Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Catamaran: Full-Day Snorkel at Ixlache Reef
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people in average physical condition; requires short swims/snorkels and walking on flat sand and low dunes.
Overview
Sail north of Cancún to a protected island and a vibrant reef on a full-day catamaran that combines guided nature walks, two snorkel stops, and an hour to explore Isla Mujeres. Space is limited—book early to secure one of the few daily permits.
Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Catamaran: Full-Day Snorkel at Ixlache Reef
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The catamaran slips away from Cancún’s marina just after the harbor wakes—sails unfurling and the Gulf of Mexico widening into a blue that insists you look harder. Salt air stings the nose, gulls wheel like punctuation, and the reef at Ixlache appears as a scatter of turquoise ribs beneath the hull. The first dive is brief and focused: masks fog, fins kick, and a coral forest unspools below, parrotfish grazing like lawnmowers while curious sergeant majors inspect the new arrivals.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book well in advance
Isla Contoy only allows a small number of visitors per day—reserve your spot early, especially in high season.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens harm coral—use reef-safe SPF and reapply after snorkeling.
Pack light water shoes
Coral fragments and mangrove roots make beach landings uneven—water shoes protect feet and improve traction.
Carry a small dry bag
A compact dry bag keeps your phone, ID and sunscreen safe during snorkel transitions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelicans
- Tropical fish like parrotfish and sergeant majors
History
Isla Contoy has long been a resource for local fishers and was later designated a protected area to conserve seabird nesting habitat and coral reef systems.
Conservation
The island enforces strict visitor limits and beach access rules; visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe products and avoid disturbing nesting birds and marine life.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cancún
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin without harming coral and is required etiquette for reef visits.
summer specific
Snorkel mask (personal)
Personal masks fog less and fit better than rental gear, improving underwater time.
Water shoes
Protect against sharp coral and slippery docks when boarding and landing.
Light dry bag
Keeps essentials dry during transfers and while on deck.