![6 Best Chankanaab Beach Shore Excursions [2024]](https://gangwaze.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/system/blog/chankanaab-beach-adventure-park-excursions/chankanaab-beach-adventure-park-excursions.jpg?resize=contain&width=320&height=180&quality=75 "Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park – Pictures, Reviews, Price & More")
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is one of the most popular cruise excursion destinations in Cozumel, Mexico. And for good reason! It’s nearby your Cozumel Cruise Port and offers a variety of shore tour options inspired by Mexico’s beauty and culture.
Whether you want to lounge on the beach, swim with dolphins, zipline over the jungle, or taste that famous Mexican tequila everyone is slurring about, you’ll find it at Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park.
Chankanaab Map & Attractions
The park is divided into six different sections. Each offers an array of attractions and excursion options. Some have an additional cost, while others are included in the price of your entrance to Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park.
Below we’ll break down the park to show you the separate sections and the main attractions found in each.
Chankanaab Feature #2 - Lagoon & Zipline
The national park is actually named after the “Chankanaab Lagoon” located in this section of the resort. The Mayan translation is “little sea” and refers to this little body of water located in this section of Chankanaab Beach Adventure park.
The beautiful, crystal-clear pool is fed by caves stretching underground to the gulf floor. Within the lagoon is a colorful array of fish seen from multiple platforms surrounding the waters.
The Zipline ride is one of the more exciting attractions Chankanaab BEach Adventure Park has to offer. You’ll take a total of six rides and the entire experience lasts roughly 30 minutes. Expect spectacular views of the park and surround forest areas. You’ll even sail over crocodiles licking their chops from the waters below.
- Crocodile Viewing
- Lagoon
- Ziplining
Chankanaab Feature #3 - Mayan Ruins Replicas
Many visitors to Cozumel know of the area’s rich Mayan heritage. You’ll find a number of cruise excursions to visit the Mayan Ruins. These sites are over an hour away from your cruise port. We’re not advising not to see the actual ruins… but, the next best thing is found here at Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park.
The resort does an excellent job capturing the story of the Mayans and putting it onto display through their intricate recreation. Don’t miss the show at noon including authentically dressed Mayan dancers.
You’ll find the following attractions scattered among this section of the park.
- Mayan Huts
- Mayan Steam Treatment
- Natural Spa
- Pre-Hispanic Replicas
- Tequila Experience
- Agave Landscape
- Mi Mexico Lindo Bar
Chankanaab Feature #4 - Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens provide a great chance to get out of the sun and explore the Caribbean eco-culture. Not only will you find Mexican flora and fauna, but also some friendly little creatures scurrying around.
If you like iguanas, you're in luck. There's no shortage here. And speaking of iguanas – don’t miss the massive iguana statue just outside the gardens. It makes for a great photo-op.
This section is great for family tours. Here you’ll find the following.
- Botanical Gardens
- Large Iguana Statue
- Child's Playground
Chankanaab Feature #5 - Swim with the Dolphins, Manatee & Sea Lion Show
This is one of the most popular sections of Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. And the dolphins are the main event.
As shown on the map, you can see the dolphins are contained in an area just off the shore. If desired, you can actually get right in there and swim around with them! The privilege will cost you extra and there’s limited availability. We’ve heard from a number of cruise passengers that missed their opportunity by waiting too long to book. You’ll find options below to reserve your spot.
While the dolphins tend to win the spotlight, we love a good sea cow! Within the same area, you’ll find manatees hanging out and doing whatever it is they do. Like the dolphins, it’ll cost extra to swim with these huge, underwater-potatoes.
The sea-lion show is one free options while in this section of Chankanaab Park. The incredibly smart sea-creatures put on an amazing show and will be a highlight of your day.
- Swim with Dolphins
- Swim with Manatees
- Sea Lion Show
- Swimming Pool
Chankanaab Feature #6 - Snorkel & Scuba
You’re only in Cozumel for a day, and snorkeling is a must. There’s no better place than Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. Not only is the water warm and clear, but the underwater scenery is spectacular.
You can bring your own snorkeling gear or rent some for a reasonable price. You’ll find multiple sculptures sunken to the gulf’s floor and accessed only by holding your breath and taking the plunge.
If snorkeling isn’t your thing, try Snuba-ing or Seatrek-ing. Both provide a source of oxygen piped to you while underwater. And, neither require a scuba license! These are a paid upgrade. If interested, check out some excursion options displayed below.
There’s even an option to stay dry while viewing the underwater ecosystem. Rent a clear-bottom kayak and row up and down the coast peeping from above. Don’t be surprised if you see stingrays, barracudas, or sea-turtles!
No matter which option you choose, you’ll have access to the coral reef just meters from the coast of Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. It’s the second largest in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef). It’s a natural wonder and entirely worth the visit and price.
- Inlet Swimming Area
- Clear Bottom Kayaking
- Snorkel, Suba ($), Seatrek ($)
- Underwater Diving Cave
- Underwater Christ Statue
- Underwater Chacmol Statue
- Underwater Madonna Statue
There are tons of excursions within this one section of the park. You could spend an entire day without leaving this area of Chankanaab Park.
As you can see, the park’s six areas contain something for everyone and makes for an amazing cruise excursion option while in Cozumel. If you’re sold on Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, you’ll have a variety of options to choose from ranging from the very basic park admittance to a private tour with concierge service.
We’ve researched every major excursion provider to offer you the best options and deals. Listed below are our handpicked list of shore tours from various vendors. We’ve laid these out to get you the best price based on whatever you’re after.
Shore Excursion Options at Chankanaab
We’re here to make sure you have your dream day at Chankanaab. Below are all of your park options from various vendors. You’ll want to pay attention to the “what’s included” section. Some come with transportation while others don’t. With a few tours, you’ll be required to purchase your own food and others include a buffet or snack. And finally, snorkel equipment rentals may or may not need to be rented based on your choice below.
The Park opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM.
Chankanaab Day Pass (Skip the Line)
Your admittance pass gets you access to the entire park, from 8AM until 4PM. This is your “bare bones” ticket to exploring Chankanaab Park.
Your admittance pass will get you into the park and access to most attractions shown above. Explore the beach, lagoon, crocodiles, gardens, pool, sea lion show, and more.
To snorkel, you’ll need to rent your own equipment or bring some with you from the ship. You’ll also be responsible for your own transportation. Cab fare to and from the park will cost roughly $20 each way.
- Bathrooms
- Changing Rooms
- Showers
- Hammocks
- Beach Chairs
- Life Jackets
- Underwater Statues
- Swimming Area
- Pre-Hispanic Replicas
- Tropical Garden
- Agave Landscape
- Mayan Hut
- Children's Play Area
Chankanaab Manatee Excursion
If interested, make sure to book this early. Particularly if arriving to Cozumel port on a highly trafficked cruise day. We’ve heard from some that waited too long to book.
Manatees are very unique creatures. Picture a 1,300 pound potato with fins, tail, and cute little face. Very rarely will we get to interact with these graceful blobs. This is one of those rare opportunities.
You’ll get up close and personal with the manatees at Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. From your submerged platform, you can interact with (and even hug and kiss) your new sea-cow buddies. You might just fall in love. But, don’t try and take one home with you. We tried. The logistics don’t work.
Your “Swim with Manatees” ticket includes general admission to the park. Explore the beach, lagoon, crocodiles, gardens, pool, sea lion show, and more. Click below for more info on what is and isn't included.
- All Standard Access Amenities
- Manatee Encounter
- 30 Minute Tour
- 15 Minutes in the Water
- Intimate 10 Person Group
- Professional Photos ($)
Chankanaab Dolphin Excursion
The “Swim with Dolphins” tour is the park’s most popular.
Flipper’s distant relatives are located within a contained area of the Gulf of Mexico, right off the park’s shore. You’ll have various cruise excursion options to get involved.
Depending on your level of comfort (and depth of pockets), you can keep your distance and pet these dolphins from a waste-deep platform… or get fully submerged and scuba dive with the friendly sea-mammals.
- All Standard Access Amenities
- Learn About Dolphins
- Ride a Dolphin's Belly
- Play with Dolphins
- Intimate Group (12 max)
- Professional Photos ($)
- 1 Hour Tour
- 30 Minutes in the Water
- All Standard Access Amenities
- Scuba Dive with Dolphins
- Learn Dive Theory
- 25 Foot Underwater Dive
- Pet, Kiss & Hug Dolphins
Chankanaab VIP Pass with Food & All You Can Drink
Get ready for a fantastic day in Cozumel with the Cozumel All-Inclusive Premium Day Pass! This pass has it all: complete snorkeling gear, a delicious à la carte lunch, an open bar with a variety of cocktails, and beach access with hammocks and lounge chairs. Plus, you'll get to enjoy sea lion shows and explore an archaeological area with authentic replicas of Mayan ruins.
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is an amazing shore tour option for guests of all ages and perfect for families with kids. Whether you're looking to relax or have some adventures, this all-inclusive package has everything you need. And don't worry about getting back to your cruise on time, as Chankanaab Park is just a quick 10-minute taxi ride from the main cruise ports. Enjoy your day at your own pace and soak up all the fun and excitement Cozumel has to offer!
- A La Carte Lunch
- Premium Open Bar
- Sea Lion Show
- Mayan Replicas
- Archaeological Area
- Snorkeling Gear
- Vest, Mask & Fins
- Beach Access
- Beach Chairs
- Hammocks
- Showers
- Changing Rooms
- Tequila Tasting
Chankanaab Zip Line Tour
This is one of the best-priced zipline excursions we’ve seen. Considering access to the park is $29, you’re actually only paying $41 to zip around. If you’ve never ziplined, this is the perfect chance! We’ve heard of the zipline filling up, so make sure to reserve a spot if this is something you’re interested in.
For our thrill seekers out there, you won’t want to miss the zipline at Chankanaab Park. You’ll soar over the crocodile pits and jungles of Cozumel. You’ll have the best possible views of the island through the eyes of a seagull (or pick your favorite bird).
We recommend ziplining before exploring the rest of the park, as you can scope it out from overhead and get excited for the rest of your day.
- Full Park Access
- Zip Line Instruction
- 1km of zip line
- Lagoon Fly Over
- June Fly Over
Shore Excursion Options at Chankanaab
With any shore excursion that you pick, make sure to check whether your transfer is included in the cost. If not, you can use our Cozumel Cruise Port Taxi Rates post to figure out the cost to and from your tour.
Cozumel Cruise Port is one of our favorites. You have the rich history and amazing culture set on a beautiful Caribbean backdrop. Oh, and the tequila to boot. Chankanaab cruise excursions combine as many of these elements as possible into the options seen above. We hope that you’ve found your perfect day in Mexico!
