Chankanaab National Park

Mayan ruins, Caribbean beaches, ancient health therapies and spectacular dining and diving; some of the best features of the Riviera Maya are at this island park.

Chankanaab National Park on the beachfront at Cozumel offers a selection of the best things the Riviera Maya has to offer. If you have limited time to explore the Riviera Maya, then Chankanaab is a good place to go as you will get to experience a little of everything. Chankanaab’s sheltered waters are popular with beginner snorkelers and divers, and the parks abundant attractions, from dolphin shows to ancient ruins, make it a hit with young families.

Begin your visit with a walk through the jungle, either on a free guided tour or by following the jungle paths on your own.

Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery by morning, and in the afternoon scuba dive or snorkel through a wonderland of tropical fish and stunning marine gardens. There are also limestone caves in the inland lagoon to explore.

For non-divers keen to experience the underwater world, the Sea Trek Helmet Dive gives visitors the chance to walk on the ocean floor wearing a special helmet and breathing apparatus.

Immerse yourself in the history of one of the world’s great civilizations at the various Mayan ruins, and stroll through the botanical gardens and discover more than 350 species of tropical plants on display. Still feeling energetic? Rent a sea kayak, go sailing or join in a game of beach volleyball on the courts. When it’s time to relax, book a treatment or massage at one of the spas, or simply climb into an empty hammock and order up a margarita.

The park is open daily and there is an admission fee. Attractions such as Dolphin Discovery and Sea Trek Helmet Dive have additional fees.

To get to Chankanaab National Park, take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. Once at Cozumel, rent a car or motorbike, or hail a taxi or minivan.

Popular Activities at Chankanaab National Park

We understand you want to make the most out of your trip to Chankanaab National Park. So, we've rounded up some of the most popular things you can do here:

If you'd like even more activities, check out our Cozumel things to do page.

Guide to Exploring Chankanaab National Park

El Mirador (Cozumel)

Go on coastal walks and enjoy great ocean vistas from a rocky viewpoint at a beach on Cozumel’s wild side.

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Museum of the Island of Cozumel (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel)

Once an old luxury hotel, this museum tells the history of ancient Mayan culture and the impressive geology of the Cozumel.

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Dolphinaris

Play dolphin trainer for a day or take an unforgettable “dorsal tow” though the sparkling waters of the Riviera Maya.

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Punta Sur Ecological Park (Parque Punta Sur)

Take a breath of fresh sea air and lose yourself amid the environmental and historical wonders of Cozumel’s largest ecological reserve.

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Palancar Beach

Superb snorkeling and a laid-back atmosphere makes this Cozumel beach the sort of place visitors stop at for an afternoon and end up staying for a week.

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Punta Morena

Enjoy many sun-filled hours on a beautiful beach that offers great surfing opportunities and lots of space for peaceful relaxation.

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Dolphin Discovery - Cozumel

Head to the Chankanaab National park to swim with dolphins and pet sea lions and manatees in the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

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Map

Top Hotel Deals

See all 343 Properties near Chankanaab National Park

Secrets Aura Cozumel Adults Only

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Secrets Aura Cozumel Adults Only

Carretera Costera Sur Km 12.99 c, South Hotel Zone, Cozumel, QROO

4.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Cozumel property is within a 5-minute walk of Dolphin Discovery, Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, and Chankanaab National Park. Paradise Beach is 3 mi (4.9 km) away.

Fiesta Americana Cozumel - All Inclusive ￥23,729

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Fiesta Americana Cozumel - All Inclusive

Carretera A Chankanaab Km 7 5, Cozumel, QROO

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Cozumel hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Uvas Beach, Chankanaab National Park, and Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. Corona Beach and Dolphin Discovery are also within 2 mi (3 km).

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa ￥21,494

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InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa

Carretera A Chankanaab Km 6-5, Cozumel, QROO

4.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Cozumel hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Uvas Beach, Chankanaab National Park, and Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. Dolphinaris is 3 mi (4.9 km) away.

The Explorean Cozumel - All Inclusive ￥33,715

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The Explorean Cozumel - All Inclusive

Carretera a Chankanaab km 7.5, Zona Hotelera Sur, Cozumel, QROO

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Cozumel hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Chankanaab National Park and Cha'an Ka'an Observatory of Cozumel. Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park and Punta Sur Ecological Park are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Grand Park Royal Cozumel - All Inclusive

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Grand Park Royal Cozumel - All Inclusive

Carretera a Chankanaab Km. 3.5, B Zona Sur, Cozumel, QROO

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Cozumel, this beachfront property is connected to a shopping center, 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Cha'an Ka'an Observatory of Cozumel, and 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Dolphinaris. Stingray Beach and Gonzalo Guerrero are also within 2 mi (3 km).

The Landmark of Cozumel ￥27,229

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The Landmark of Cozumel

Carretera Costera Sur Km 6.5, Cozumel, QROO

4.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Cozumel condo resort is within 2 mi (3 km) of Uvas Beach, Chankanaab National Park, and Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. Corona Beach and Dolphin Discovery are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Secrets Aura Cozumel - All Inclusive ￥22,891

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Secrets Aura Cozumel - All Inclusive

Carretera Costera Sur Km 12.99, Hotel Zone, Cozumel, QROO

4.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Cozumel hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Paradise Beach, Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park, and Mr. Sancho's Beach Club. San Francisco Beach and Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel - All Inclusive ￥13,385

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Sunscape Sabor Cozumel - All Inclusive

Carretera Costera Sur Km 12.9, Cozumel, QROO

3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Cozumel property is within a 15-minute walk of Paradise Beach, Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park, and Mr. Sancho's Beach Club. San Francisco Beach and Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Chankanaab National Park

Chankanaab National Park

Popular Activities at Chankanaab National Park