Review of The Cabana Beach at Chankanaab ~ May 2, 2023

[LisaLisa87]

My sister and I visited The Cabana Beach when we stopped at Cozumel as part of our recent 4-night sailing on Oasis of the Seas. I had been to Cozumel twice before with DH and DD, and both times we went to Nachi Cocum. We loved it there, and I originally planned to go again with my sister. She mentioned at one point that she wanted to snorkel, though, so I researched other options. I ended up sending her links to two boat tours plus The Cabana Beach. She really liked the idea of having a cabana for the day and getting to snorkel, so I went ahead and booked. The little information I found on this site was mostly positive, so I felt good about our choice.

 

A couple of logistical notes before I go on. During daylight savings time, Cozumel is one hour behind Miami/ship time. Be careful because your phone will adjust to local time automatically if you're on the ship's wifi (or when you take your phone out of airplane mode when you get off the ship). I knew to change a setting on my phone so the time would not automatically adjust, but I still messed up! We got off the ship when my phone (and watch) said it was 9:05am. We then walked through the port area to the taxi stand and got in a taxi a few minutes later. When I asked the driver to take us to Chankanaab, he politely informed me that they weren't open yet. It was 8:05am local time when we got off the ship, and Chankanaab doesn't open until 9am. He offered to give us a short tour of the island, which we were happy to take him up on. As part of the tour (at our request), he took us to a small local place called Taquería el amigo Mario where we could grab a quick bite. The food was delicious (and cheap!). After seeing a few more points of interest, he took us to the main entrance of Chankanaab.

 

 

There was a desk to check in just inside the entrance, and then we were escorted to Cabana Beach (about a 5-7 minute walk). My first impression was very positive. The area was nicely laid out and there were only a few other people there. There are 12 cabanas, and I think 5 of them ended up being occupied that day. I had reserved #9, and I liked that location a lot. I think I'd probably choose that one again unless I was with a group. In that case, I'd choose #1 which is one of the two VIP cabanas and comes with more space some extra amenities. The base cost for the standard cabanas is $95 and includes a fruit platter, guacamole, snorkel gear, and towels. There is also a $17 "access fee" per person. That fee includes admission to Chankanaab. So for my sister and me, the total cost for the reservation was $129. Keep in mind (and I know this will be a deal breaker for some people), that price does NOT include food and drinks other than the fruit and guacamole.

 

 

 

 

 

We asked for our fruit platter and two bottles of water right away, and when we finished with those we decided to do some snorkeling. The owner had stopped by to chat with us, and he recommended that we check out the reef that paralleled the shore and then swim out to a small buoy to see a couple of sunken statues. There are metal steps leading into the water, so it was pretty easy to get in. I would rate the snorkeling as very good. We saw tons of different fish and I was sad that I had forgotten to pack my underwater camera. Apparently there are sea turtles and rays on occasion, but we didn't see any on either of our outings.

 

 

After snorkeling the first time, we ordered a round of drinks and our free guacamole. All of it was delicious. I highly recommend the Mezcalina Pepino (pictured below). The menu was pretty extensive, and not long after we polished off the guacamole we decided to order lunch. I got the mahi tacos and my sister went with the shrimp tacos. We were both very happy. Aside from the two orders of tacos, we ordered three rounds of drinks and three bottles of water apiece. Our food & beverage total for the day was $83.50 ($105 including the tip for our server). So our grand total for the day was $234 or $117 apiece. More expensive than one of the all inclusive beach clubs for sure, but cheaper than many ship-sponsored excursions. It was well worth the price to us. We let our server know that we wanted to leave at 4pm local time, and they had a taxi ready for us. We were able to leave directly from Cabana Beach without having to trek back to the main entrance.

 

 

 

A couple of last notes about Cabana Beach. While we really enjoyed it and would return, I think it could be better. Some of the furniture was really worn, and we didn't like the fact that the two lounge chairs were nailed down. The owner was nice, but not as informed as he should have been. He asked what ship we were on (Oasis was the only ship in port) and what our all aboard time was. Seems like he should have had that info? Also, I had reached out via email about a week before our arrival with a few questions, and no one ever got back to me. None of these things would prevent me from going back, though, and DH, DD, and I are seriously considering it for our Harmony sailing in September.

 

https://thecabanabeach.com/

[jean87510]

3 hours ago, LisaLisa87 said:

My sister and I visited The Cabana Beach when we stopped at Cozumel as part of our recent 4-night sailing on Oasis of the Seas. I had been to Cozumel twice before with DH and DD, and both times we went to Nachi Cocum. We loved it there, and I originally planned to go again with my sister. She mentioned at one point that she wanted to snorkel, though, so I researched other options. I ended up sending her links to two boat tours plus The Cabana Beach. She really liked the idea of having a cabana for the day and getting to snorkel, so I went ahead and booked. The little information I found on this site was mostly positive, so I felt good about our choice.

 

A couple of logistical notes before I go on. During daylight savings time, Cozumel is one hour behind Miami/ship time. Be careful because your phone will adjust to local time automatically if you're on the ship's wifi (or when you take your phone out of airplane mode when you get off the ship). I knew to change a setting on my phone so the time would not automatically adjust, but I still messed up! We got off the ship when my phone (and watch) said it was 9:05am. We then walked through the port area to the taxi stand and got in a taxi a few minutes later. When I asked the driver to take us to Chankanaab, he politely informed me that they weren't open yet. It was 8:05am local time when we got off the ship, and Chankanaab doesn't open until 9am. He offered to give us a short tour of the island, which we were happy to take him up on. As part of the tour (at our request), he took us to a small local place called Taquería el amigo Mario where we could grab a quick bite. The food was delicious (and cheap!). After seeing a few more points of interest, he took us to the main entrance of Chankanaab.

 

 

There was a desk to check in just inside the entrance, and then we were escorted to Cabana Beach (about a 5-7 minute walk). My first impression was very positive. The area was nicely laid out and there were only a few other people there. There are 12 cabanas, and I think 5 of them ended up being occupied that day. I had reserved #9, and I liked that location a lot. I think I'd probably choose that one again unless I was with a group. In that case, I'd choose #1 which is one of the two VIP cabanas and comes with more space some extra amenities. The base cost for the standard cabanas is $95 and includes a fruit platter, guacamole, snorkel gear, and towels. There is also a $17 "access fee" per person. That fee includes admission to Chankanaab. So for my sister and me, the total cost for the reservation was $129. Keep in mind (and I know this will be a deal breaker for some people), that price does NOT include food and drinks other than the fruit and guacamole.

 

 

 

 

 

We asked for our fruit platter and two bottles of water right away, and when we finished with those we decided to do some snorkeling. The owner had stopped by to chat with us, and he recommended that we check out the reef that paralleled the shore and then swim out to a small buoy to see a couple of sunken statues. There are metal steps leading into the water, so it was pretty easy to get in. I would rate the snorkeling as very good. We saw tons of different fish and I was sad that I had forgotten to pack my underwater camera. Apparently there are sea turtles and rays on occasion, but we didn't see any on either of our outings.

 

 

After snorkeling the first time, we ordered a round of drinks and our free guacamole. All of it was delicious. I highly recommend the Mezcalina Pepino (pictured below). The menu was pretty extensive, and not long after we polished off the guacamole we decided to order lunch. I got the mahi tacos and my sister went with the shrimp tacos. We were both very happy. Aside from the two orders of tacos, we ordered three rounds of drinks and three bottles of water apiece. Our food & beverage total for the day was $83.50 ($105 including the tip for our server). So our grand total for the day was $234 or $117 apiece. More expensive than one of the all inclusive beach clubs for sure, but cheaper than many ship-sponsored excursions. It was well worth the price to us. We let our server know that we wanted to leave at 4pm local time, and they had a taxi ready for us. We were able to leave directly from Cabana Beach without having to trek back to the main entrance.

 

 

 

A couple of last notes about Cabana Beach. While we really enjoyed it and would return, I think it could be better. Some of the furniture was really worn, and we didn't like the fact that the two lounge chairs were nailed down. The owner was nice, but not as informed as he should have been. He asked what ship we were on (Oasis was the only ship in port) and what our all aboard time was. Seems like he should have had that info? Also, I had reached out via email about a week before our arrival with a few questions, and no one ever got back to me. None of these things would prevent me from going back, though, and DH, DD, and I are seriously considering it for our Harmony sailing in September.

 

https://thecabanabeach.com/

We originally had this reserved for July but switched it to January 2, 2024 as we will be back then.  We have been to Chankanaab and seen the Cabanas but have never rented them.  How was the wifi?  

[LisaLisa87]

23 minutes ago, jean87510 said:

We originally had this reserved for July but switched it to January 2, 2024 as we will be back then.  We have been to Chankanaab and seen the Cabanas but have never rented them.  How was the wifi?  

 

We actually didn't use our phones much while we were there, but it seemed fine. Sorry I can't give a more helpful answer!

[LisaLisa87]

I'm no longer able to edit my original post, but I'd like to make a quick correction. Chankanaab (the park) actually opens at 8am, but the Cabana Beach doesn't open until 9am. Sorry for any confusion!

[bguppies]

Thanks for the review. 

Glad you had a good time.

 

[JohninDC]

Thanks for your review!

[LadyMac72]

I love this! I reserved two cabanas for December 2023.... I guess I still have to pay the $17pp when I get there.

 

Did you do anything at Chankanaab Park - the dolphins or manatees? 

 

TIA!

[c-leg5]

2 hours ago, LadyMac72 said:

I love this! I reserved two cabanas for December 2023.... I guess I still have to pay the $17pp when I get there.

 

Did you do anything at Chankanaab Park - the dolphins or manatees? 

 

TIA!

The access fee is included (and increases total when you select number of people) when you book. Have you pre-paid total?

Edited May 13, 2023 by c-leg5

[LadyMac72]

22 minutes ago, c-leg5 said:

The access fee is included (and increases total when you select number of people) when you book. Have you pre-paid total?

We did prepay but the prepaid invoice is unclear. I think prices went up too. I booked Cabana 2 for 2 people and paid $121. I think you're right.  Thank you so much!

[c-leg5]

29 minutes ago, LadyMac72 said:

We did prepay but the prepaid invoice is unclear. I think prices went up too. I booked Cabana 2 for 2 people and paid $121. I think you're right.  Thank you so much!

The prices are definitely going up and there may be seasonal variations.

 

If you booked with current website format each time you add a guest it adds $17.

[LisaLisa87]

4 hours ago, LadyMac72 said:

I love this! I reserved two cabanas for December 2023.... I guess I still have to pay the $17pp when I get there.

 

Did you do anything at Chankanaab Park - the dolphins or manatees? 

 

TIA!

As a PP said, you pay the access fee when you book. I read an old review where someone said their party was charged the access fees when they arrived, and apparently they weren’t expecting it. It left a bad taste in their mouth. So at some point it seems they started charging it at the time of booking. The base price of the cabanas did go up. When I first started looking it was $72 plus access fees for a standard cabana.

 

We did not do anything in the park since it was just my sister and me and our primary goal was to relax and snorkel a bit. I will be going back in September with the DH and DD though, and we’ll definitely visit the park then. My sister and I weren’t getting wristbands, so you may have to ask for them before heading into the park.

 

I hope you have a great day when you go!

[snorkler8]

We were just there. Food was great, snorkeling was pretty good. We got cabana #10 (I think...it was one of the bigger ones) We got it so our grandson could nap on the bed.  It doesn't get full shade so that didn't happen. But all in all it was really a nice day. We found a fun surprise behind our cabana...a private shower with a conch shell as the shower head. 

Only complaint would be the fans in the cabanas.  I think a ceiling fan would cool better.  

[c-leg5]

43 minutes ago, snorkler8 said:

We were just there. Food was great, snorkeling was pretty good. We got cabana #10 (I think...it was one of the bigger ones) We got it so our grandson could nap on the bed.  It doesn't get full shade so that didn't happen. But all in all it was really a nice day. We found a fun surprise behind our cabana...a private shower with a conch shell as the shower head. 

Only complaint would be the fans in the cabanas.  I think a ceiling fan would cool better.  

 

Glad you enjoyed!

 

I am confused, don’t you get a cabana AND a day bed with the  Cabana 10? Wasn’t the cabana in shade?

Edited May 19, 2023 by c-leg5

[snorkler8]

52 minutes ago, c-leg5 said:

 

Glad you enjoyed!

 

I am confused, don’t you get a cabana AND a day bed with the  Cabana 10? Wasn’t the cabana in shade?

It was shady but the sun moves and the slats let sun shine in on the bed. (look at the picture I posted. You can see the slats on the "roof" on the bed). 

There is a bed only with Cabana #1 and 10.  There are a few other hammocks that the other cabanas share. 

There is a really good YouTube video that shows all the cabanas.  Just put "Cabana Beach" in the search and it will come up. 

[c-leg5]

7 minutes ago, snorkler8 said:

It was shady but the sun moves and the slats let sun shine in on the bed. (look at the picture I posted. You can see the slats on the "roof" on the bed). 

There is a bed only with Cabana #1 and 10.  There are a few other hammocks that the other cabanas share. 

There is a really good YouTube video that shows all the cabanas.  Just put "Cabana Beach" in the search and it will come up. 

Yes,I have followed Cabana Beach since it opened a few years ago so I have seen multiple reviews and photos. It was initially too expensive for us, as just a couple but then prices became deeply discounted during Covid. I was very sorry we missed going at a bargain price when we were staying on the island 2021. Now prices are slowly beginning to increase again.

 

I can see the day bed that only has a slatted roof but I thought you got a more enclosed cabana too with seating which appears shaded from photos I have seen and I thought perhaps he could have napped there. Obviously the sun moves round but i would need to know I had a shaded option. Didn’t they have any additional umbrellas?

[snorkler8]

6 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

Yes,I have followed Cabana Beach since it opened a few years ago so I have seen multiple reviews and photos. It was initially too expensive for us, as just a couple but then prices became deeply discounted during Covid. I was very sorry we missed going at a bargain price when we were staying on the island 2021. Now prices are slowly beginning to increase again.

 

I can see the day bed that only has a slatted roof but I thought you got a more enclosed cabana too with seating which appears shaded from photos I have seen and I thought perhaps he could have napped there. Obviously the sun moves round but i would need to know I had a shaded option. Didn’t they have any additional umbrellas?

It was a bit spendy but we splurged for our grandson to assure he got his nap.  He is a light sleeper and I didn't want to sit in the sun while he slept, hence the reason we got the bigger cabana. But my son and DIL decided to take him in his stroller to see the things in the park so I'm the only one that used the bed lol. I didn't think to ask if they had some way to cover the slats to keep it completely shaded...Inside the cabana was totally shaded the whole time but pretty warm.  Like I said I wish they had the fan in a more usable place. It gets HOT there.  Getting in the ocean was refreshing.  If we go back we would probably do the regular size cabana. 

[LisaLisa87]

I agree about the fan. We tried adjusting ours a couple of times, and we could never get it to blow directly on us. A ceiling fan would have been much better.

[c-leg5]

1 hour ago, snorkler8 said:

It was a bit spendy but we splurged for our grandson to assure he got his nap.  He is a light sleeper and I didn't want to sit in the sun while he slept, hence the reason we got the bigger cabana. But my son and DIL decided to take him in his stroller to see the things in the park so I'm the only one that used the bed lol. I didn't think to ask if they had some way to cover the slats to keep it completely shaded...Inside the cabana was totally shaded the whole time but pretty warm.  Like I said I wish they had the fan in a more usable place. It gets HOT there.  Getting in the ocean was refreshing.  If we go back we would probably do the regular size cabana. 

 

Thanks you for your insight.

 

A couple of suggestions, after the fact, we have used towels to cover the slats on similar canopies in the past. Not sure if you just had ship towels, or if towels are provided? I am surprised there weren’t any adjustable umbrellas available, I would have thought they would have had them for the hammocks.

 

The sun can be very hot and strong for little ones and we have usually opted for a day pass to a hotel resort from the ship when we had grandkids with us. They usually have an AC area for a break from the sun, like a restaurant or a lobby. In Cozumel we have particularly liked Park Royal which has an indoor buffet area for lunch and no transport is required from Puerta Maya or international,  so no taxi fare needed and no car seat required.

 

Many taxis in the Caribbean do not have working rear seat belts.

 

49 minutes ago, LisaLisa87 said:

I agree about the fan. We tried adjusting ours a couple of times, and we could never get it to blow directly on us. A ceiling fan would have been much better.

So both the big and small cabanas have fans, but they are the tabletop type?

Edited May 20, 2023 by c-leg5

[LisaLisa87]

11 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

 

So both the big and small cabanas have fans, but they are the tabletop type?

 

I can only speak for the standard cabanas, but in ours it was like a table top model that was mounted on a vertical beam. You can see it on the left in this photo. For some reason we could not really feel the air flow. We tried to adjust it, but the movement was very limited.

 

[snorkler8]

The only difference between the big cabanas and all the rest are that on top of the cabana you get more privacy.  You have a bed and a hammock and a picnic table you don't have to worry about sharing. (And the little cute shower behind the cabana) The cabanas are all the same size. 

 

[PandaBear62]

Can anyone share if there is actually a beach? Or is it just a rocky shore with snorkeling? How far is it to the other activities at the park? 

I really appreciate all the information shared. I think I may be booking it!

[c-leg5]

4 hours ago, PandaBear62 said:

Can anyone share if there is actually a beach? Or is it just a rocky shore with snorkeling? How far is it to the other activities at the park? 

I really appreciate all the information shared. I think I may be booking it!

 

Mostly man-made, raised sandy area as shown in photos above, since it is an ironstone shoreline but there is a small sandy cove within the park. 
 

Take a look at an aerial view on Google maps for layout and distances. Probably about 5-10 minute walk from entrance to Cabanas depending on your mobility (just under 1/2 mile).