Combo Day, Snorkeling

The whole thing runs 8 hours 30 minutes, and one reviewer described a door to door day that stretched well beyond that once hotel pickup and drop-off were counted.

Overview

This full day trip from Cancun links two islands in one outing: a boat crossing to Isla Contoy National Park, a snorkel stop in open water, and about an hour of free time on Isla Mujeres before the return. Continental breakfast is served before boarding, and water, soft drinks and beers are listed as included.

The pattern of the day is set early. Pickup from hotels in Cancun, Costa Mujeres and Puerto Morelos is included, the boat leaves from Punta Sam, and the crossing to Contoy is long. One guest described the ride as a high speed boat that bounces off the waves, so anyone with a bad back or prone to seasickness should think twice. On Contoy itself there is a guided walk, beach time and wildlife. The listing does not state that lunch is included, so check the booking page or bring food.

It suits travelers who want a guided visit to Contoy and a taste of Isla Mujeres packed into one organized day. The cap is 160 travelers.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupRound trip transportation is included from Cancun, Costa Mujeres and Puerto Morelos. Reviews report at least one late pickup, so build some slack into the morning.
2. Punta Sam departureThe boat departs from Punta Sam after a stop of about 20 minutes, during which the continental breakfast is handed out. One reviewer called it closer to a snack than a full breakfast.
3. Open water snorkel stopA snorkel stop is made during the crossing, in deep open water. Reviews note strong current at times and say the route is done at a set pace with limited time in the water.
4. Isla Contoy National ParkA guided visit of about 45 minutes, plus further stops on the island of about 50 and 45 minutes covering the walking tour, the bird sanctuary and beach time.
5. Isla Mujeres free timeAbout 1 hour of free time on Isla Mujeres. Several reviewers found it crowded and would have preferred more time on Contoy instead.
6. Return to Punta SamThe boat heads back, followed by the return hotel transfer. Expect the door to door day to run long.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in traveler reviews and in the listing itself.

• Bring motion sickness remedies. The crossing is fast and can be rough. Reviewers mention people getting sick and report being bounced hard by waves, so tablets taken before boarding are a sensible precaution.
• Eat before pickup. Several travelers said the continental breakfast amounted to little more than a few cookies, and that late pickups left no time to eat it. A proper breakfast at the hotel is the safer bet.
• Prepare for a big group. The tour runs with up to 160 travelers. Reviewers describe crowded snorkel routes where swimmers bumped into each other, so anyone wanting a small-group feel should look elsewhere.
• Protect yourself from the sun. One reviewer reported no sunblock being available on the island and long hours of exposure. Park rules ban sunscreen on Contoy, so bring a hat and cover-ups.
• Bring cash for fees. The dock fee for the island National Park is not included, and transport from Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya costs extra in cash. Gratuities are also excluded, so plan accordingly.
• Pack light snacks. Water, soft drinks and beers are included, while eating options in the morning hours are limited.

Common issues. One reviewer reported the snorkel stop being dropped after arrival, so the reef is not a sure thing. Weather problems affect the whole day, and the operator offers a different date or a full refund if the tour is cancelled for poor conditions. Reviews report at least one late hotel pickup. The boat ride itself is fast and hard on the back, with one traveler reporting lasting injury. Extra costs add up: the National Park dock fee per person, optional transport surcharges, and gratuities, which are excluded. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Common Questions