Located just over 15 miles north of Isla Mujeres, this natural sanctuary is the most important refuge for seabirds in the Mexican Caribbean. More than 150 species, from the brown pelican to the peregrine falcon, visit the island regularly to feed and nest. And that’s not all; this authentic natural paradise is a spawning ground for several species of sea turtles as well. Also, the surrounding waters, including the Ixlaché coral reef (part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world), are just as impressive as the surface.
A protected area since 1961, a National Park since 1998, and a Ramsar site (Wetlands of International Importance) since 2003, the island is an unspoiled wonderland. One of the best-kept secrets in the region! Within its 570 acres, you can find coastal dunes, mangroves, lagoons, low tropical forests, and coconut palm trees. Up to 95% of the island’s vegetation cover is unaltered by human activity! A breathtaking landscape that hosts a fantastic burst of wildlife: large colonies of frigatebirds, double-crested cormorants, small reptiles, hermit crabs, caiman crocs… Isla Contoy sustains the largest brown pelican nesting colony on the entire east coast of Mexico, from Texas to Belize. A totally uninhabited (by humans) place, except for the few biologists in charge of ongoing studies.
- A day on the island: What to do in Isla Contoy
- Visiting Isla Contoy: how to get there and restrictions
Nevertheless, Isla Contoy has an eco-tourism zone and a visitor center that allows you to discover this fabulous destination. But beware; only 200 people a day are allowed to arrive on the island, and no visitors can spend the night there. So hurry, set up your visit to the island with Vacaciones Barcelo and enjoy one of the most amazing places in the Mexican Caribbean. It doesn’t matter if you are a nature lover or not, you definitely have to visit Isla Contoy!
A day on the island: what to do in Isla Contoy
The island is a protected natural wonder, so, of course, the fundamental purpose of visiting such a place is just to enjoy its natural treasures. So, enjoy the beach, try to find the elusive crocs, listen to the sounds of the jungle, try to name the different bird species… And, the most crucial thing: relax and soak up all the beauty that surrounds you. Get ready to explore the numerous spots that make this National Park such a wonderful place!
Take a look at the Visitor Center
After setting foot on the eco-tourism zone pier, you can go straight ahead to the self-sustaining visitor center and enjoy its permanent exhibition. Large-scale interpretation boards and informative models portray the diverse habitats and features of the National Park. A perfect way to catch a broad glimpse of the natural richness of the island.
Views from above
Besides the exhibition, the 65 feet high visitor center’s viewing tower offers breathtaking views. So, get up there and be amazed by the spectacular scenery of the island and its surrounding waters. Quite a show!
Walk along
Don’t forget to explore the two interpretive trails where you can appreciate all the island’s natural wonders from up close. The park’s guides will show you everything you have to know about Isla Contoy and its feathery inhabitants, among other exciting details.
Blue & White paradise
Visiting Isla Contoy with Vacaciones Barcelo will let you have some spare time to enjoy the beautiful beach at Isla Contoy. Also, it will take you (before or after visiting the island) to the Ixlaché coral reef for a fantastic snorkeling time among colorful tropical fish and other marine species, from the spiny lobster to manta rays.
Lunchtime!
Two large palapas do the restaurant work at the Visitor Center since visitors usually have lunch included in the visit. Don’t miss the delicious Tikin Xic fish, a traditional recipe that’s an absolute delicacy!
Visiting Isla Contoy: how to get there and restrictions
As a protected area, Isla Contoy is not fully open to the public. One of the main restrictions is how and when anybody can arrive on the island. Only a limited number of authorized boats are allowed on site. And, as stated before, the number of visitors to the park is limited to 200 people per day.
The time of departure is usually 9 am, and every boat returns approximately at 5 pm. Navigation between the departing point and the island will last between one and two hours, depending on the type of boat, the port of departure (Cancun, Puerto Juarez, or Isla Mujeres), and the weather.
In any case, the most important thing is to make the proper reservations with the folks at Vacaciones Barcelo with as much time in advance as possible. Within the different options they’ll offer you to visit this wonderful island, you’ll get a super comfy transfer to and from your hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, boat trip to Isla Contoy with a stopover on Isla Mujeres (enlace a Isla Mujeres), snorkeling at Ixlache reef, access to the National Park… Everything you need to live an unforgettable experience!
Taking care of paradise
First and foremost, take total care of everything you find on the island. As you already know, Isla Contoy is quite a natural wonder, and the best thing everybody can do is to keep it that way. So, please, be careful and listen to every suggestion from the local guides and resident biologists.
One of the most important recommendations is to keep all kinds of chemicals away from the island. That includes sunscreen, deodorant, makeup, body creams, perfumes, etc. These substances affect the quality of the water and, obviously, its flora and fauna, including the fragile corals. Nevertheless, be very careful with the sun! The best way to protect yourself is by using UPF 50+ swim shirts, caps, sunglasses, long-sleeved cotton/linen shirts (once you’re dry)… Just, please, be a responsible visitor; the less your presence impacts the island, the better.
Also, different information panels will let you know the “do’s and don’ts” on the island. For example, smoking is a strict no-no. Of course, littering or feeding the animal is also out of the question. In short: enjoy this beautiful paradise without messing it up.
