Untouched Beach Day

This day trip with Isla Fun Tours runs from Isla Mujeres to Isla Contoy, a protected national park island.

Overview

You meet at the Black Pearl dock in downtown Isla Mujeres, behind the Perla Negra store in front of dock number 3. From Isla Mujeres there is no hotel pickup; the Cancun, Playa Mujeres, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen options include an air-conditioned vehicle.

The route follows a pattern the listing spells out: a stop at Isla Contoy, about three hours inside Isla Contoy National Park, and a final hour at Isla Mujeres before returning to the same meeting point. Somewhere in the day there is reef snorkelling with equipment provided, and reviewers regularly describe stingrays, sharks, turtles and dense schools of fish in clear water. One described it as swimming in an aquarium.

Food and drink are covered, including lunch, bottled water, soft drinks and beer, which several reviewers echo when they mention good food and drinks throughout the day.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Black Pearl dockCheck in at Abasolo 13, Centro, Isla Mujeres, behind the Perla Negra store in front of dock number 3. There is no hotel pickup from Isla Mujeres; the Cancun, Playa Mujeres, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen options include an air-conditioned vehicle.
2. Boat ride to Isla ContoyReviewers report turtle sightings on the way.
3. Isla ContoyA 40-minute stop at the island itself.
4. Isla Contoy National ParkAbout 3 hours in the national park. Time for the beach, a guided island walk and reef snorkelling.
5. Isla MujeresA final 1-hour stop at Isla Mujeres before the return leg.
6. Return to meeting pointThe tour ends back at the Black Pearl dock where it began.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and from repeated reviewer comments will help the day go smoothly.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup from Isla Mujeres. Travelers from Isla Mujeres meet at the Black Pearl dock in downtown; the Cancun, Playa Mujeres, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen options include an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Towel and cash. The listing asks travelers to bring a towel and cash for souvenirs and tips. A separate environmental and dock fee of US$10 per person is payable in cash on the day.
• Sunscreen rules. Sunblock and mosquito repellent are not allowed on Isla Contoy, and even biodegradable products harm the reef. Park rules say to stop using sunscreen 30 minutes before arrival, so cover up instead.
• The boat and the sea. Several reviewers describe a small boat and a wet ride when waves are up, and one warns that seasickness-prone travelers may struggle.
• Food and drink. Lunch, bottled water, soft drinks and beers are included. Reviewers repeatedly praise the food and the plentiful drinks, so there is no need to pack a picnic.
• Photos. GoPro files from the crew are not included, so bring your own camera or waterproof phone case if you want shots of the reef, turtles and rays reviewers describe.

Common issues. The tour depends on good weather and a minimum number of travelers; if it is cancelled for either reason you are offered a different date or a full refund. The boat is small, so rough seas mean spray and motion, and one reviewer prone to seasickness flagged the crossing as tough. Another single review called the day rushed and poor value, though most describe the opposite. A US$10 per person environmental and dock fee is due in cash on the day, and the listing advises against the trip for travelers with back problems.

Common Questions