Private Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Snorkel Tour from Playa del Carmen
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate—comfortable with short swims, getting on/off a speedboat ladder, and some walking on sand
Overview
Escape Playa del Carmen for a private speedboat day to Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres: guided reef snorkeling, a protected seabird reserve, a beach lunch, and an hour to wander Isla Mujeres’ colorful streets. Expect clear water, strict conservation rules, and a full Caribbean day with bilingual guides.
Private Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Snorkel Tour from Playa del Carmen
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A private speedboat lifts from Playa del Carmen before the sun has fully burned the morning mist away. Salt spray snaps at your cheeks as the coast recedes and the Yucatán bleaching of reefs and beaches slides into view; the pilot eases the throttle and the Caribbean opens like a page. Your first stop is a shallow reef where schools of sergeant majors and parrotfish choreograph around staghorn and brain corals. The guide points, you slip over the rail, and the ocean takes you without hesitation — currents nudging you like a gentle hand toward the reef.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Park fee in cash
Bring $20 USD per person for federal marina and national park fees—this is collected at pickup in cash.
Sunscreen protocol
Do not apply sunscreen on Contoy; apply at your hotel before boarding and wear a long-sleeve rash guard to reduce sunscreen use.
Footwear for the boat
Water shoes or reef booties help when stepping over rocky shallows and moving on the boat ladder.
Bring small bills for tips and souvenirs
Have small denominations for local vendors, guides, and marina staff—credit is not always accepted.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- frigatebirds and terns
- green sea turtles near reef ledges
History
Local Maya communities used these islands as seasonal fishing grounds; in modern times Contoy was set aside for conservation to protect its bird colonies and nesting sites.
Conservation
Contoy is a federal protected area with visitor caps and strict rules on sunscreen and waste; tours operate under regulations to minimize reef and bird disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Playa del Carmen
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Rash guard or long-sleeve swim shirt
Reduces need for sunscreen and protects skin during long swims and on-deck exposure.
summer specific
Mask & snorkel (or request onboard)
A well-fitting mask makes reef life easier to see and extends your time in the water.
Water shoes or reef booties
Protects feet on rocky entry points and on the boat ladder.
Dry bag and small cash pouch
Keeps phone, camera and cash dry during transfers and swims.