Playa Chankanaab, Cozumel
Overview
Playa Chankanaab is the beach of Chankanaab Park, a protected park on the west coast of Cozumel at Kilometre 9 of the Carretera Costera Sur, about ten minutes by road south of San Miguel and the cruise piers. The name means "small sea" in Maya and refers to the natural lagoon at the centre of the park, which is connected to the Caribbean.
The beach is part of the park and is reached through its entrance, so it is not a free public beach in the usual sense. Admission covers the beach, loungers, hammocks and shade, showers and changing rooms, the botanical garden with its replicas of Maya and Mexican sculpture, and the sea lion show. Snorkel equipment, the dolphin, manatee and sea lion programmes, and food and drink are charged separately.
Our current condition score for this beach is .
Photo summary of last month
Each photograph is published unedited and in date order, and is replaced as newer submissions arrive, so what appears here is the most recent view of the beach rather than a promotional photograph.
Chankanaab lies on the sheltered west coast, so its photographs are a useful comparison with San Francisco and Palancar further south, and with the exposed east coast of the island on the same day.
Position relative to the Atlantic sargassum belt
Sargassum reaching the Mexican Caribbean crosses the tropical Atlantic and is carried north along Quintana Roo by the Yucatán Current. Cozumel's east coast faces that flow directly and receives most of the island's sargassum. Chankanaab is on the west coast, which faces the mainland across the channel and is sheltered from the prevailing easterly wind, so arrivals here are generally lighter. They are not absent, and the dated photographs above show the beach as it actually was.
The sargassum season
The regional season runs from roughly May to August, with the heaviest arrivals usually in June and July, and the coast is generally quieter from late autumn into spring. The wider picture is set out in our Riviera Maya sargassum season guide.
Snorkelling and the reef
Shore snorkelling is the main reason to visit. Ladders and steps lead from the beach into water where the reef begins a short distance out, and an underwater area holds sculptures, including figures of Christ and the Virgin, among the fish. Life vests are provided, and reef-safe sunscreen is required by the park.
Swimming conditions and safety
The water along the swimming area is generally calm and suitable for beginners and children. Cozumel's west coast carries a steady northward current, which can strengthen at the outer edge of the beach, so swimmers with little experience should stay inside the buoy line. Some entry points are rocky, and water shoes are useful. Visibility is usually best in the early morning, before the larger excursion groups arrive.
Choosing where to stay
Chankanaab has no hotel of its own. Most visitors stay in San Miguel or at the hotels along the Carretera Costera Sur, several of which are a short drive away, and come to the park for the day.
Access and getting there
The park is at Kilometre 9 of the Carretera Costera Sur and is reached by taxi, rental car or scooter from San Miguel and the cruise piers. Opening hours and admission prices change from season to season and are best confirmed directly with the park before visiting.
Check live conditions before you go
On the live map we track Playa Chankanaab with dated photographs and a current condition score, which makes it easy to compare with the other beaches of Cozumel on the same morning.
See live conditions, photos & cams →