Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park
Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, Cozumel, Quintana Roo
With its unspoiled beaches, lush nature trails, and abundance of marine life, Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is among the highlights of Cozumel, set along the island’s west coast in the area’s National Marine Park. The Chankanaab name comes from the Mayan language and means "little sea," referring to the park’s natural lagoon. The access to the warm, turquoise sea is a top draw, as are the provided lounge chairs and hammocks prime for relaxing on the beautiful beach.
Visitors can choose from an array of Chankanaab tour options to fit their budget and schedule. Book skip-the-line entry in advance to save time, or opt for a tour that combines time at Chankanaab with a visit to Discover Mexico Park.
Top Chankanaab activities include swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling in the warm Caribbean waters, as visitors can view the abundant marine life and unique underwater statues of The Christ, Chacmol (Maya god of rain), and the Virgin Mary at Chankanaab Reef and Chankanaab Lagoon. On land, beach park activities include lounging in the sand, taking a stroll through the park's botanical gardens, visiting the crocodile exhibition, watching dolphins swim and play, and catching a sea lion show. The park also offers a swimming pool and various add-on experiences such as spa treatments, a zip-line course, a tequila-tasting experience, and dolphin swims.
Many tours departing from Cozumel include entrance fees or skip-the-line admission.
A variety of restaurants and snack bars offer food (including fresh tortillas), or you can bring your own meals.
Beach umbrellas provide shade, but be sure to slather on some sunscreen.
Lockers, showers, and restrooms are available onsite.
Snorkeling and diving equipment rentals are offered.
Lifeguards are on duty at the park, and life vests are available.
Beach wheelchairs are available.
Chankanaab Park is located on the west coast of Cozumel, just south of San Miguel, and is open to visitors daily from 8am to 4pm. Round-trip transportation is included on most tours, but taxi cabs can also usually be found lined up outside the park and parking is available. While Chankanaab can get crowded when a cruise ship pulls into town, guided combo tours allow you to visit multiple Cozumel sights without getting stuck in the crowd.
December through March is high season in this part of Mexico, and thus Chankanaab beach adventure park. Don't be surprised at the presence of larger crowds and possibly booked-out activities during this time; a guided tour may be your best bet. Arriving at Chankanaab when it opens (8am) allows you to get the most for your vacation dollar. Please note that the the park can be crowded when a cruise ship pulls into town, as Chankanaab is a popular shore excursion.
Maya heritage is celebrated in Cozumel. The Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park includes a recreated Maya Village, where visitors can immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the ancient Maya people.
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