Nachi, Mr. Santos or Chankanaab???

[packedandready]

Looking for something different to do in Coz in April. I read reviews about Nachi, Mr. Santos and Chankanaab Park but can't seem to get any real idea about these places.

 

Any and all info about these would be greatly appreciated. Snorkel experiences also. Thanks

 

Oh yeah......We usually do RCI excursions so transportion info and distance from port would be nice also.

[southern cruising couple]

Well there is tons of information on here about Nachi-Cocom and you can check tripadvisor for travelers pictures. I was there on Nov1st and can't say enough good things about it...relaxing, great food, and drinks are kept filled to the top. Very secluded vibe.

 

Last year we went to Chankanaab. We stayed for several hours to experience swimming with dolphins and relaxing while enjoying their salsa and ceviche. Nice park but very busy with all the dolphin tours. If you are wanting a relaxing spot go with Nachi, if you want more activity but with a spot to kick back, go with Chankanaab.

 

Is there something specific you are looking for at one of these...

 

My opinion is that you can't go wrong too many places in cozumel. we love this port! Great service everywhere and always lovely weather

[bruce-r]

One of the biggest differences between Mr. SANCHOS, Nachi Cocom and Chankanaab is that the first two have sand beaches that go out into the water while Chankanaab has a sand area behind an ALL rock shore line. This means that Chankanaab has much better shore snorkeling than the other two as well.

[JordanFam]

We were just in Chankanaab and thought it was great! We went there just planning on swimming with the dolphins then leaving, but ended up staying there all day. The place is HUGE and absolutely beautiful. You can rent snorkeling equipment, and you just walk down a couple steps into the water for beautiful easy snorkeling right there. Nice clean bathrooms, food, drinks...pretty much everything you need for the day!

[packedandready]

Thanks for the replies....Yes, snorkeling is something we're interested in. Not interested in snorkeling with dolphins, just to see some pretty fish. So, is "regular" snorkeling seperate from the dolphins?

 

Since I don't see this listed as one of RCI's excursions I would assume we'd need to take a taxi??? How far is this from the port? Are there taxis waiting at the park for the return? Anyone remember fare??? Thanks

[kenf333]

Thanks for the replies....Yes, snorkeling is something we're interested in. Not interested in snorkeling with dolphins, just to see some pretty fish. So, is "regular" snorkeling seperate from the dolphins?

 

Since I don't see this listed as one of RCI's excursions I would assume we'd need to take a taxi??? How far is this from the port? Are there taxis waiting at the park for the return? Anyone remember fare??? Thanks

 

All three places offer "snorkeling from shore" The park will have the best snorkeling as Bruce said. But you can and will see some fish at any of the above beach's.

 

Cozumel is a very small island there is no need to book a ship excursion, taxi's are all over the place and very safe to use on your own. From the pier RCI normally uses the park is about a 8 minute ride, cost should be $8-$10 per per up to four people one way. If your not into the dolphin swim thing I would look at one of the beaches that does not charge a entrance fee (although they ask you eat drink etc)

[bruce-r]

Thanks for the replies....Yes, snorkeling is something we're interested in. Not interested in snorkeling with dolphins, just to see some pretty fish. So, is "regular" snorkeling separate from the dolphins?

Yes, snorkeling from shore is free and totally different than the captive dolphin exploitation program also located at Chankanaab.

 

Park admission is $16 per person for adults. There is a $2 discount coupon available on the Offical website.

[Caltexan]

Looking for something different to do in Coz in April. I read reviews about Nachi, Mr. Santos and Chankanaab Park but can't seem to get any real idea about these places.

 

Any and all info about these would be greatly appreciated. Snorkel experiences also. Thanks

 

Oh yeah......We usually do RCI excursions so transportion info and distance from port would be nice also.

 

 

My wife and I have been snorkeling around Cozumel on 3 previous trips to Cozumel. Our last cruise we went to Chankanaab Park and the snorkeling was as good or better than at any of the other snorkeling spots we seen there. Lots of fish and easy in and out of the water. Clean restrooms and changing areas as mentioned. I think the taxi was $8 each way. We did print out the $2 off coupon and used it with no problem. Wherever you end up snorkelng in Cozumel, you won't be disappointed, have fun.

[want2seaitall]

The snorkeling at Chankanaab is fantastic. My family has been twice. Not a great beach area, but generally a nice beach delivers poor snorkeling. From what I understand Nachi has a beautiful beach, but poor snorkeling unless you go far off the beach by boat tour.

[Budget Queen]

OK, I haven't been to Chankanaab in 4 years. I am an avid snorkler and found that area to be overall, poor, compared to Grand Cayman, Belize, Hawaii, Bermuda etc. Has it IMPROVED significantly as some of these posts suggest??? Or, does it seem "good" perhaps due to limited experience??

 

I will be there in Jan. and am considering an offshore snorkle option, which has to be GOOD for me. I am just not willing to consider so so experiences any longer.

 

Any information from others that can compare sites???

[bruce-r]

OK, I haven't been to Chankanaab in 4 years. I am an avid snorkeler and found that area to be overall, poor, compared to Grand Cayman, Belize, Hawaii, Bermuda etc. Has it IMPROVED significantly as some of these posts suggest??? Or, does it seem "good" perhaps due to limited experience??

No, shore snorkeling in Cozumel hasn't improved at all, in fact I'd have to say that it is even gone down in quality compared to 4 years ago due to Wilma. In saying the shore snorkeling there is "good" is only a comparison to the other shore snorkeling available on Cozumel, not a comparison to other islands.

 

I will be there in Jan. and am considering an offshore snorkle option, which has to be GOOD for me. I am just not willing to consider so so experiences any longer.

 

Any information from others that can compare sites???

If you want snorkeling that comes close in comparison to Grand Cayman or Hawaii, you'll need to do a boat snorkel tour in Cozumel, or consider not snorkeling there and do something else.

 

[CGBCruiser]

Check out this website. It has a comparison of all the beaches in Cozumel and their amenities. Also has some pics of the beaches. I was at Mr. Sancho's last year and it was nice. It was a peaceful beach area...of course it was in January and not peak season.

 

http://www.cozumelinsider.com/Beaches

[marci4tony]

OMG - We were with a group that was in to relax, catch some rays, play in the water and dh and I went parasailing.

 

We RARELY had need to find out waiter - always running and usually a step ahead of us with the drinks! Of course, some of our group was on their lips by lunch, but I enjoyed their Guac immensely.

 

As you walk in to the complex, it doesnt look like anything. But there is a central area that has tables and is covered. To your right is a large pool and a small jacuzzi. Towards the beach are many chairs under natural umbrellas...and the sand is gentle sloping into the water - enough for a small child to play nearby without much worry.

 

The sand is a little rough - full of coral shells! You will be amazed at the coral that is washed up on shore - different shapes and sizes!

 

The water is cool in the morning. But its beautiful and sandy. Very little rocks. This is not the place to snorkel - there is no coral in the area. We did see lots of little fish including some small baracuda! And we went parasailing. WONDERFUL!!!

[saltmom1]

One of the biggest differences between Mr. SANCHOS, Nachi Cocom and Chankanaab is that the first two have sand beaches that go out into the water while Chankanaab has a sand area behind an ALL rock shore line. This means that Chankanaab has much better shore snorkeling than the other two as well.

 

You are walking in on rocks to get to the sand at Chankanaab ? Are the places to swim different than where you would snorkel ? Goes Chankanaab have a pool, too ?

[sappygirl]

You are walking in on rocks to get to the sand at Chankanaab ? Are the places to swim different than where you would snorkel ? Goes Chankanaab have a pool, too ?

yes it does have a pool.

[CruisenGoddess]

Last spring we went to Corona Beach - close to port and very good shore snorkeling, lots of area and the food is fantastic!

[GinnyJ]

How does the Money Bar compare with snorkeling ?

[2PinaColadas]

Can only tell you about Nachi. We loved it!! The beach was beautiful, the drinks and food were great. The only guac that I ever liked. It was not crowded and there were snorkeling, parasailing and other things available for us to do. The cab ride there took a little longer, about 20-25 minutes, because we were in a van full of people and the cab kept stopping to let people off at different places. On the way back, the cab driver dropped us off at Carlos and Charlie's--it only took about 10/15 minutes. I loved Cozumel and hope to go back one day, soon.

[FunShipCruiser05]

I went to Mr Sanchos this past week while in cozumel on the imagination.

 

I strongly recommend this place. Free admission with a pay as you go option or an all inclusive $50 tag for food and drinks. ATV, Horsebacking, and Massages are extra.

 

Beach is sufficient. Not as perfectly clean as one can imagine, alot of seaweed but still was nice. I think the global weather has changed everything over the last year so cant blame mr sancho's on this. Plenty of waiters to serve you on the beach at your table. A big umbrella is at the table too over your head. They played rock music the day I was there. Plenty of space to get changed and shower. It was great to have a place to take off the swim clothes, take a nice shower and get all cleaned up for the rest of the night as Ive heard some places dont have shower facilities. Not sure if I would have used the shower tho in my birthday suit if other guys were in there, I was lucky to be by myself so it worked out well. There are lockers available to store stuff, didnt check into the usage rules so not sure if you pay or not for it. I just kept everything at the table I had on the beach. A few mom and pop shops are there too for souveniers. Visited from 1:45-6,6:30ish and it was great! $14 each way from puerto maya pier. Took the cab back to carlos n charlies afterwards. All in all, Id say mr sancho's has the most dining space, with beach front tables and chairs and nice bathroom/shower facilities to use all for free. :cool:

[ceejay_San Angelo]

Was there a few years ago pre-Wilma and thought snorkeling was very nice. Went again last year and was very disappointed, not nearly as much coral or fish. In between went to Big Island Hawaii and had fantastic snorkeling experiences. This year we're going to try Palancar Reef excursion, am hoping for something good.

[packedandready]

The past few cruises we've snorkeled in Grand Cayman at the Paradise Restaurant. We were looking for something different to do in Coz besides grabbing a cab and heading down town. We're not drinkers and thought this park might be a good place for snorkeling and relaxing. Don't really want to snorkel both places but don't want to be disappointed either. Decisions.....decisions......

[billrco90278]

OK, I haven't been to Chankanaab in 4 years. I am an avid snorkler and found that area to be overall, poor, compared to Grand Cayman, Belize, Hawaii, Bermuda etc. Has it IMPROVED significantly as some of these posts suggest??? Or, does it seem "good" perhaps due to limited experience??

 

I will be there in Jan. and am considering an offshore snorkle option, which has to be GOOD for me. I am just not willing to consider so so experiences any longer.

 

Any information from others that can compare sites???

 

Hey Budget Queen.

What a surprise to see a post from you outside the Alaska board! So you do go other places! When we went to Alaska two years ago, you were a big help.

[eastexascruiser]

We were on the Carnival Ecstasy 5 day Thanksgiving sailing. We have been to Cozumel 5+ times prior. Based on the reviews, we decided that we wanted to give Mr. Sancho's a try.

 

We booked the all-inclusive package ahead of time with Carrie. There were 6 of us (4 adults, 2 children).

 

We took the taxi (van actually since there were 6 of us). The taxi was waiting right outside the cruise terminal. The cost was $30 each way. We arrived at Mr. Sancho's a little before 9am.

 

We were warmly greeted and were escorted to the bar area. Unfortunately, we misplaced our confirmation sheet from Carrie. This caused a little uneasiness at first. However, we were able to clear things up and in no time at all we were sitting on the beach at a covered table with drinks in hand. We also were assigned some lounge chairs for use.

 

The food was of very high quality. We had the cevichi, bean burritos, shrimp tacos, gaucamole and chips ... We were not allowed to order the lobster (whole) or the lobster tacos. I thought I read that we would be allowed to order the lobster tacos, but it wasn't that big of a deal for us. It would be good to know ahead of time so that there aren't any surprises.

 

The facilities were clean and well kept. I read some negative reviews about the lounge chairs. Ours looked to be almost brand new so they might have corrected this issue. We did not bring towels because we thought towel service was included. Wrong! Towel rentals were $3 for the day. I opted to go buy a blanket at the gift shop for $10 & we also had another blanket to share. So, be sure to bring your towels!

 

The beach area was very nice. Soft sand lined with little shells. The water was beautiful. There is no coral but there are fish so my husband and the kids enjoyed snorkeling and looking at the fish.

 

We did almost every activity available - rode horses ($25/30 minutes), did the ATV/jet ski combo ($85 - 30 minutes to jet ski & 30 minutes to ATV), and parasailing ($55 for 1 person). Everyone had a great time. Only complaint was that the jet skis ran a little slow & one stalled out a few times.

 

The staff was very hospitable and attentive. We always had a drink in hand and food when we wanted.

 

There was a small pool but it was too cold for me. I wish they would make it a hot tub during the off season :D

 

The bar drinks were of high quality, based on what I've experienced other places. Definitely not watered down. They also had great non-alcoholic drinks for the kids.

 

We ran into our waiter when we were there, so that was really neat. He said that they love to go to Mr. Sancho's! We shared some drinks, laughs and tossed some football with him.

 

When we were ready to leave, there were plenty of taxis waiting in the parking lot for our return back to the ship.

 

Next time, I don't think I would get the all-inclusive. At least not for myself or the kids. DH & the oldest boys enjoyed having run of the bar though!

 

I would definitely suggest Mr. Sancho's for anyone wanting a nice relaxing beach day with great food, drink and service. :)

[White Cloud]

Has anyone tried the snorkeling trip they offer at Mr. Sanchos? We love to snorkel and have heard it is better to do a boat trip from Cozumel. Mr. Sanchos website shows there is a boat trip available and was wondering if it was any good. Thanks!

[ckrobyn]

LOVED Nachi - here are some pics....