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Although most cruise ships offer shore excursions to Chankanaab, it is cheaper and just as easy to get there on your own. In fact, if you are really brave and it is not terribly hot, you could actually walk the distance if you are docked at the Puerto Maya pier—it is 3.2 kilometers. We elected to take a cab, which cost us $10 each way. It costs $12 each to get into the park. There are lifejackets and snorkel gear available to rent.
Chankanaab is quite a large park with lots of coastline, palapas and a host of very non-ergonomic beach chairs. There is a lagoon with a walking path around it and lots of lizards and iguanas soaking up the sun. There is also a nature walk which weaves in and out around labeled native foliage and is interspersed with numerous replicas of ancient Mayan sculptures.
The shoreline is defined by a rocky ledge, and here and there is access to the water. Chankanaab is the best place for snorkeling with a great variety of colorful coral and an equally bountiful selection of vividly colored fish. The water was warm enough to stay in for hours.
For those with small children, there was an inlet with a sandy beach and very calm water. Several meters from shore in that area was a large rock, which the pelicans had a fondness for.
There were two restaurants where one could purchase food and I heard from others that it was reasonably priced and acceptable to the palate. There were two washroom/changing facilities and lockers were available to rent.
From journals
Western Caribbean on the Zaandam