Isla Contoy Day Sail: Snorkel Ixlaché Reef and Lunch on a Protected Island
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people who can board a small boat and handle short snorkeling sessions; basic mobility for boarding and beach walking required.
Overview
Swap Cancún’s bustle for a five‑hour day sail that stitches Isla Mujeres, an hour of snorkeling at Ixlaché reef, and a guided visit to protected Isla Contoy with lunch. Expect clear water, seabird colonies, and strict conservation rules that keep the island wild.
Isla Contoy Day Sail: Snorkel Ixlaché Reef and Lunch on a Protected Island
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The motor cuts and a hush falls over the turquoise as the boat eases into the lee of Isla Mujeres; yolk‑yellow sun warms the deck and breakfast plates clatter softly while the shoreline slips aft. Guests trade the hum of Cancún for the salt-sweet air, cameras click and someone points toward a distant white crescent—Isla Contoy—where mangroves and low dunes hold court like a small, stubborn kingdom off the Yucatán coast.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
The island and reef are protected—choose mineral sunscreen to protect coral and reapply often in the sun.
Use booties or reef sandals
Sharp coral and hot sand make water shoes useful for snorkeling entry and walking on the beach.
Hydrate and pack a light cover
The mid‑day sun is intense—carry a 1L water bottle and a breathable long‑sleeve for sun protection.
Follow ranger and guide instructions
Access to nesting areas is restricted; staying on marked paths keeps bird colonies and visitors safe.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- frigatebirds
- brown pelicans
History
Declared a national park to protect breeding seabirds and coral habitats, Contoy has long been a seasonal stop for indigenous and coastal fishers before formal protection limited access.
Conservation
Visitor numbers are capped and activities regulated to protect nesting birds and reef health; using reef‑safe products and following rules helps keep the island wild.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cancún
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects coral and your skin during long sun exposure on deck and beaches.
summer specific
Snorkel fins/booties
Helps you move efficiently over reef flats and protects feet from coral.
Light waterproof camera or phone case
Captures reef life and island scenes while protecting gear from spray.
Breathable sun shirt and wide‑brim hat
Shields you from strong Caribbean sun during boat and beach time.
spring specific