Cozumel Parks and Gardens

(Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico)

Parks, gardens and nature reserves are located all around the island of Cozumel, with many of the most popular parks lying off the Costera Sur Highway. Those with an interest in scuba diving will find the tempting underwater scenery around the Parque Chankanaab and the Parque Marino de Cozumel worth exploring.

The Parque Punta Sur is an appealing natural beauty spot and enjoys a coastal setting, where snorkelling is a major pastime, while the nearby Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, close to Cozumel, is famous for its many monkeys. Cozumel's main parks, reserves and botanic gardens are described here.

Parque Chankanaab (Chankanaab National Marine Park)

Address: Costera Sur Highway, Cozumel, 77600, Mexico, MX
Parque Chankanaab is a popular coastal attraction and located on the southern side of San Miguel de Cozumel. The lush botanical gardens are one of the main highlights within the park and home to many impressive collections of exotic plants. Also particularly popular are the scuba diving opportunities and the Dolphin Discovery, where it is actually possible to swim with a group of friendly dolphins. A sea lion park and marine museum complete the main attractions within the Parque Chankanaab.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Parque Marino de Cozumel (Marine Park)

Address: Costera Sur Highway, Cozumel, 77600, Mexico, MX
The Parque Marino de Cozumel can be found on the southern outskirts of Cozumel and is one of the region's most impressive national marine parks. Many people come here for the exceptional scuba diving and enormous, stunning coral reefs, which are home to many colourful fish and amongst the biggest on the entire planet.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parque Punta Sur

Address: Costera Sur Highway, 77600, Mexico, MX
Lying on the southerly side of Cozumel, the Parque Punta Sur is one of the region's most popular nature reserves and covers some 250 acres / 100 hectares. Apart from the wealth of native flora and fauna, visitors will also be able to enjoy Mayan ruins, a small museum, a lighthouse and snokelling, allowing the beautiful underwater scenery to be appreciated in all its glory.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, free after 15:00

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

Address: Highway 307, Riviera Maya, Tulum, 77781, Mexico, MX
This breathtaking wildlife reserve is filled with areas of lush rainforest and spreading mangrove swamps. Visitors can reach the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve by regular ferries, which depart from the Playa del Carmen. A further bus journey takes Cozumel visitors to the reserve itself, where highlights include monkeys, crocodiles and even manatees, if you are lucky enough to find them.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge for tours