Beach Lunch Day, 9 Hours

This full-day excursion from Exciting Travel Holidays links two islands in one trip: the protected nature reserve of Isla Contoy and the Caribbean town of Isla Mujeres.

Overview

An air-conditioned van collects guests from their hotel lobby, then the boat leaves from the pier at Flamingos. Contoy comes first, with clear shallow water for swimming, a large bird population, and an optional guided walk covering the island's wildlife and plants. Lunch is served on the beach, with a choice of grilled chicken or Tikinxic-style fish plus rice, salads, tortilla chips, tortillas, sauces and flavoured water. Beer and cola are also on the boat. The trip then crosses to Isla Mujeres for roughly an hour of free time before the return leg.

The tour runs with a certified guide and is staffed by a multilingual team. English and Spanish operate every day, while German, Italian, French, Polish and Russian each run only on specific weekdays, so the language selected has to match the day chosen. Because visitor numbers on Contoy are capped and the trip depends on weather, the operator asks travelers to book at least 48 hours ahead.

It does not suit wheelchair users or travelers with significant mobility issues, and vegetarians will find the lunch menu limited to beans, rice, fruit and salad.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupAn air-conditioned van collects guests from the hotel lobby, as arranged at booking.
2. Arrive at Flamingos pierThe group gets ready at the pier before boarding the boat.
3. Boat trip to ContoyLifejackets, bottled water, cola and beer are provided on board.
4. Isla ContoyTime in the nature reserve, with clear shallow water for swimming and an optional guided tour of the island, its birds and plants.
5. Beach lunch and free timeLunch is grilled chicken or Tikinxic-style fish with rice, salads, tortilla chips, tortillas, sauces, flavoured water, cola and beer, followed by free time.
6. Crossing to Isla MujeresDrinks and lifejackets are again provided during the boat leg.
7. Isla Mujeres free timeAbout an hour to walk the streets, visit the beach, or buy an ice cream or a souvenir.
8. Return to Flamingos pierThe boat heads back, from where onward transport is arranged.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape the day, from the island's strict environmental rules to the fixed lunch menu.

• No sunscreen. Environmental protection law forbids sunscreen and insect repellent before or during the tour, on both the island and the lagoon. One reviewer echoed this, urging travelers to leave plastic and sunscreen behind so the reserve stays intact. Long sleeves on the swimsuit and a hat are the operator's suggested alternative.
• Language days. English and Spanish tours run daily, but German, Italian, French, Polish and Russian each run only on particular weekdays. Check the selected language against the day of travel before booking. Several reviewers specifically praised the multilingual guiding.
• Pace and mobility. The listing states the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with significant mobility issues. Comfortable shoes or sandals and light clothing are recommended. One reviewer found the snorkeling a bit rushed because of the tight schedule.
• Food and drink. Lunch is grilled chicken or Tikinxic-style fish with sides, and there is no dedicated vegetarian option beyond beans, rice, fruit and salad. Bottled water, cola and beer are included on the boat. Multiple reviewers called the beach lunch a highlight, one noting the captain cooked it.
• Cash on the day. A fee of US$20 for federal marina and national park charges is paid on the spot, and gratuities are not included. Extra money is also handy for souvenirs, tips or an ice cream on Isla Mujeres. Large luggage is not permitted, and an oversized bag costs US$20 per piece subject to space.
• Weather and timing. The whole trip depends on weather, and the operator warns the schedule can shift slightly on the boat or the islands. If the activity is cancelled entirely, travelers can reschedule or take a full refund. On Thursdays the schedule changes and the islands are visited differently, so check the day of travel.

Common issues. Weather drives everything here, and the operator asks for at least 48 hours notice when booking so conditions and the island's visitor cap can be checked. If the trip is cancelled outright, the choice is a reschedule or a full refund. A few reviewers wanted more time on Isla Mujeres, and one found the snorkeling rushed, while another felt Isla Mujeres itself was nothing special compared with Contoy. The park and marina fee is paid on the day, vegetarians have limited options, and the tour is not viable for wheelchair users or travelers with serious mobility problems.

Common Questions