National Park, Optional Snorkel

Isla Fun Tours runs this six to seven hour trip to Isla Contoy, an uninhabited national park that admits about 200 visitors a day.

Overview

The boat ride from the meeting point takes about 45 minutes each way, and the whole outing runs 6 to 7 hours.

The shape of the day is straightforward. There is an optional 40-minute snorkel stop at Ixlaché Reef before the boat continues to the island. Once ashore, you get roughly three hours on Contoy, split between beach time, a guided walk through the lagoons and the museum with a certified guide, and a Maya-style buffet lunch featuring Tikin Xic fish and chicken cooked on the island.

Travelers coming from Cancun also get a one-hour stop in downtown Isla Mujeres for shopping and a wander before the return leg. Hotel pickup is not part of the package, so everyone makes their own way to the meeting point at Black Pearl, in front of dock number 3 behind the Perla Negra Store. Bring your own towel, since towels are not included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Black PearlCheck in at Black Pearl, in front of dock number 3, behind the Perla Negra Store. Hotel pickup is not included.
2. Speedboat to ContoyThe boat ride out to the island takes 45 minutes, with drinks served on board.
3. Optional reef snorkelA 40-minute snorkelling stop at Ixlaché Reef. This activity is optional.
4. Isla Contoy visitRoughly 3.05 hours on the island for the beach, plus a guided eco-tour of the lagoons and museum with a certified guide.
5. Island lunchA Maya-style buffet over 45 minutes, with Tikin Xic fish and chicken prepared fresh on the island.
6. Return speedboatThe boat heads back over 45 minutes, with a drop-off at Cancun or Black Pearl depending on the selected option.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from what the listing asks you to bring to what travelers consistently say about the pace and the crew.

• What to bring. The listing recommends sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen and insect repellent. Towels are not provided, so that one is on you. Park rules ban sunscreen on Contoy, so cover up instead.
• Snorkel or not. The reef stop is optional, so non-swimmers can sit it out without missing the island itself. Several travelers described the snorkelling as a highlight, with one reporting fish, coral and even a shark sighting. The crew keeps an eye on safety, one reviewer noted, especially since many guests take part.
• Crew and guides. Reviewers again and again single out the captains and guides for being attentive and knowledgeable. The guide leads the lagoon and museum walk and explains the island's wildlife and conservation work.
• Food on the island. Lunch is a Maya-style buffet with Tikin Xic fish and chicken, cooked fresh on Contoy. Drinks are served on the boat.
• Island Mujeres stop. If you are coming from Cancun, the trip includes a one-hour stop in downtown Isla Mujeres for shops and street wandering. One reviewer found the town too touristy and crowded. Treat it as a bonus rather than the reason to book.
• Park rules. Contoy is a protected national park and bird sanctuary, and smoking, littering and touching marine life are not allowed. The park admits about 200 visitors a day.

Common issues. A few reviewers felt the price is a bit high for what you get, though most still recommended the tour. Remember that hotel pickup, towels and gratuities are all excluded, so budget for the taxi to the meeting point.

Common Questions