Isla Contoy Day Trip from Cancun: Snorkel Pristine Reefs, Birdlife & Isla Mujeres
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels — you should be comfortable boarding a boat and swimming short snorkel sessions.
Overview
A full-day catamaran trip from Cancún, this curated visit to Isla Contoy combines a protected reef snorkel, a guided island walk among nesting seabirds, and free time in Isla Mujeres. Limited to 200 visitors daily, the tour is equal parts natural history and easy island relaxation.
Isla Contoy Day Trip from Cancun: Snorkel Pristine Reefs, Birdlife & Isla Mujeres
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The catamaran slips away from the marina with the morning stacking itself like paper behind the hotels of Cancún. Salt and engine hum combine as the coastline recedes and the Caribbean opens bright and flat — a wide invitation. After a short snorkel at Ixlaché Reef, the boat eases toward a low, clean line of sand: Isla Contoy, where visitation is capped at 200 people a day and the island behaves like a quiet host, offering only what it can sustain.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book early
Daily visitor limits mean this tour often sells out—reserve your spot at least a week ahead during high season.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Sunscreen that’s safe for coral is required to protect the reefs you’ll snorkel over.
Arrive ready to swim
Snorkeling windows are limited and geared for confident swimmers—wear your swimsuit and a quick-dry cover-up.
Cash for Isla Mujeres
Bring small bills for souvenirs and taxis during the one-hour stop on Isla Mujeres.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown boobies
- Magnificent frigatebirds
History
Contoy has long been a waypoint for local fishers and was designated a protected area to shield its important seabird colonies and coral reefs; visitation is limited to reduce human impact.
Conservation
Strict daily visitor caps, guided-only island walks, and reef-safe-sunscreen requests are part of local measures to preserve nesting birds and fragile coral systems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cancún
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the coral during prolonged sun exposure and snorkeling.
summer specific
Waterproof camera or phone case
Capture reef life and beach scenes without risking electronics.
Light cover-up and hat
Provides sun protection between water sessions and during the boat ride.
spring specific
Water shoes or sandals
Use on rocky shore entries, boat ladders, and the island’s mixed sand and shell shoreline.
summer specific