A mysterious Mayan lagoon and Caribbean beaches, underwater worlds and a tequila museum make this island park a top destination in the Riviera Maya.
Cozumel Island is just a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen on the mainland, but it’s a journey that takes you to a different world and nowhere is that clearer than at Chankanaab National Park. You’ll find yourself transported to paradise as you explore the beaches and centuries-old Mayan buildings hidden among the trees.
Jungle paths meander through tropical forests from stunning marine gardens, limestone caves and mysterious Mayan ruins, to the inland lagoon that gives the park its name – “Little Sea”.
Cozumel Island was settled on by the Maya almost two millennia ago, and at the heart of Chankanaab, there’s a small, ancient Mayan village. Walking under the impressive archway or around the casitas (little houses), you can imagine the families who lived here centuries ago.
Underwater, there’s a whole universe of tropical fish, marine gardens and limestone caves to explore, either with a snorkel and flippers or with a special helmet on a Sea Trek Helmet Dive – a walk along the ocean floor wearing a helmet and breathing apparatus. For beginner snorkelers and divers, the sheltered waters are a perfect place to learn the ropes in safety, and there’s also sea kayaking and sailing for the more adventurous.
If you listen carefully, you’ll hear the dolphins at Chankanaab’s Dolphin Discovery clicking and chattering playfully away, calling from the deep and inviting you to swim with them. Under the bright Mexican sun, you can also splash around with manatees and meet playful sea lions.
Back on land, there are more than 350 different species of colourful, stunning tropical plants in the botanical garden. Spas offer ancient health treatments and luxury massages to the weary, while there are plenty of empty hammocks hanging from nearby palm trees for you to lie back in. Abundant margaritas, a tequila museum and excellent restaurants will keep you fed and watered in true luxury. You’ll be hard-pressed to leave again.
