Parque Chankanaab

Lonely Planet review

Parque Chankanaab is a popular snorkeling spot when cruise ships are in port, though there's not much to see beyond brightly colored fish and some deliberately sunken artificial objects. The beach is a beauty though, and just inland is a limestone lagoon where turtles frolic and iguanas lounge. The museum exhibits marine life while the beautiful botanical garden houses a huge array of plants. You can also swim with dolphins.

The beach is lined with palapas (thatched-roof shelters) and fiberglass lounge chairs, and you can rent snorkeling and diving equipment or try out snuba (diving with a helmet that requires no special training).

Dolphin and sea lion shows are included in the admission price. The grounds also hold a small archaeological park containing replica Olmec heads and Mayan artifacts, a small museum holding objects imported from Chichén Itzá. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar and snack shops, as well as dressing rooms, lockers and showers.