – Head into the pedestrian mall area close to the heart of San Miguel de Cozumel.
Prayer for the Earth – I didn’t go up the escalator because I was mesmerized by this mural! While I don’t know what language the quote to the left is in, I have a feeling it describes the mural. My interpretation for this is that an Indigenous man is saying a prayer for help in reviving the earth.
Burritos Gorditos – I would have eaten here because of this mural had I not just eaten!
Cozumel Wings – don’t worry if you don’t have time to snag this as you arrive into Cozumel! The airport is so small that chances are you’ll have plenty of time to snap a photo with the Cozumel wings before you head through security upon departure.
Cozumel Sea Walls: Round 2
Just a few months after my visit to Cozumel in 2019, PangeaSeed was at it again with a second round of ARTivism. Sea Walls returned with 16 brand new artists to add even more colour to this already vibrant island. In a span of 10 days, 13 more murals were born as the fight for our oceans continues.
I unfortunately have yet to return and experience these murals for myself. But if you’re like me and want to virtually see them because you can’t wait until your next visit, check out this link. From the hyperrealistic to the psychedelic, I’m sure you’ll be blown away by the creativity these artists have shared.
Cozumel Street Art Map
If you’re looking to plan which pieces you can visit during your visit to Cozumel, this map of Cozumel’s street art can help!
The Sea Walls murals (not including those as part of Sea Walls 2) are labelled by artist name/handle in blue. Additional artwork I came across is described and labelled in purple.
Do You Hunt for Street Art When You Travel?
Street art is one of the best free things to do in Cozumel, and even across the world! Street art really allows you to get more insight into the city’s vibe while it’s an outlet for local and international artists alike. It’s another way for people to communicate and for stories to be told. The tale may not be obvious at first, but if you take a moment to enjoy it and create your own narrative, it will leave a lasting impression. I know many of the murals in Cozumel did on me!
If you’d like to learn more about the street art in Cozumel, you might be interested in taking a guided tour through Viator. Now I haven’t taken it myself so I can’t speak to what the experience will be, but it might be able to shed even more light on some of the messages these incredible murals are trying to convey! Click here to book your tour.
Are you always on the lookout for street art? What’s your favourite from this list? I’d love to hear in a comment below!
Looking for more things to do in Cozumel?
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Josy A
Wooooah! I am so impressed! You found so, soooo many of these!
Cozumel’s art looks spectacular. I mean there are so many gorgeous colours and beautiful works of art…but I am also impressed by how political and thoughtful they are. You did a great job including information about each artist and the meaning behind each mural. It must have been a thoughtful (and sad) journey with all the art about overfishing, plastic and coral bleaching. 🙁
Lindz author
The best part was that most of them I just stumbled upon! I’d love to get back and actually walk street by street so I can see them all. Yes I am Lindsay and I am a street art addict haha!
I actually didn’t realize they were part of a mural project until I started researching this blog post! One of the reasons I love it – you never know what you’ll learn! Pangaseed has done murals like this in a number of places including Cancun, New Zealand and even in Churchill, Manitoba! I wish I had the skills of these artists, their pieces are so thoughtful. What a great way to get the public talking about such important issues!
Amanda
I love searching for street art! It’s such a fun thing to do and while you’re doing it, you also get to experience your destination. Great post!
Lindz author
I couldn’t agree with you more! Thanks so much for your kind words and comment!
Ryan K Biddulph
Wow this is major league street art Lindz! Most art on da street is solid but the walls are not too preserved…or, the street art is a bit sloppy. These images are eye-popping. Awesome-sauce post.
Lindz author
Aren’t they incredible?! The skills of these artists blew me away. There are other mural projects like this by Pangeaseed all over the globe – it’s amazing!
Thanks for the support as always, Ryan! 🙂
Bonnie Sue
Thank you for sharing the deep beauty of street art, along with your artistic interpretations.
Lindz author
You’re welcome! I’ve heard there’s even more street art as another festival was held where more mural were painted. I’ll have to visit and update this post when I do! 🙂