Cozumel - Chatawaba (? spelling) Park

[amyd]

We will be going there in June for our Fascination cruise and are thinking of spending the day at the park/beach. Just wondering what activities they have. I see that there's a sea lion show and something about the dolphins...is that where the swim with the dolphins excursion is located? IF we pay the $10 for the day would we have to pay an additional $70 to swim with the dolphins? Or am I incorrect and it's not there at all. Just wondering what all we could do there with the kids. Or where in cozumel would be the best way to spend the day with our kids. THey are 7 and 3 years old.

Thanks.

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[Cotton]

Hi. I think you're referring to Chankanaab National Park. It's great, and I highly recommend it for a family. A few things have changed:

Park entrance fee is $12pp, $6 for children 12 and under. Well worth it! There IS Dolphin Discovery there, where you can swim w/them, but I believe it's $119, last I checked anyway.

BUT, you can watch them perform from a wooden deck walkway. I have some great video footage I took in September.

There's a lot to do at Chankanaab. There's the snorkeling rocky shore, a lagoon with sandy beach for the kiddies (I swam in it, too), and don't miss the botanical gardens. Right behind the lagoon. It has replicated Mayan ruins, and gorgeous flowering plants, as well as some HUGE iguana (they don't bother you, just kinda stare). http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Restaurants, shops, lovely landscaping, waiters bringing drink orders on the beach, but they're not pushy. Dive shops, sealion and bird show, and lots of palapas to sit under with the weird molded lounge chairs.

Oh, and it's a $10 (up to 4pp) cab ride there and the same back to the pier. VERY good value for an entire day. OR, you can split the day up, half at Chank, and then go into San Miguel, the town, for some local color. Lots of shopping at the Int'l Pier, as well.

Hope y'all enjoy!!! I love Chankanaab!

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[amyd]

The beach looks as if there's a drop off into the water. Not a beach where the kids can walk into the water. I'm guessing maybe that's at the lagoon. I dont see any pictures that show the lagoon. Just trying to get an idea of what we'll do so we can just go do it. IT sounds wonderful from your description. Lots to do.

Also is there anywhere in cozumel that you can rent jet skis?

Thanks for all the tips.

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[Cotton]

You're looking at the snorkeling area of the beach. You'll see the lagoon before you get to that area. It has a nice, sandy beach that gently slopes into the water, and it's pretty shallow. Great place for the kids.

I snorkeled for awhile, then went over by the lagoon to lay out. I had to walk out about halfway of the lagoon to be able to swim....so it IS pretty shallow. Palapas and beach loungers in the lagoon area, as well.

Sorry I don't know how to post pictures here, 'cause I have some great ones!

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[jimmy627]

cotton we were there this jan a to get into the park was only 10$ when did it raise to 12?

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[June Bug]

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Amyd,
There is a small lagoon at Chankanaab Park that has a sandy area where small children can play. Other areas are rocky but have rock stairs that descend into the water, but it gets pretty deep quickly. Remember to bring water shoes as the stairs were pretty slippery with bare feet...I saw several people slip and skin their knees and legs. We had no problem with our water shoes on.
They do have life vests and snorkling equip to rent pretty cheap up and down the beach. You will love Chankanaab...it is very nice.
I do recall seeing jet skis outside of the roped off area for swimming at Chankanaab (or rather people on jet skis) but I am not sure if these were rented at chankanaab or if they were just skiing around the park. Sorry! Have a great time!

June
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[June Bug]

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Also Amyd,
The Dolphin Discovery swim is there at Chankanaab Park...we booked it last summer on our own and it was almost 1/2 the cost of what Carnival was charging on their shore excursion...You must book that in advance as there will be no openings if you just walk up...unless someone is a no-show. Make sure that you book early enough to be able to get to the ship on time. I think we had to be back on the ship at 5:30...and our swim was from 3:30-4:15...we made it back with 30 minutes to spare...the longest time was waiting for our video. You cannot order the photos or video once you leave the park, so you have to wait for them in order to get them. I would book the 12:30 or somewhere around that time...you can go to their website to make sure.
Have fun!

June
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[Cotton]

Jimmy, about two months ago, I think. A few folks came back to report the entrance fee change, and were upset about it. (Geez, just $2 more?)

Anyhoo, that's what I understand. I haven't been to the Chank site lately, but I'll check it out later.

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[amyd]

PERFECT that sounds great. And it will be nice sitting on a beach and having some cabana boy bring me a drink. HA HA. I'll have to keep that to a minimum since my boys will be with me this time. I think I'll spend the day at the "lagoon" Just the sound of it sounds so relaxing. Thanks for all your help. If you figure out how to post pics I would love to see them. It always seems that the excursion with the cruise lines are so much more. We went to swim with the sting rays in Grand Cayman on our last cruise and saved 1/2 the $$ by going with Captain Marvin. It was wonderful.

Thanks again.

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[derf5585]

Chankanaab National Park in the Island of Cozumel
from
http://www.cancun-travels.com/Cancun-inf/Chankanaab.htm

Chankanaab National Park, Mexico
from
http://community.webshots.com/album/52981765KgcITt

Chankanaab Sea Lion Discovery (3.5-4 hours)
from
http://www.zipadeedoo.com/cozumel.htm

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NOT UPDATED again 25 Feb www.geocities.com/fsbsdel (http://www.geocities.com/fsbsdel)

[amyd]

Thanks everyone and thanks for the links. I cannot wait.

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[judyf]

I just return from Chankanaab Park we were there on Thursday April 8th. It's now $12.00 to enter the park. The lagoon area is great for kids I went there to cool off some before our Sea Lion swim. This was great and only $59.00 pp for package #1 which included park entrance fee, sea lion show and the swim with the sea lions. We loved it!

Can't go wrong with this park! Cotton suggested it to me and it was great! Thanks Cotton.

Judy
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[richym1]

We loved Chankanaab Park when we went last year in Feb. We tried Playa Sol in August, and I like Chankanaab much better. The snorkeling in the lagoon is like being in a huge aquarium with lots of fish. The family settled in the one section of sandy beach and we went exploring from there. Go early and grab a lounge on that beach! there is a lot to see and do! The dolphins were in pens, and I guess it looked like fun. I wouldn't pay the extra money to do it. They also have SNUBA there. The Sea Lion show was actually very good. Don't forget to budget cab fare in also. I think it's $20 or $30 each way. We may go there again this Summer on our Glory trip! I hope we are there long enough to drinks at Carlos and Charlies afterwards. I have a few pictures in our trip report here: Cozumel Day (Chankanaab Park)

Richy
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[richym1]

That link didn't come out right!
http://feb2002.tripod.com/february_20th.htm

Cozumel Day (http://feb2002.tripod.com/february_20th.htm)

Richy
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[Izzy Bee]

Can you parasail here??

Our 2004 Conquest!!!
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[drwestlake]

amyd - fellow ohioian! Do you have information about Captain Marvin?

[amyd]

Captain Marvin's was great. I cant remember what we paid but we took the 1 snorkel stop and swim with the stingrays. When we docked it was a short walk down the street to his shop and then we loaded up in a van and went to the dock. They were wonderful. Here is the link for his website.

http://www.captainmarvins.com/

I see that you live in West Jefferson. I was just out there last weekend at my aunts house. I love it out there.

Go Buckeyes!!

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[amyd]

Sorry double post

[Cotton]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by richym1:
Don't forget to budget cab fare in also. I think it's $20 or $30 each way.[QUOTE]
_________________________-

Whoa! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif I've been there twice, and cab fare was always $10 for up to four people - each way. Also, most folks who post about the cab fare also say $10.

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[ladyjane]

We were just at Chakanaab in March and the cab ride was $10.00 per cab. There were 4 of us. The fee into the park was $12.00 per person and my oldest daughter was free because she was in a wheelchair. We saw a couple giant iguanas. The lagoon area is very shallow, but it's a good way to get into the water to snorkel. You can also get in on some steps, but you need to be careful here as the water was rough the day we were there and the waves were strong. There is also a seal show (additional $5.00) that was fun. You can get your picture taken with the seal for $8.00 and there some parrots (or other tropical birds) are part of the show. You get really close to the birds and the seals and it's fun. Have a great time! Wish we were there!

[richym1]

Yes! You are right! I was thinking of Playa Sol! I see from my report, we actually paid $8 each way. Playa Sol is quite a bit further down the road.

[DonnaD]

We'll be at Chankanaab on July 8th. My son and I plan to swim with the dolphins. How far is the walk from the area with beach chairs to the dolphin area? Want to know how much time to allow to get where we are going, after getting the family all set up. Thanks

Donna

[Cotton]

Donna, as you enter the park, you'll go thru a lush landscaped area. Just a short walk, but very pretty. At the end of that walk, you'll see the Dolphin Discovery area straight ahead.

Look to your left, and you'll see the lagoon, and past that, the snorkeling area. I'd guess about a 2-minute walk. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

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[DonnaD]

Great! That is certainly easy. Thanks, Cotton.

Donna

[Cotton]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gifYou're welcome. Hope y'all enjoy Chank!

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[Cyt4SoreEyes]

OH YOUR GONNA ENJOY THEM DRINKS THE GUYS BRING AROUND..THEY HAVE SOME HUGE PINEAPPLE DRINKS THAT ARE COOL THEY MAKE THESE SILLY FACES ON THEM WITH FRUIT AND THEY WERE DELICIOUS..ALSO THEY HAD COCONUT ONES AS WELL..KIDS GOT A KICK OUT OF THEM...THEY HAVE THEM NON AND ALCHOLIC YOU CAN ALSO ASK THEM TO BRING YOU THE PINEAPPLE SLICES THEY CUT OUT TO MAKE THE HOLDER PART OF THE DRINK IN THE PINEAPPLE FOR YOU TO EAT AND ENJOY AS WELL..WAS SOME GREAT PINEAPPLE!! ..YOU WILL ENJOY THE SNORKELING AND SWIMMING THERE AS WELL..HAVE A GREAT TIME!!

Cyt

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[Cotton]

Hi Cyt. You're so right about the drinkypoos...good! I did my first snorkeling at Chankanaab in September, and it was truly amazing - something I've never done. As I get older, I'm trying to do all the things I've always wanted to do. Swimming with dolphins is next on my agenda!

Oh, I think this has been mentioned before, but could you please turn off your Caps Lock? In internet language, typing in caps is like you're shouting at us!http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Thx.

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[Cyt4SoreEyes]

oh sorry i am blind glasses upstairs all are sleeping don't want to disturb them by going up the noisy stairs being redone with no carpet on them from flood in my home. i can see what i am typing better in caps to catch errors..but i have turned em off now sorry people didn't mean to shout. happy cruisin all!!!

Cyt

Atlantic
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[Cotton]

Thx, dear. I like your attitude! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Sorry about the flood.

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[Cyt4SoreEyes]

me too my house is a wreck!! this cruise is surely something i am really looking forward to!! Will breath fresh air with no mold in it!!

Cyt

Atlantic
Oceanic
Norway
Enchantment of the Seas
Destiny
Voyager of the Seas
Conquest March 30th 2003
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[DonnaD]

Cotton, I am trying to do all the things I have said "someday" too as well. Hence, the dolphin swim. I am so excited.
Right now one of those frozen drinks sounds wonderful. Being on the cruise sounds wonderful! Still so far away. . . July.

Donna

[Cotton]

It'll be here before you know it. Besides, it fun to do all the planning. Enjoy your new adventures!

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[mwebb]

were at Chankanab Apr 8.$10 cab ride from pier Book the Dolphin swim on own not w/ cruise line.cozumelinsider.com There are several different "dolphin experiences" we booked 12:00"royal dolphin swim"at $119 pp plus park admission.You get more interaction with the dolphins w/ this package.If I had it to do over I would have booked at 10.am It is truly a once in a lifetime awesome experience.Lagoon area is nice, but don't think I could have spent a whole day here. Afterwards went to PARADISE Beach- $11. cab ride. Free admission.This was unbelievable. Free lounge chairs, kayaks, water trampoline, and climbing igloo, Wonderful drinks and food,waiters that cater to your needs. Super nachos $7?, Hamburgerkids meal w/ fries $5.This is a great way to spend the day

[Cotton]

Hi. Just curious. Another poster said Paradise Beach was great, but that the burger & fries are $10, and nachos $10, also that the drinks were pricey.

I haven't been to Paradise Beach, but am thinking about it for my next cruise (great reports from Tom over at ports-of-call forum), altho I LOVED being at Chankanaab both times. There was plenty to do, and I was there approx. 6 hrs. each time.

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[fascination 5/10]

How is the beach at Paradise Beach for swimming? Is it sandy or rocky? We're renting a car this trip and hope to take see more of the island this year!

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