Imagine a beautiful desert island with limited access? That's Isla Contoy, a place that is little explored by Brazilians who visit Cancun. The good news is that it's very easy to get there, as long as you have an adventurous spirit and like places that are off the beaten track.
If you are going to spend your vacation in Cancun ou na Riviera Maya, Isla Contoy is a must-see. Also known as Bird Island, it is a protected paradise where only 200 people can visit daily.
Where is Isla Contoy?
This small island belongs to the state of Quintana Roo and is located 50 km north of Cancun. With an area of 230 hectares, it is the most important bird refuge in the Mexican Caribbean.
It is located where the Caribbean Sea meets the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, an area very rich in nutrients that are the ideal food source for several marine species.
Isla Contoy National Park is one of Mexico's 67 parks and its reef, Ixlaché, is part of the second largest barrier reef in the world, making it the perfect place for snorkeling.
How to get to Isla Contoy
To get to Isla Contoy you can book a tour leaving from Cancun, Puerto Juárez or Isla Mujeres. Most tours include lunch and snorkeling equipment.
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What to see on Isla Contoy in 1 day
Excursions to Isla Contoy are for 1 day, but don't worry, it's enough time for you to enjoy this unspoiled paradise to the fullest.
To start, you can visit the sustainable ecological station, a complex that includes a visitor center, an interactive museum, two beautiful trails and a bird watching tower.
Then comes the best part, a trip to the Ixlaché reef to go snorkeling and see the incredible amount of fish of different colors. An incredible experience!
To enjoy the last hours of your visit to the island, I have two great options for you: you can enjoy the beautiful beach or take a second excursion to the Puerto Viejo Lagoon, where you can see many pelicans.
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What to know before you go
Tours depart daily from Cancun, Puerto Juárez and Isla Mujeres. Due to the limited number of visitors per day, I recommend booking your spot in advance.
The following are not allowed: sunscreen or suntan lotions when entering the sea, shouting, music, playing ball, throwing rubbish, eating outside of designated areas and touching flora and fauna.
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Typically, the cost of tours includes transportation, food, trails and permission to access the protected natural area.
If you want more tips on tours in Cancun and Riviera Maya, leave your comment or write directly to Mexico Guide Instagram.
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