From $79Chankanaab Park
What it is
Chankanaab is Cozumel's national marine park, built around a sheltered cove and an inland lagoon on the island's west coast. The name means small sea in Maya, a nod to the lagoon that connects to the Caribbean through underground channels. Inside the gates you find a shallow reef dotted with submerged statues, a botanical garden of native plants, a dolphin enclosure and a beach with loungers and pools, all in one walkable park. Because the cove is protected, the water stays calm and clear, which makes it one of the easiest places on the island to snorkel straight from shore.
How to visit
Most visitors spend half a day at Chankanaab, longer if they add a Sea Trek, SNUBA or dolphin programme. Buy admission ahead of cruise days when the park fills early, arrive in the morning for the calmest water, and bring or rent snorkel gear to explore the cove and its statues. Lockers, showers and restaurants are on site, so you can make a full beach day of it. The park sits about ten minutes by taxi south of the cruise piers.
Hours & practical info
Open daily, roughly 8am to 4pm. Admission and activity programmes sold online or at the gate.
Insider tips
- ✓ Arrive early on cruise days to beat the crowds and find a lounger.
- ✓ Use only reef-safe sunscreen, regular creams are restricted in the cove.
- ✓ Combine admission with a Sea Trek or SNUBA session for the best value.
Tours featuring Chankanaab Park
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is snorkel gear included with Chankanaab admission?
- Basic admission usually covers park access only. Snorkel gear is rented on site or bundled into snorkel and activity packages, so check what your ticket includes.
- How far is Chankanaab from the cruise port?
- Chankanaab is about ten minutes south of the Cozumel cruise piers by taxi, which makes it an easy half-day stop for cruise passengers.