Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Day Trip from Playa del Carmen — Snorkel Ixlaché Reef and Eco-Reserve

Playa del Carmen•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

8 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable with short swims and getting on/off a boat.

Overview

Spend an eight-hour day from Playa del Carmen snorkeling Ixlaché Reef, touring the protected Isla Contoy sanctuary, and enjoying free time on Isla Mujeres. This eco-focused itinerary balances marine encounters with birdwatching and local culture.

Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Day Trip from Playa del Carmen — Snorkel Ixlaché Reef and Eco-Reserve

Other

Bus Tour

Wildlife

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

The day begins before most of the town has woken: a strip of Playa del Carmen hotels loosens its ties while a low-slung boat eases into the Caribbean and the sea takes on glassy, impossible blues. You feel the engine’s pulse beneath your feet and the ocean’s breath at shoulder height — then the captain eases off for the first stop, Ixlaché Reef. For about 45 minutes the water will insist you slow down; coral gardens curve below like underwater ridgelines and parrotfish nibble at your shadow.

Adventure Photos

Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Day Trip from Playa del Carmen — Snorkel Ixlaché Reef and Eco-Reserve photo 1

Adventure Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen

Isla Contoy is a protected reserve — sunscreen with oxybenzone-free formulation is required to minimize coral damage.

Carry a small waterproof bag

Protect your phone, camera, and documents during snorkeling and boat transfers; a dry pouch keeps essentials safe and accessible.

Budget for dock tax

Plan on paying the mandatory dock tax (about $20 USD per person) in cash at the departure point or upon arrival.

Start early and hydrate

Pickup begins ~6:30 a.m.; bring water and sip often — sun and salt can dehydrate you faster than you expect.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Brown pelican
Royal tern (and other seabirds)

History

Isla Contoy has been designated a protected area by Mexican authorities to conserve bird nesting sites and marine habitats; the region sits on the northern edge of the Yucatán limestone shelf.

Conservation

Visitor numbers are limited and guided paths are enforced to protect nesting birds and turtle beaches; use of reef-safe sunscreen and following guide instructions helps preserve local ecosystems.