Located in Quintana Roo, it is an uninhabited island. This small paradise, declared a national park in 1998, has about 230 hectares and is about 8 kilometers long. Its name has two origins: the first comes from the words Kom and to’oy, whose meaning is related to giving shelter to sailors and the other from the word also of Mayan origin, pontó ”pelican”. Join us.

Facts about Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy has been a protected area since 1961. Administered by the National Commission of Protected Areas (CONANP), it is a destination whose access is limited to a maximum number of people per day.

For this reason it will be necessary to be foresighted and to have previously booked the tour to access Isla Contoy.

More than 150 species of birds live here. In summer, different species of sea turtles arrive to lay their eggs. About 100 plant species have also been identified. We will also find a great variety of insects, fish, etc.

Many bird and nature lovers travel to Isla Contoy to marvel at them. This is adjacent to Isla Mujeres, another of the must-see areas to visit during our stay in Cancun, Mexico.

How to get from Cancun and where to stay

Isla Contoy is located northwest of Cancun, and can only be reached by tour, excursion or private boat. It can be reached from Isla Mujeres, Cancun and Puerto Juarez.

We recommend staying at the best hotels in Cancun, the Oasis chain. You can choose between hotels in the coastal area or more centrally located ones. For example, right on the beach you will find the all-inclusive Grand Oasis Cancun.

Also take the opportunity to go to Contoy Island in our favorite season and take advantage of the summer oasis hotel offers.

What tours to do in Contoy Island

1. Ixlaché reef snorkeling tour
2. Tour of the five lagoons
3. Tour of the beaches

Ixlaché Reef Snorkel Tour

The Ixlaché reef is in the south of the island, and is the second largest reef in the world with about 1000 kilometers. It is considered the beginning of the great Mesoamerican reef. Snorkeling in its waters you can observe all kinds of species, including fish, corals, mollusks, sponges…etc. If you are a diving lover, it will certainly be an experience worth having.

Recorrido por las cinco lagunas

In Contoy Island we can find up to five lagoons: the northern aviary, the dead lagoon, the heron lagoon, the central aviary and the southern aviary. What to do for the lagoons? especially to observe the different birds such as pelicans, terns, herons, frigate birds…and many more.

Tour of the beaches

There are four beaches to discover: the coconut beach, the beach of the crosses, the oyster beach and the beach closest to the pier. Walk along the white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Take lots of pictures and discover the fauna and flora characteristic of Isla Contoy. You will be one of the 200 lucky ones to spend the day on this island!