Beach BBQ, 9 Hours

This day trip pairs Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres in a single outing.

Overview

A coach ride takes you from your pickup point to the port, then a speedboat crosses to Isla Contoy, a national nature park where visitor numbers stay low. On the island you get a guided walk, free time, swimming in clear water, and a buffet lunch served on the beach. Drinks flow on board and at lunch: water, beer and soda are part of the package, and breakfast is served before boarding.

The afternoon belongs to Isla Mujeres, reached by another short boat run. There you get roughly an hour of free time for wandering, shopping or a drink before the boat and bus take you back. The whole outing runs about nine hours door to door.

It suits travelers who want the protected, near-untouched side of the Mexican Caribbean without organizing boats and island logistics themselves. Hotel pickup covers Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Guides lead tours in French, English, Spanish, German and Italian. One thing to budget for: a final balance of 60 dollars per person is not part of the booking price.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup from your hotel or the point confirmed at booking, then a coach transfer of about 1 hour to the port.
2. Speedboat to ContoyA 40 minute crossing to the island, with clear turquoise water along the way.
3. Isla Contoy National ParkAround 2.5 hours covering a guided tour, photo stops, a walk, free time, swimming and a buffet lunch.
4. Extra island timeA further 30 minutes of free time and photos on Contoy before departure.
5. Boat to Isla MujeresA 25 minute ride with scenic views on the way.
6. Isla Mujeres free time75 minutes to walk, browse and take in the island at your own pace.
7. Return transfersA 15 minute boat ride back, then a 45 minute coach transfer to the drop-off point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day actually feels, from the packing list to the pace on each island.

• What to bring. The listing asks for beachwear, flip-flops, a towel, a change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent and cash. The cash matters, since souvenirs and photos are extra. Park rules ban sunscreen on Contoy, so cover up instead.
• Pace and walking. The day is built around short guided walks and swimming rather than hiking.
• Group feel. One reviewer mentions being split into language groups so each has its own translator. Tours are offered in French, English, Spanish, German and Italian, and several reviewers praised their guide's knowledge.
• Food and drink. Buffet lunch is served on the beach at Isla Contoy, with breakfast before boarding and water, beer and soda included. One reviewer called the food simple but very tasty, and another described the beach lunch as delicious.
• Weather risk. Sea conditions can affect the day. One reviewer had activities curtailed by weather while still enjoying the rest of the outing. If the trip itself is cancelled, a full refund is issued.
• Plastic policy. Visitors are asked to bring a refillable thermos rather than plastic bottles, to avoid plastic use on the island. Bring one from your hotel.

Common issues. The stop on Isla Mujeres is short: one reviewer said the time there felt too short to properly explore the island, another found it too touristy, and a third found it very crowded. One reviewer reported that a planned water activity did not happen that day. A final balance of 60 dollars per person is payable on top of the booking, and photos and souvenirs cost extra. One reviewer found the van cramped and some staff strict.

Common Questions