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About Chankanaab

The area has one of the best reefs accessible from the beach, no need to take a boat, just jump in and enjoy. This feature has made the park one of the favorite places for visitors who want to learn to scuba dive or snorkel in Cozumel. Its crystal clear waters, perfect depth, minimal current, and abundant sea life provide safety and tons of fun. Our Snorkel and Scuba School has been in Chankanaab since the 50s. It was founded by Mr. Ramon Zapata Novelo. It ́s a family business and we are already training the 4th generation of Zapata Scuba Instructors. Thousands of friends and visitors have trusted us to be their guides to Cozumel’s Submarine wonders. In the late 70́s, my grandfather decided to submerge the Guadalupe Virgin bronze statue in the area for the divers and snorkelers to visit. Now, it ́s accompanied by the statue of Christ, original Spanish cannons that were recovered from sunken boats, as well as a replica of the Mayan Rain God Chaac.

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Chankanaab is the perfect place to enjoy your day in Cozumel, it has an archeological area with more than 60 replicas of the Mesoamerican lapidary art laid out in a tropical garden with more than 350 types of plants coming from more than 20 states besides the island ́s endemic vegetation. The “Mayan House” offers a glimpse into the cultural past of the peninsula and even offers an opportunity to try a fresh hand-made tortilla. Other attractions in the park include tequila tasting, a Temazcal (Mayan sweat lodge), massages, fish spa, restaurants, Sea Trek, Snuba, gift shops, and the marine mammals area, where you can enjoy the sea lion show (included in admission fee) and even participate in dolphin and manatee activities. The huge beach area with its white sand is decorated with palm trees, hammocks and “palapas” (beach umbrellas made from grass) and beach chairs to rest and relax. On the north side of the beach, there is a shallow bay that is ideal for the kids to play in the sea.

There are different restaurants and snack bars located throughout the beach so that you are always close to a refreshing beverage. Waiters will also be happy to serve your orders under your palapas if you prefer. At the south end of the park, you will find the famous “Quebrada” cave, which has been the object of exploration, scientific investigations, and has even been featured in national and international TV shows such as National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. Its underwater tunnels extend for over 6 miles and bring huge freshwater volumes directly from the jungle to the Caribbean Sea. During the scuba tour, we visit the cave ́s entrance (cavern) to see the halocline formed by the mixing of fresh and saltwater. Swimming through those tunnels is a memorable experience and a memento that will surely be talked about at many friends and family reunions. Chankanaab Park is synonymous with adventure, nature, fun, tranquility, and safety, all in one place for you and your family to enjoy, it ́s also a part of a conservation area whose income is destined for community development through kids scholarships, environmental programs, cultural and sports activities and many other necessities of Cozumel and Quintana Roo.

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Entrance : $26 USD adult / $19 USD child

Kids under 3 years are FREE & 12+ years old pay adult price

 

Operating Schedule: Monday to Saturday 9:00 to 5:00

Park Admission Includes:

  • Sea Lion Show

  • Beach chairs, palapas & hammocks

  • Hammocks

  • Pre-Hispanic replica area

  • Mayan House

  • Tequila Area

  • Tropical Garden

  • Life Jackets

  • Kids Beach Area

  • Bathrooms & Showers

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Recommendations: Cash, towel, camera, sunglasses, hat

UV Protection water shirt - the use of sunblock is not allowed if you plan to get in the water! See our article - Sunblock & Coral Reefs

 

Observations: With the objective of protecting the reef and sea life, the use of sunblock or suntan lotions is not permitted.

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