Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres day tour
Three islands in one day: Isla Mujeres, snorkeling at Ixlache reef and the bird sanctuary of Isla Contoy, with breakfast, buffet lunch and open bar.
A protected island few people get to see
The national park “Isla Contoy” is located in the municipality of Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, right where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea.
It was declared a natural park and wildlife refuge in 1961, and in 1986 a federal decree protected it for sea turtles. Thanks to its location, Contoy is a refuge for a large number of birds and endangered sea turtles.
This virgin island is barely 5.2 miles long and only 70 feet wide at its narrowest point. It lies about 45 minutes north of Isla Mujeres, at the start of the world’s second-largest coral reef. Its beaches are shallow, clear and calm, full of marine life.
Isla Contoy is internationally recognized for its flora and fauna, especially its birds: more than 90 species live here or stop by on migration. Because of federal environmental rules, the number of visitors per day is limited.
Your day, hour by hour
- 9:00 – 9:30Continental breakfast on board as we set sail for Isla Mujeres.
- 9:30 – 10:30Free time in Isla Mujeres: rent a golf cart or a scooter, or go shopping.
- 10:35 – 11:15Sail from Isla Mujeres to Ixlache reef.
- 11:15 – 12:15Snorkeling at Ixlache reef. Gear and guides included.
- 12:15 – 12:30Ride from the reef to Isla Contoy.
- 12:30 – 2:00Free time in the national park: walk the dunes, visit the central aviary and rest on the manta ray beach. Optional visit to the bird colonies of Puerto Viejo (extra park contribution of $200 MXN per person).
- 2:00 – 4:30Buffet lunch on the island and last chance to enjoy the beach.
- 4:30 – 5:30Return to the marina.
Rates in US dollars
| Tour (without transportation) | |
|---|---|
| Adult | $130 USD |
| Child 5 to 12 years | $90 USD |
| Infants 0 to 4 years | Free |
| Round-trip hotel transportation (per person) | |
| From Cancun | +$15 USD |
| From Riviera Maya | +$35 USD |
Included
- Bilingual host and guides
- Continental breakfast
- Island buffet lunch
- Open bar all day
- Snorkeling at Ixlache reef with gear (weather permitting)
Not included
- Dock fee and taxes: $20 USD per person
- Optional Puerto Viejo bird colony visit ($200 MXN)
- Tips
Animals you may see on Contoy
Visitors love to know the names of the birds they see. These are some of the residents of the island.
Isla Contoy in pictures
A day on Isla Contoy
Get a taste of the tour: the boat ride, the snorkel stop and the untouched beaches of the bird sanctuary.
Where is Isla Contoy?
Isla Contoy is about 45 minutes by boat north of Isla Mujeres. The tour departs from Playa Mujeres, north of Cancun.
Reserve your Isla Contoy tour
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