Isla Contoy
Riviera Maya & the Yucatan, Quintana Roo
Just a short boat ride from the tourist-packed beaches of Isla Mujeres and the high rises of Cancun, Contoy Island (Isla Contoy) is an undeveloped natural paradise off Mexico’s Caribbean Coast. Visit this national park to enjoy white-sand beaches, follow wild hiking trails, and marvel at manta rays sliding across the shallows. It’s also home to more than 170 species of birds, which range from brown boobies to red flamingos.
The Basics
Contoy Island is a designated protected habitat for marine birds, reef life, caimans, and more. The island only allows a maximum of 200 visitors per day, so the best way to enjoy this tranquil escape is to join one of guided tours that depart from Cancun and Isla Mujeres. These trips offer visitors ample time to snorkel, relax on the beaches, hike, and admire the island’s wildlife. Snorkeling equipment and lunch are usually provided.
Things to Know Before You Go
Only biodegradable sunscreen is permitted on the island. Cigarettes are also banned.
Because of the island’s 200-visitors-per-day limit, you’ll need to book your tour at least a month in advance if you plan to visit during the busy season.
If you want to visit the island on your own (without a tour guide), you must secure a permit.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the island is on a tour departing from Cancun or Isla Mujeres. Boat rides typically take one to two hours each way. It is possible to visit the island on your own boat, but to do so, you must obtain a permit in advance.
When to Get There
For the best weather, visit Contoy Island from December to April, which is the area’s high season. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the late spring or fall instead; the weather is still nice, and there are fewer people competing for limited spots on island trips.
Islands Near Cancun
The tropical island paradises set off the coast of the Riviera Maya are all equally beautiful, but each offers different types of activities: While Contoy Island offers a tranquil day relaxing on pristine beaches and exploring nature, the more popular Isla Mujeres boasts an array of lively bars and shops and is easy to reach via a cheap and quick ferry ride. For something in between—and the best snorkeling and diving—head to Cozumel.
Ways to explore
Contoy Island is a designated protected habitat for marine birds, reef life, caimans, and more. The island only allows a maximum of 200 visitors per day, so the best way to enjoy this tranquil escape is to join one of the tours that depart from Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Book well in advance, especially during the peak summer season. Excursions typically offer you ample time to snorkel, relax on the beaches, hike, and admire the island’s wildlife. Snorkeling equipment and lunch are usually provided.
Accessibility
There’s no modern infrastructure on Isla Contoy, which is almost entirely sand, so it’s not recommended for travelers with limited mobility.
Age limits
Some tours have age restrictions, with most recommending kids be a minimum of 5 years old.
What to pack
Only biodegradable sunscreen is permitted on the island to protect the fragile ecosystem.
What to wear
One glance at the pristine turquoise is sure to make you desperate to dive in, so be sure to wear a bathing suit.
Not allowed
Smoking, drones, overnight stays
Amenities
Isla Contoy is completely undeveloped and unspoiled, so you won’t find any amenities here.
Address
The easiest way to reach the island is on a tour departing from Cancun or Isla Mujeres. From Cancun, ferries depart regularly for Isla Mujeres, which is a great place to spend the day and breaks up the journey from the mainland to Isla Contoy.
Driving
Isla Contoy is only accessible by boat, and there are no cars on the island, so the only way to access it is by water.
Public transportation
It is possible to visit the island on your own boat, but to do so, you must obtain a permit in advance through the tourist office on Isla Mujeres.
Best times to visit
Most boat tours depart early in the morning to make the most of the daylight hours on Isla Contoy, as you can’t stay overnight.
Best days to visit
The majority of tours depart from Tuesday through Sunday, but weekend slots tend to fill up fastest.
Best months to visit
For the best weather, visit Contoy Island from December to April. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the late spring or fall instead; the weather is still nice, and fewer people are competing for limited spots on island trips.
Special events
To see the maximum number of birds on Isla Contoy, visit from December through March when migratory species flock to the Yucatan to escape the winter chill.
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