Isla Contoy
Parque Nacional Isla Contoy
An uninhabited island national park about 30 km north of Cancun, home to tens of thousands of seabirds including magnificent frigatebirds and brown pelicans. Entry is limited to about 200 visitors a day.
Isla Contoy is roughly 8 km long and has been protected since 1961. It is home to more than 150 bird species, and sea turtles nest on its beaches. Visitors can only land with a licensed tour boat, usually departing from Cancun or Isla Mujeres. Tours typically include snorkeling at Ixlaché Reef, a museum and observation tower on the island, and a beach lunch. They cost about US$100-150 per person, including the conservation fee.
There are no shops or accommodations on the island, so you must return the same day. Bring sun-protective clothing and insect repellent. Do not feed the birds or take shells away.
Opening hours
Day-tour groups, approx. 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Nearby sights
- Isla Blanca
- Isla Mujeres
- El Meco Archaeological Site
- Cancún Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)
- Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres
- Parque de las Palapas
- Mercado 28
- Cancún Hotel Zone