Chankanaab - The Little Sea and the Reef

A stop on Cozumel: San Miguel and the Island, a free self-guided tour.

Chankanaab is usually translated from Maya as little sea, after the lagoon at the heart of this park. The lagoon looks landlocked, but it is joined to the Caribbean by underwater passages through the limestone, so sea fish swim in it. To protect it, swimming in the lagoon is not allowed.

The area was made a protected park in 1980. Today it is a busy beach park with an entrance fee, but the real attraction is offshore. The reef here is part of Cozumel Reefs National Park, created in 1996, which protects the island's southwestern reefs, including the famous Palancar. Snorkelers can see coral and tropical fish a short swim from shore, along with underwater statues placed on the reef.

The reefs are fragile. Hurricanes Emily and Wilma in 2005 killed more than half the live coral, and it is still recovering. Use reef-safe sunscreen, never touch or stand on coral, and check current hours and fees.

Getting here: Return to the coast road and continue north past the hotels and beach clubs of the west coast. The Chankanaab entrance is on the left, south of the cruise piers.

Did you know?: The 2005 hurricanes cut live coral cover on Cozumel's reefs by 56 percent, which is why the island's rules on sunscreen and touching coral are taken seriously.

Photo op: From the lagoon's edge, frame the still green water with the surrounding palms and mangroves, then walk to the beach for the reef-blue sea.

More on Wikipedia: Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park · Palancar Reef · Hurricane Wilma · Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System

Chankanaab - The Little Sea and the Reef

Stops on this tour