This lagoon and botanical garden is a mile past the big hotels and 5.5 miles south of town. In Maya, Chankanaab means "little sea". With over 60 species of marinelife its no wonder that this natural aquarium is the national submarine park for "Atlantis" as well as home of "Swim with the Dolphins". The beach is wide and beautiful with plenty of shady thatched umbrellas to sit under, and the snorkeling is good.

Surrounding the lagoon, the botanical garden, with 352 species of tropical and subtropical plans from 22 countries and 451 species from Cozumel. Several Maya structures have been re-created within the gardens to give visitors an idea of Maya life in a jungle setting. The waters in the lagoon are crystal clear and turquoise blue. You can stand on the banks and watch all types of fish swimming around. The vegetation is extremely lush and only a few yards away, you can sun on the beach or go diving.