Quick answer: Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is a national park on Cozumel's west coast, about 9 km (10–15 minutes by taxi) south of downtown San Miguel and just a few minutes from the cruise piers. Entry is about US$31 per adult and US$22 for kids 4–12 in 2026 (under 4 free), and it includes the beach, loungers, showers, lockers, life vests, a shore snorkel area with underwater statues, the Chankanaab lagoon, a sea lion show, a crocodile area and botanical gardens. It's open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Plan on four to six hours.
Chankanaab is the easiest "everything in one place" day on the island. You don't need a boat, a guide or a car, and there's something for every age, which is why it's a favorite with families and cruise passengers. Among the residents: the crocodiles in the photo above. Watch them from behind the fence, never from the water.
Chankanaab Park at a Glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Where | West coast, on the coastal road south of town (around km 9 of the Carretera Costera Sur) |
| From the cruise piers | About 5 minutes by taxi from Puerta Maya and the International Pier |
| Entrance fee | About US$31 adults, US$22 kids 4–12, under 4 free |
| Hours | 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday to Saturday |
| Closed | Sundays |
| Included | Beach, loungers, showers, lockers, life vests, snorkel area, lagoon, sea lion show, gardens |
| Extra cost | Snorkel gear (about US$15), food and drinks, dolphin and other animal programs, diving |
| Time needed | 4–6 hours |
| Best for | Families, beginner snorkelers, cruise days, anyone who wants an easy, organized day |
Prices and hours are 2026 estimates and change often. Confirm on the official Chankanaab page before you go.
What Is Chankanaab Park?
Chankanaab (say "chan-ka-NAHB") means "little sea" in the Maya language. The park is named for its natural saltwater lagoon, which is linked to the Caribbean by underground tunnels through the limestone. Around the lagoon the park has a stretch of beach and reef, gardens, Maya-style replicas and animal areas.
It's part of the protected Cozumel reef system, inside the Cozumel Reefs National Park, and it's run by the island's parks and museums foundation, the same group that runs Punta Sur Eco Park. Where Punta Sur is wild and quiet, Chankanaab is busy, tidy and built for visitors, with restaurants, a dive shop and plenty of staff.
Things to Do at Chankanaab
Snorkel the reef and underwater statues
The main reason most people come. Steps and ladders lead into calm, clear water along a shallow reef, and a short swim out you'll find sunken statues, including the Virgin of Guadalupe, Christ, the Maya rain god Chaac and old cannons, covered in coral and surrounded by fish. Expect sergeant majors, parrotfish, angelfish and the occasional ray or turtle. Life vests are included and required for weaker swimmers. It's one of the best spots for beginners, and it's on our list of the best snorkeling in Cozumel.
See the Chankanaab lagoon
The lagoon sits in the middle of the park, ringed by paths and shade trees. Swimming in it isn't allowed, to protect it, but it's worth a slow walk around to look for fish, crabs and the color of the water where it meets the rock.
Watch the sea lion show
A short, family-friendly sea lion presentation is included with entry and runs a few times a day. Ask for the show times when you arrive and plan your snorkel around them.
Visit the crocodiles and iguanas
Chankanaab has a fenced crocodile area, and iguanas wander the lawns and sun themselves on the walls. Kids love them. Keep your distance and don't feed them.
Walk the botanical garden and Maya replicas
Shady paths wind through a garden of tropical plants, and a small area shows replicas of Maya and other pre-Hispanic structures and a traditional Maya house. It's a nice break from the sun. For the real thing, visit the San Gervasio Maya ruins in the middle of the island.
Add an animal program or a dive (extra cost)
A private operator inside the park runs dolphin, sea lion and manatee swim programs, booked separately, and there's a dive shop for shore dives on the reef. These are sold on top of your entry ticket. If you book an animal program, park entry is often included, so check before you buy a separate ticket. Browse our Cozumel tours and diving directory for operators.
How Much Does Chankanaab Cost?
- Entry: About US$31 per adult and US$22 per child 4–12. Kids under 4 are free.
- Snorkel gear rental: About US$15 for the day. Bring your own to save money and get a better fit.
- Lunch and drinks: Expect about US$15–25 per person at the park restaurants. Some packages add lunch and drinks for a set price.
- Animal programs: Dolphin swims and similar programs cost much more, often US$100–200+ per person.
- Taxi: A short, fixed-zone fare each way from town or the piers. Ask the price before you get in.
Tickets are sold at the gate. Online packages and cruise excursions are also available, but they usually add transport or lunch rather than a discount on entry. Pay in pesos, US dollars or by card. Our money and tipping guide covers when to use which.
Is Chankanaab Worth It?
Yes, if you have kids, are new to snorkeling, are on a short cruise stop or just want one easy day with facilities, shade and no planning. Everything is a few steps apart and the water is calm.
Maybe not, if you're a strong snorkeler or diver who wants the island's best reefs. A boat snorkel trip to Palancar or Colombia Shallows will show you more, and a beach club can be a better deal if your day is mostly about loungers and drinks. If you want quiet nature and empty sand, choose Punta Sur instead.
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How to Get to Chankanaab
- From the cruise piers: Take a taxi from the stand at Puerta Maya or the International Pier. It's about 5 minutes. From Punta Langosta downtown, it's about 15 minutes.
- From town: Taxis are easy and quick. You can also drive or ride a scooter south on the coastal road. There's parking at the entrance.
- Getting back: Taxis wait at the park gate through the afternoon.
See how to get around Cozumel for taxi fares and rental tips, and our cruise port guide for which pier you'll dock at.
When to Visit Chankanaab
- Arrive at 8 a.m. The water is calmest, the fish are active and you'll have the reef mostly to yourself before cruise groups arrive around 10 a.m.
- Check the cruise schedule. On days with several ships in port, the park gets crowded by late morning. Quiet days are much nicer.
- Remember it's closed on Sundays. Plan your visit for Monday through Saturday.
- Watch the weather. Strong winds from the north or west, mostly in winter, can make the water rough or close the snorkel area. Read our best time to visit Cozumel guide for the seasons.
What to Bring to Chankanaab
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Chemical sunscreens harm the coral and aren't allowed in the water. A rash guard is even better.
- Your own mask, snorkel and fins, if you have them.
- Water shoes for the rocky entries.
- A towel.
- Cash in pesos or small US bills for tips, lockers and snacks.
- A waterproof phone pouch or underwater camera for the statues.
Chankanaab Tips From Locals
- Grab a lounger near the snorkel entries when you arrive, then explore the rest of the park later in the day.
- Swim against the current first. There's usually a gentle current running north. Start at the southern entry and drift back, or swim against it while you're fresh.
- Don't touch or stand on the coral. Wear a life vest if you need a rest, and keep your fins up off the reef.
- Feeding the fish isn't allowed. Neither is feeding the iguanas or crocodiles.
- Leave on time. On a cruise day, head for a taxi at least an hour before all-aboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Chankanaab Park in 2026?
Entry to Chankanaab is about US$31 per adult and US$22 per child aged 4–12 in 2026. Children under 4 enter free. Snorkel gear rental is about US$15, and food, drinks and animal programs cost extra.
Is Chankanaab open on Sunday?
No. Chankanaab is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.
Is Chankanaab Park worth it?
Yes, for families, beginner snorkelers and cruise passengers who want an easy day with a beach, calm snorkeling, underwater statues, a sea lion show and facilities in one place. Experienced snorkelers will see more on a boat trip to the outer reefs.
How far is Chankanaab from the cruise port?
Chankanaab is about a 5-minute taxi ride from the Puerta Maya and International cruise piers, and about 15 minutes from downtown San Miguel and the Punta Langosta pier.
Can you snorkel at Chankanaab without a tour?
Yes. Your entry ticket includes access to the snorkel area and a life vest. Bring your own gear or rent it at the park for about US$15.
Can you swim in the Chankanaab lagoon?
No. The lagoon is protected and swimming isn't allowed. You swim and snorkel in the sea along the park's reef instead.
Are there crocodiles at Chankanaab?
Yes. The park has a fenced crocodile area where you can watch them safely. Iguanas also roam the grounds.
How long should you spend at Chankanaab?
Plan on four to six hours to snorkel, see the sea lion show, walk the lagoon and gardens, and have lunch. Arrive at opening time for the calmest water and fewest people.
Keep planning:
- Best things to do in Cozumel
- Best snorkeling in Cozumel
- Punta Sur Eco Park guide
- Cozumel beach clubs
- Cozumel cruise port guide
- Cozumel tours and diving directory
Run a tour or dive shop in Cozumel? Reach visitors planning their day at Chankanaab on Blog Cozumel.
