One our most recent Disney Cruise Line sailing we stopped at this fun park and dolphin area location. There is so much to do from shopping, encounters with dolphins or manatee, a sea lion show to watch, spend some time at the beach and lunch. I was very thankful that they offer lockers included with your admission to store all your stuff. We have been at this location a few different times and have tried different things each time. My family really enjoys Cozumel on our DCL sailings. I wish the food was a little more Mexican then Mexican-American, I want some yummy tacos please. Chankanaab is a beautiful natural park located on the island of Cozumel, Mexico, and is one of the most popular destinations for both locals and tourists. The name "Chankanaab" comes from the Mayan language, meaning “small sea,” which is fitting given its close proximity to the sparkling Caribbean waters and the expansive marine life that thrives in the area. This eco-park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax. One of the main attractions at Chankanaab is the opportunity to snorkel and dive in its protected lagoon. The waters are home to an impressive variety of marine life, including tropical fish, stingrays, and sea turtles. The park features well-maintained trails for easy access to the lagoon, allowing guests to enjoy these underwater wonders either from the shore or on a guided snorkeling or diving tour. For those who prefer staying dry, Chankanaab also offers glass-bottom boat tours, providing an alternative way to experience the vibrant underwater ecosystem. Beyond its marine activities, Chankanaab is home to lush gardens, ancient Mayan ruins, and fascinating cultural exhibits. The park includes a replica of a Mayan village, allowing visitors to learn more about the island’s rich history and indigenous culture. Additionally, there are opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and even interacting with dolphins through the park’s dolphin encounter programs. For those seeking relaxation, the park offers tranquil beaches where visitors can unwind under the sun, as well as restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Chankanaab is a must-visit destination on Cozumel, offering something for everyone in a breathtaking...
Read moreThe reef is STUNNING!!!!!! The food is DELICIOUS !!!!! The staff are PERSONABLE!!!!! The park is BEAUTIFUL !!!!!5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!! Only $28 for adults and $20 for kids. Worth every penny!!!
Honestly, I was not expecting much! I had heard mixed reviews and worried I would be underwhelmed. We walked into the Chakannaub park and immediately were in a beautiful nature park with nicely paved trails, full of Mayan culture, artifacts and recreations of Mayan sculptures. I was amazed at how beautiful the tropical garden was. We had a short lesson in Mayan living by a beautiful elderly woman inside a hut, who showed us what an ancient Mayan kitchen looked like and how it operated. I'll admit, I was very hot and wanted to get into the water asap. So I spent much less time in the garden than I would have liked. Next time, I will make sure I spend the time to fully explore the gardens.
We walked around a gorgeous lagoon and headed to the beach. Attendants were available to help us find seating, brought us umbrellas and immediately took our drink orders. The staff were fantastic. Our regular waiter for the day took amazing care of ALL our needs.
We grabbed our masks and headed to the water. I put my face in and I was pleasantly surprised at how gorgeous the reef wall was. I was also a little stunned that the water was approximately 50 feet deep. If you have little ones with you, grab a life jacket. I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I was with the beauty of the reef underneath the water at this park. The visibility gets a little cloudy at times, due to the amount of people in the water, but if you swim farther away from entrance/exit, the water becomes clear. The tide got a little strong at some points in the day, but all and all, I would consider it safe if you have a life jacket and you supervise smaller children.
Our lunch was pricey, but delicious. The food was one of the highlights of my day. Plan to spend about $20-25pp for food and drinks. Alcohol drinks are approx $22 for a TALL glass.
We did not make it to the pool, or to see the animals. I wish I had more time. We went with a friend of ours who lives in Cozumel and he took some fantastic pictures...
Read moreWe had an amazing time at Chankanaab with just the base level entry ticket. The pool was clean and refreshing, and big enough not to feel crowded. There was ample seating in and out of the shade. Our waitress, Edith, kept the included alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages flowing the whole time. The food at the buffet was better than expected. They had things like tacos and nachos but also things like hot dogs for more picky eaters. It was nice you had the option of eating inside in the air conditioning or outside if you didn't want to wait to dry off after getting out of the water. We walked along the park to get to the "beachy" area. There are a lot of shops and stands to browse, as well as a few beachfront bar options that are not included in the admission price, but worth stopping at. There are two different areas where you can enter the ocean. One is a "lagoon" type where you can just walk in. It wasn't very deep, and it has a breakwall to protect from the harsher currents. It was sandy with a few rocks here or there, we got by without the use of water shoes. The second is a snorkeling area accessible by multiple sets of stairs leading directly into the water. We brought our own snorkeling equipment, but you are able to rent it if you don't already have it. You can also check out life jackets for free to use while you snorkel or swim in the open ocean. As far as snorkeling goes, it was our first time doing so in the ocean so I don't have much to base my experience off of. There were colorful coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish. There are also sunken statues and some small caves in the reef to enjoy. There is also a "guided" snorkeling path that takes you along the coast by following the buoys. Do be advised, because you are in the open ocean near the coast, snorkeling is more recommended for stronger swimmers. I am not a strong swimmer myself, and the ocean was pretty rough the day we visited. We did not check out the botanical gardens or the replica Mayan ruins while we were there this trip, so I can't say anything about those. Our transportation was included. It was only a short drive...
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