Mexico · Quintana Roo
Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is Mexico's most protected island: a tiny national park north of Isla Mujeres where only 200 visitors a day are allowed, with 150-plus bird species, nesting turtles and empty white-sand beaches. No hotels, no shops - just the island.
Best season
Year-round, but November to April gives calmer seas for the boat crossing.
What it costs
The guided boat tour from Isla Mujeres or Cancun runs 90-130 USD including snorkelling, lunch and park fee - it is the only way in.
Getting there
Boats leave from Isla Mujeres and Cancun; the crossing from Isla Mujeres takes about 45 minutes.
Getting around
You do not - the island is visited on foot with a certified guide on marked trails.
Highlights
- Snorkelling the Ixlache reef on the way
- the bird lagoons with frigatebirds and pelicans
- the visitor centre and watchtower
- an empty Caribbean beach all to the group
Local tips
- Book days ahead - only 200 permits are issued daily
- sunscreen must be reef-safe and applied before boarding
- no drones allowed.
What to eat
- Lunch is included on tours - usually grilled fish on the beach
- eat breakfast before the boat.
Where to stay
- Nobody sleeps on Contoy
- stay on Isla Mujeres and day-trip over.
Sample itinerary
Morning boat from Isla Mujeres, snorkel stop at Ixlache reef, guided walk to the lagoons and tower, beach lunch, back by mid-afternoon - combine with a sunset at Punta Sur.