Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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 Culture at Chankanaab Park

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.

Ways to explore

Standard admission tickets to Chanakanaab Adventure Park cover access to the lifeguard-supervised beach, where you can sunbathe, kick back in a hammock, or swim. You can also use the beach volleyball court and kids’ playground.

If you want more out of your time at the park, opt for snorkel gear rentals, scuba diving courses with PADI-certified guides, or sea trekking adventures. All-inclusive tickets are available for those who want to splurge on food and activities.

Accessibility

The site is accessible for wheelchair users, and there are sand wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Age limits

For diving courses, participants must be at least 10 years old.

What to pack

Bug spray, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, waterproof phone case for underwater pics

What to wear

Bathing suit, beach shoes, sunglasses, sun hat

Not allowed

No food and drink from outside the park

Amenities

Eateries, hammocks, sun loungers, showers, restrooms

Address 

Chankanaab Adventure Park is a 15-minute taxi ride south of Cozumel’s cruise port.

Driving

If you have your own wheels on Cozumel, simply put “Chankanaab Adventure Park” in your sat nav, and you’ll find your way there with ease. The attraction has a parking area available for guests.

Public transportation

If you’re traveling from the Yucatan peninsula, make your way to Playa del Carmen’s federal pier (Muelle de Playa del Carmen). From here, ferries to Cozumel depart regularly. When you arrive on Cozumel, hop in a taxi.

Best times to visit

Crowds aren’t too big an issue here, as the park is large and spaced out, though it’s best to arrive as early as possible to make the most of your day.

Best days to visit

Sunday is a good choice, since it’s the least busy day for cruise ships on Cozumel.

Best months to visit

Aim for a trip between November and April, when Cozumel’s weather is at its sunny and dry best.