Stingrays, turtles and dolphins in Cozumel
Cozumel's animal encounters center on Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, about 9 km south of town. Visitors can swim with dolphins or manatees, watch a sea lion show, or see sea life from a glass-bottom boat over the offshore reefs. Most of the animal swims are booked in advance.
Places to go
Chankanaab Park
Chankanaab is a natural park on Cozumel's south coast, with a sandy beach, a shallow snorkel area and a lagoon. Visitors snorkel off the sand, swim with animals or try a reef dive from here.
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park is a protected offshore reef system along the west and south coasts of Cozumel. Divers and snorkelers come here to see the reefs, which are among the most popular recreational dive grounds in the Mexican Caribbean.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Dolphin Swim Adventure at Chankanaab National Marine Park
Dolphin Encounter and Chankanaab National Marine Park
Private Turtle and Starfish Catamaran Snorkel at Turtle Bay and El Cielo
What to expect
Most people reach Chankanaab by taxi, a ride of about 10 to 15 minutes. The park is set on a small cove, and the animals are kept in pens on the beach. A dolphin swim, a manatee swim or a sea lion show is the main draw, and most passes also include access to the rest of the park.
The other option is a glass-bottom boat trip over two or three reefs. These reefs are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world. The trip takes about 2 hours, and you watch sea life pass beneath the glass floor on the way out to the snorkel sites. It suits anyone who would rather stay dry and does not want to get in the water.
Where to go
- Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. Dolphin swims, manatee swims and a sea lion show, with park access. Shallow swimming areas and play areas for children. About 9 km south of town, by taxi. A trip that goes here: Manatee Swim and Chankanaab Park, 2+ Hours, $79 a person
- Cozumel reefs by glass-bottom boat. A boat tour over two or three reefs, with sea life seen through the glass bottom. Reefs are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Offshore reefs, boat reached. A trip that goes here: Dolphin Swim Adventure at Chankanaab National Marine Park, 1+ Hour, $149 a person
Getting there
Chankanaab is about 10 to 15 minutes away by taxi, and you can simply tell any local driver to go there.
When to go
Mornings are the best time for Chankanaab, with fewer crowds and calmer sea. Busy days bring more visitors, so booking ahead is worth doing.
Good to know
- Book the dolphin swim before you arrive; a small deposit secures the ticket and the balance is paid at the park.
- Leave cameras in your bag for the swim-with-animals area, since they are not allowed there.
- Taxi fares depend on distance and the number of people, so agree on the price before you set off.
- Bring cash in pesos for small purchases, since many businesses here take US dollars at a poor exchange rate.
Questions
Can you swim with dolphins in Cozumel?
Yes, at Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, about 9 km south of town. Dolphin swims need to be booked in advance and include park access. Cameras are not allowed in the swim area, so plan to leave them with your bag.
How do I get to Chankanaab?
Take a taxi, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also ask any local driver to take you to Chankanaab.
Is a glass-bottom boat trip a good option for seeing marine life?
It is, especially if you do not want to get in the water. The boat visits two or three reefs, which are parts of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and you can watch sea life through the glass floor. The trip takes about 2 hours.
