Snorkel Trip, 6 Hours

The boat trip includes snorkeling with gear provided.

Overview

This six-hour outing from Contoy Adventours starts at the operator's office on Av Juárez in central Isla Mujeres at 8:30 am, so it suits travelers already staying on Isla Mujeres or willing to make their own way there. Hotel pickup is not included.

The boat trip includes snorkeling with gear provided. Reviewers describe spotting lobster, octopus, starfish and stingrays, though the exact snorkel spot depends on conditions. When weather closed the usual site, the crew found an alternative spot near the island.

Once on Contoy, the pace is unhurried. Time on shore allows swimming, relaxing on the beach and a guided tour of the island, and one reviewer reported having the island feel almost private with other visitors few and far between. Lunch is served on the island, and one reviewer called it much better than the typical lunch on a boat trip like this. Alcohol, soda and bottled water are included. The group is capped at 30 travelers and the day ends back at the meeting point.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the officeCheck in at the Contoy Adventours office on Av Juárez in central Isla Mujeres at 8:30 am. It sits two houses from Javi's Cantina restaurant.
2. Board the boatDepart by boat toward Isla Contoy with the guide and crew. Bottled water, soda and alcoholic beverages for those 18 and over are included in the tour.
3. Snorkel stopIf weather closes the usual spot, the crew picks an alternative near the island.
4. Time on Isla ContoySpend time on the island. Swim in the designated areas, relax on the beach and join the guided walk.
5. Lunch on the islandA prepared lunch is served on Contoy and included in the tour price.
6. Return to Isla MujeresThe boat heads back and the tour ends at the same Av Juárez meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from dock taxes to what to pack for a beach and boat afternoon.

• Bring a towel. Towels are not included, so bring your own. Swimming is part of the day, at the snorkel stop and from the beach on Contoy. A dry change of clothes for the ride back is sensible.
• Budget dock taxes. A dock tax of US$20 per person applies for both adults and children and is paid separately, on top of the tour price. Photos and tips are also excluded.
• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. Everyone meets at the office on Av Juárez in central Isla Mujeres at 8:30 am, two houses from Javi's Cantina. Make your own way to the meeting point.
• Pace and fitness. Most of the day is easy: swimming, beach time and a guided island walk. The listing flags the tour as unsuitable for travelers with back problems or serious heart conditions.
• Crowd timing. One reviewer mentioned arriving on Contoy first and leaving almost last, with first pick of the umbrellas, though this timing cannot be guaranteed. On the boat itself, up to 30 travelers share the day, so it is a group experience rather than a private one.
• Weather flexibility. The experience requires good weather and the snorkel site can change with conditions. One reviewer reported the crew finding an alternative spot with fish, starfish and stingrays when the planned site was not possible. If the tour is cancelled for weather, a different date or a full refund is offered.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup and the dock tax of US$20 per person is extra for adults and children alike. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travelers with back problems. One reviewer reported a language issue when Spanish and English speakers shared a boat, with guiding given mainly in English, and also felt drinks ran short at lunch. The guided walk on the island is limited in scope, according to one review, so those expecting a deep nature tour should temper expectations. The tour depends on good weather, and refunds are only full if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead.

Common Questions