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Day Trips · Quintana Roo, Cancún

Isla Contoy

  • DistanceAbout 50 km north of Cancun by sea
  • Travel timeAbout 1 hour by boat from Isla Mujeres; tours depart from Cancun or Isla Mujeres
  • TransportGuided boat tour from Cancun or Isla Mujeres (approx USD 128-179 per person, about MXN 2,240-3,130, plus a USD 15-20 cash conservation fee at the dock)
  • DifficultyEasy to Moderate - boat travel and snorkeling
  • Rating★ 4.6
  • Best seasonMarch-September for calm seas and bird-nesting season
By Updated

Isla Contoy is a national park and bird sanctuary where visitor numbers are strictly limited, so access is only possible with an authorized tour operator. Over 150 bird species have been recorded, and sea turtles nest on the beaches. Tours usually include snorkeling stops, a short nature walk to a lookout tower and a seafood lunch.

Protected bird sanctuary island with white-sand beaches, snorkeling and a small nature museum; visitor numbers are capped daily.

Isla Contoy is a national park and bird sanctuary where visitor numbers are strictly limited, so access is only possible with an authorized tour operator. Over 150 bird species have been recorded, and sea turtles nest on the beaches. Tours usually include snorkeling stops, a short nature walk to a lookout tower and a seafood lunch.

Prices vary by operator and pickup option; an April 2026 guide listed shared tours around USD 139-179 per person plus a mandatory cash conservation fee.

Practical information for Isla Contoy · Last updated September 2026
Distance About 50 km north of Cancun by sea
Travel time About 1 hour by boat from Isla Mujeres; tours depart from Cancun or Isla Mujeres
Getting there Guided boat tour from Cancun or Isla Mujeres (approx USD 128-179 per person, about MXN 2,240-3,130, plus a USD 15-20 cash conservation fee at the dock)
Difficulty Easy to Moderate - boat travel and snorkeling
Address Isla Contoy National Park, Quintana Roo

How to get there

  • Guided boat tour from Cancun marina
  • Tour from Isla Mujeres
  • Private charter

Suggested itinerary

  1. Early marina departure, snorkeling stop on the reef, arrival on Contoy, nature walk and lookout tower, beach time and lunch, boat return in the afternoon

Location

Isla Contoy National Park, Quintana Roo

21.5000, -86.8000 View on map

Highlights

  • Bird watching
  • Snorkeling
  • Sea turtle nesting beaches
  • Lookout tower

Tips for visiting

  • Book ahead because daily visitor numbers are capped
  • Bring cash for the conservation fee
  • Use only reef-safe sunscreen
  • Bring motion-sickness remedies if prone to seasickness

When to visit

Calm spring mornings give the best sea conditions.

Accessibility

Boat access and sand beaches make this unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors reach Isla Contoy independently?

No; access is only through authorized tour operators.

Is the conservation fee included?

Generally not; it is paid in cash at the dock.