
moderate
2 hours
You should be comfortable in the water and able to swim short distances; basic cardiovascular fitness helps for surface swims and equipment handling.
Wade in from Chankanaab’s white sand, learn regulator drills with a bilingual instructor, and descend to the Mesoamerican Reef for an 8–12 m one‑tank introduction. Perfect for first-time divers who want reef life, cave features, and underwater sculptures in a controlled, beginner-friendly setting.
You step off the white sand and into a rim of warm water that seems to pull you forward. The shoreline at Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is small but purposeful: a staged entry into the Mesoamerican Reef, a broad living wall that dares swimmers and divers to look closer. Within minutes a bilingual instructor fits your mask and walks you through regulator drills; the ocean hushes and the park’s palm-framed bustle fades to a palette of blue.

Meet at Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park lobby at least 10 minutes before your tour time to complete a quick paperwork and gear check.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard to protect skin without harming coral; reapply on land only.
Not recommended for people with serious heart problems or those who are pregnant—disclose conditions at booking; staff will advise.
A free locker is included with your booking—store phones and jewelry while you dive to avoid loss or drag in the water.
Chankanaab takes its name from the Maya phrase for “small sea” and sits on Cozumel’s karst limestone shelf; the park blends cultural exhibits with access to a reef that has been valuable to local fishermen for centuries.
The park enforces no‑touch and no‑take rules and encourages reef‑safe sunscreen; its installations are designed to support coral recruitment and minimize visitor impact.
Wear a swimsuit under clothing and bring a towel for the park’s beach and loungers.
Protect your skin without damaging coral—apply on land after diving to minimize runoff.
summer specific
Personal masks fit better and reduce fog; snorkels help during surface swims and briefings.
A compact underwater camera or housing will capture reef life and the park’s underwater sculptures.