9 Nature Parks near Cozumel, Quintana Roo: Map & Photos

9 parks and reserves · within 60 km

There are 9 parks and reserves within 60 km of Cozumel in a straight line, an hour or a little more by road. The closest is Chankanaab, 9 km away; the farthest, Croco Cun, is 44 km. They are all listed under Cozumel, a Pueblo Mágico that makes a good base.

Parks and reserves are best on weekdays and early in the day. Bring water, and check the opening hours, since some close one day a week.

Best months, when most of these towns are dry with comfortable afternoons: Feb, Mar, Apr, May.

The Nature Parks 9

Chankanaab · Nature reserve · 9 km from Cozumel
A park on the west coast with a reef for easy snorkeling from shore, a lagoon linked to the sea, and botanical gardens.
Palancar Reef · Nature reserve · 17 km from Cozumel
Cozumel's most famous reef, off the island's southwest coast: coral towers, tunnels and drop-offs for divers and snorkelers.
Xcaret · Nature reserve · 23 km from Cozumel · Quintana Roo
Big eco-park on a Caribbean inlet south of Playa del Carmen, built around underground rivers and the ruins of the Maya port of Polé.
Xplor · Nature reserve · 23 km from Cozumel · Quintana Roo
All-inclusive adventure park next to Xcaret: two zip-line circuits, amphibious vehicles and rafting and swimming through stalactite caves.
Xenses · Nature reserve · 24 km from Cozumel · Quintana Roo
Grupo Xcaret's sensory park near Playa del Carmen: optical illusions, a topsy-turvy village, mud baths, a salt river and a zip line.
Punta Sur · Nature reserve · 25 km from Cozumel
An eco park at the island's southern tip: the Celarain lighthouse, a lagoon with crocodiles and birds, and quiet beaches with reef.
Jardín Botánico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín · Nature reserve · 40 km from Cozumel · Quintana Roo
Puerto Morelos' 65-hectare jungle botanical garden, with labelled trails, a chiclero camp, a small Maya ruin, a lookout tower and spider monkeys.
Ruta de los Cenotes · Nature reserve · 41 km from Cozumel · Quintana Roo
Jungle road from Puerto Morelos toward Leona Vicario lined with some 20 cenotes, from wild sinkholes to adventure parks with zip lines.
Croco Cun · Nature reserve · 44 km from Cozumel · Quintana Roo
Interactive zoo north of Puerto Morelos that began as a crocodile farm; guided tours meet crocodiles, deer, monkeys and rescued local wildlife.