Price: $65.00
Children under 12 OR under 4'7" must be accompanied by 1 paying adult (18+) per child. Children 13+ may swim on their own if an adult (18+) is present.
Summary
Shore Excursion Size
SmallShore Excursion Type Water/Beach, Active
Shore Excursion Duration 2+ Hours
Activity Level
ModerateShore Excursion Leaves From
An approximately 5 to 10 minute taxi ride (not included, approximately $15 US to $20 US each way) is required to reach your departure location. Food/Beverage Provided Not Included
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing a swimsuit under comfortable clothing and shoes. A towel, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen (for after the manatee portion) is recommended. Sunblock, jewelry, watches, rings, bracelets, or any object which might scratch the manatees is not permitted in the water with the manatees.
Restrictions The MINIMUM HEIGHT to participate is 3'3 feet tall. Children under 12 years old OR under 4 feet 7 inches must be accompanied by one participating, paying adult per child. If children are 13 years old and over, they may swim on their own, but they must have an adult present at the manatee facility. Pregnant women may not participate in this tour. All participants should be competent swimmers and comfortable with the use of mask, fins, and snorkel. Each person is required to wear a life jacket. Sunblock, jewelry, watches, rings, bracelets, or any object which might scratch the manatees is not permitted in the water with the manatees. The instructors have the final say on what can and cannot be worn in the water with the manatees. For security reasons, personal cameras are not allowed in the water, nor in the program area. A professional photographer will be on hand to take pictures, which will be available for purchase.
Manatee Swim and Chankanaab Park Excursion
There's swimming, and then there's swimming with manatees! The Manatee Swim and Chankanaab Park excursion will be the absolute highlight of your Cozumel visit.
Manatees, once thought by sailors to be mermaids, are beautiful and enormous creatures that can grow as long as 13 feet and weigh up to 1300 pounds. Submerse yourself in the underwater world of the manatee.
During this unusual Manatee Swim and Chankanaab Park Cozumel excursion, you will be able to meet and interact with these magnificent creatures. Start with a 15-minute briefing about the manatee and an explanation of the activities you will experience.
You will then enter the water on a submerged platform from which you'll be able to interact with the manatee, including the very popular kiss and hug. You will also have a chance to feed them in their home in the sea.
Each session is 30 minutes, with 15 minutes in the water. The group size is limited to 10 people to ensure that you have a very personal experience as you swim with manatees in Cozumel. There will be a professional photographer on hand taking pictures and videos.
Please Note: The tour duration is only for the encounter portion. Your tour ticket includes admission to Chankanaab National Marine Park. Guests can arrive at any time and make use of the facilities at the park. Your animal encounter begins at the time on your ticket.
The taxi ride is not included in the tour price so you can come and go at your will. The park is open from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM local time. The park offers a beach, swimming pool and snorkel area. Restrooms and showers are available. Beach chairs and snorkel gear can be rented. There is a restaurant offering food and drinks for sale. There is a Sea Lion Show and Dolphin Presentation most days; check the schedule when you arrive for shows that day. There is also a Manatee Exhibition and self-guided Archaeological Tour available. The park admission is included in your manatee tour. Guests in your party who will not be participating in the manatee activity should book the "An Adventure in Chankanaab" tour in order to enter the park.
Manatee Encounter
February 02, 2023
The excursion was great fun! It was more of an encounter than a swim. We stood on a platform. Each of us got a turn to cradle, kiss, dance, and belly rub each of the 3 manatees.
There was a staff photographer photographing it all. We bought the photos. They were a little pricey but wonderful. You’re not allowed to take your own photos. That ‘s a common practice at these animal encounters.
The lunch was edible and drinks were tasty.
We took a swim in the pool and finished off with a wonderful sea lion show.
I would recommend the excursion to manatee and sea lion fans!
Reviewer: Lisa Darling
Better than expected!
January 14, 2023
First time taking our kids (3 teens & 1 adult with his wife and baby) on a cruise and wanted to do something interesting and memorable. Manatees, yes please! I didn’t expect to actually be swimming, since others mentioned just standing on a platform. But it’s more of an underwater walkway, similar to chain link fence. I’m 5’4” and the water came up to my chin when standing, so definitely swimming. Wear water shoes, it can be sharp in some spots. The picture package is my favorite part! Be aware it costs as much as the excursion itself. But there’s no way to take your own photos and the memories are worth the cost to me. High quality, beautiful and we got around 100 digitals capturing the whole experience. Lunch was included. Very small buffet. The staff was wonderful but I’ll admit the food was not that good. There’s lots of vendors and beach access but we didn’t stay long after because of the baby (she didn’t swim, we split into 2 groups so someone could stay with her).
Reviewer: Jen
Manatee Swim and Chankanaab Park
August 29, 2022
Great experience and staff were very friendly and accommodating. They take great care of the animals. The beach was relaxing and was a good place to snorkel. Would definitely do this excursion again when we return.
Reviewer: Kenneth Potter
Fantastic
July 06, 2022
We had a great time getting to learn about these beautiful animals. Did not expect for them to do some small tricks for us to have photos with them. The instructors were wonderful too.
Reviewer: Caroline Marshbanks
Great Excursion for Family of 5
June 30, 2022
All five of us enjoyed this excursion immensely. We have 3 teenagers and they absolutely loved the manatee experience, lots of time in the water, and lots of hands on time with manatees. They are are absolutely wonderful! We spent the rest of the day on beach at the park (included in price), thatched roof umbrellas and chairs are already there for you to use. Wonderful and friendly waiters (Jose) on the beach, good food and cheap drinks...and fun snorkeling just steps away! Highly recommend! Very good excursion for price.
Reviewer: Amanda Stewart
A Once in a Lifetime Event!
May 05, 2022
This was such a unique and exciting excursion. I have been to Cozumel dozens of times; but I have never done anything this unique and fun! I would highly recommend it. You get a chance to look around the park after you swim with the manatees.
Reviewer: Crystal Erwin
4.7 / 5