Some 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) south of town, Parque Chankanaab (Carr. Costera Sur Km. 9, tel. 987/872-0914, www.cozumelparks.org.mx [1], 8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, US$22.75 adult, US$15 child under 12) is a national park that doubles as a souped-up beach club.
Most visitors come to spend the day sunbathing, swimming in the ocean or pool, and snorkeling. Many, however, come for sea lion and dolphin shows (included in the ticket price) or the popular dolphin interaction program run by Dolphin Discovery (toll-free Mex. tel. 800/727-5391, www.dolphindiscovery.com [2], US$79–129 pp). If you’re interested in the latter, be sure to reserve a spot as soon as you arrive or, better yet, book online.
Park facilities include two thatch-roofed restaurants, a few gift shops, and a fully equipped dive shop. Popular with families, it is a good place to spend the day if you have little ones in tow.
Links:
[1] http://www.cozumelparks.org.mx
[2] http://www.dolphindiscovery.com