Chankanaab National Park - Cozumel, Mexico

A special treat for our cruise was a visit to a national park in another country, the gorgeous Chankanaab National Park in Cozumel, Mexico. If you happen to go to Cozumel on a cruise, this has to be the most bang for your buck -- especially if you want to go snorkeling. Once you get off the cruise ship, walk through the shopping area set up for Americans (though I have to say it was very nice). Then ask for a cab to Chankanaab. We paid $15 there and $15 back, but with four or less people it will only be $10 each way. It is only about a 10 minute cab ride, so not a big deal. Everyone we interacted with spoke English very well and we had no problems. Much better than Nassau, Bahamas.


Once we arrived, it was quite simple to purchase tickets. It was $14 each because of a $2 off per person coupon we found on the Internet here: http://www.cozumelparks.com/eng/cupon.htm. If you are interested in doing this, do not go through the cruise line. They were charging double that price! There are packages available if you are interested in snorkeling, I am not sure of the prices but once you are in the park it is only $10 to rent the gear. We already have our own. They also have a dolphin encounter, which I know many people are interested in. I am not sure of the price, but I am sure it is cheaper than whatever the cruise ship is selling.


I have heard Cozumel is some of the most beautiful snorkeling in the world. I don't have much to compare it to, but it was very nice. As soon as we got into the water, fish of all colors and sizes swam right up to us! I wanted to reach out and touch them, but thought that might be damaging to them in some way, so I decided against it. Once we swam a little deeper, there was an array of coral directly off shore. There were purples, blues, pinks, the most beautiful and colorful coral I have ever seen. We were able to dive down and look at some, which were up to probably 15 feet high. Certainly taller than me!

Also available, free of charge, were hammocks, big shades made of straw, and wooden lounge chairs. There is something for all ages. Food can be purchased, as well as souviners.

A recommended trip if you are going to Cozumel.

Until next time,

The camping bug