Eco Adventure, 8 Hours

This full-day trip from Cancun packs three stops into eight hours: a short visit to Isla Mujeres, a snorkeling stop at Ixlache Reef, and roughly two and a half hours on Isla Contoy, a protected island where a certified guide walks you through the reserve.

Overview

The day is run by Contoy Adventures from their own marina at Punta Sam, next to the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal, and hotel pickup from most Cancun and Playa del Carmen hotels is included when the correct option is chosen at booking.

Food and drink are handled throughout. A light breakfast starts the morning, sterilized snorkeling gear is provided, and a buffet lunch with vegetarian options is served on Contoy. The open bar covers water, soft drinks, beer and cocktails for the ride. Reviewers frequently praise the crew and the island itself, describing clear water, abundant bird life and a beach with few people on it.

It suits travelers who want a packed itinerary and do not mind a long day. Be aware that Contoy is a conservation area with certain restrictions aimed at protecting the environment. Fees and taxes are not included in the price, and one reviewer reported a per-person port fee collected on the day. Wheelchair users and families with strollers can join, as both the transport and the tour are accessible.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupVans collect guests from most hotels in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, depending on the option chosen at booking. The tour ends when the vans return everyone to their hotel.
2. Departure from Punta SamThe boat leaves from the operator's private marina at Punta Sam, beside the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal and the Villa del Palmar hotel.
3. Isla Mujeres stopA one-hour visit to Isla Mujeres Downtown, with an optional walk to Playa Norte beach. Several reviewers found the hour short and noted the stop centers on shops.
4. Ixlache Reef snorkelingA 30-minute snorkeling stop on the way to Contoy, weather permitting. The listing notes this activity is for adults depending on conditions.
5. Isla ContoyTwo and a half hours on the island, including a tour with a certified guide. Movement is limited to designated areas of the protected reserve.
6. Buffet lunch and returnLunch is served on the island, with vegetarian options available, followed by the boat trip back and hotel drop-off.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from reef conditions to what the island rules allow.

• Bring repellent. One traveler specifically recommended bug repellent for an enjoyable visit on the island. It is a small item that can make the Contoy portion more comfortable.
• Long day. The tour runs for eight hours from start to finish, and reviewers coming from Playa del Carmen noted the pick-up to drop-off span is longer still. Plan nothing else for that day.
• Snorkeling limits. The reef stop is 30 minutes and weather dependent. One reviewer described the boat ride out as rocky at times.
• Island restrictions. Contoy is a protected reserve with restrictions aimed at conservation. Reviewers who expected to explore widely were disappointed, and one described the accessible area as small.
• Casual dress. The listing calls for casual dress and a swimsuit. The tour is run by a multi-lingual guide and crew.
• Group size. The tour caps at 50 travelers.

Common issues. Fees and taxes are excluded from the booking price, and one reviewer reported an extra per-person port fee of US$15 collected on the day. Weather can cancel or shorten the snorkeling stop, and the listing notes snorkeling is an adult activity depending on conditions. The Isla Mujeres stop is brief, and one reviewer described it as a shopping stop at a partner store. Access on Contoy itself is limited by the island's conservation rules. One reviewer also reported a last-minute change to the pick-up time communicated the day before, so it is worth confirming timing with the operator directly.

Common Questions