Just 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) north of Isla Mujeres lies a tiny, untouched slice of Caribbean heaven: Isla Contoy. While Cancún buzzes with nightlife, resorts, and tourists, this pristine island offers something completely different- pure, unspoiled nature.
If you’re craving a day trip from Cancún that feels like a real escape, here’s everything you need to know about Isla Contoy, the protected island where wildlife thrives, crowds disappear, and nature speaks louder than beach clubs.
I was lucky enough to spend a month on this island volunteering on various wildlife projects and I can say from experience that it is one of the best islands I have ever visited.
Isla Contoy – A national park
Isla Contoy is a protected national park and wildlife sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity and strict visitor limits. It’s only about 5 miles long and less than half a mile wide-but don’t let its size fool you. The island is home to:
- Over 150 species of birds
- Nesting grounds for sea turtles
- Pristine beaches and turquoise waters
- Mangroves and coral reefs teeming with marine life
It’s been a national park since 1998, and conservation is serious here-only 200 visitors are allowed per day in a designated tourist area.
How to Get There
You can’t go on your own-that’s part of the charm and the protection. The only way to visit Isla Contoy is through authorised tour operators by boat, which usually leave from Cancún or Isla Mujeres and take around 1.5-2 hours. In my opinion it is better to get a boat early morning as it seems a lot quieter in the morning than afternoon. All boats have to leave the island by 4.30pm.
Most tours include:
- A stop for snorkeling at Ixlaché Reef
- A guided eco-tour of the island
- Refreshments on the boat
- A fresh lunch on the beach (usually grilled fish and local fare)
- Birdwatching or free time to swim and explore
Cost: Expect to pay around $100–$150 USD per person, depending on the provider and extras included.
What Makes It Special
1. It’s a True Wildlife Sanctuary
Forget crowds and loud music-here, you’ll hear nothing but the wind through the palms and bird calls. You might spot:
- Frigate birds and pelicans fishing
- Iguanas sunbathing
- Sea turtles and rays swimming near shore
- Hermit crabs roaming the island
2. It’s Untouched and Unspoiled
No hotels. No cars. No vendors. Just a small visitor centre, eco-friendly paths, and protected beaches. It’s like stepping into a world before mass tourism, which is refreshing!
3. The Snorkeling Is Top-Notch
Just off the coast lies Ixlaché Reef, part of the second-largest coral reef system in the world (the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef). Expect colorful fish, coral gardens, and maybe even a barracuda or two.
What to Bring
Since the island is protected, there are a few rules:
- Biodegradable sunscreen only and you have to put this on before you step foot on the island. No sunscreen is allowed on the island itself, so leave you bottles on the boat!
- No plastic containers or bags
- No glass containers
- No feeding animals or touching wildlife. Please don’t pick up shells and starfish as if you do you might be sent back to the boat by the park rangers.
- Please make sure to not put or hang your belongings on any vegetation as this could damage the plantlife.
Pack:
- Swimwear and towel
- Hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen
- Camera or binoculars for wildlife
- Light sandals or water shoes
- Drink plenty of water as it gets hot!
- For those who suffer from sea sickness make sure to take a tablet.
Important to Know
- Tours sell out quickly due to the 200-person limit so book in advance
- There’s no cell service or wifi, so enjoy the digital detox
- There are a few palapas to hang out under if you need some shade.
- On days where weather is too windy to sail, the island will be closed, so keep up to date with your local vendor.
Final Thoughts
Isla Contoy is more than just a beach day, it’s a rare opportunity to see the Caribbean as it once was: raw, wild, and awe-inspiring. It great to take a step back and enjoy the sun in your face and wind in your hair as all you think about is being in the moment and appreciating what mother nature has to offer!
Nomadic dani 
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