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Contoy Island: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on 6 m read

Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya are some of the most famous destinations in the world for the variety of different islands that are around them. One of these paradisiacal islands that are extremely beautiful and not known by a lot of people in Isla Contoy. 

After seeing all of the amazing tips and facts that we have for you about Isla Contoy, something to make your next trip to the Riviera Maya a more special read about Seek & Go, the best tour agency in Mexico. Here you can find plenty of excursions to take part in, and the best part of it is that you can book directly at Sandos. Are you ready to learn more about this incredible island? Keep on reading: 

About Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is considered an environmental reserve boasting many unique activities and adventures for those who visit. One of the things that make this island different from others is that it has been highly preserved. The natural flora and fauna live in peace as travelers enjoy its extreme beauty. If you are a person who loves exploration, wildlife, and nature, then you are going to love this incredible island. 

A fun fact about Isla Contoy is that there is no one living there. To keep its preservation, Isla Contoy is completely uninhabited, well only by the animals of course! 

Things to Do in Isla Contoy

Even though Isla Contoy is incredibly preserved, it doesn’t hold back from providing travelers with plenty of options for fun and exciting excursions. Explore all of the different things you can do on a day trip to Isla Contoy. 

Visit the Isla Contoy Natural Park 

This natural park is a home for all species. Fall in love with over 90 species of marine and terrestrial animals. If you are looking to relax in nature close to the Caribbean sea, then Isla Contoy is your place. Due to its diverse fauna and flora, we guarantee as soon as you arrive, it will seem like a dream.  

Swim with the Turtles 

One of the most friendly, cute, and amazing creatures swimming in the Caribbean Sea is Sea Turtles. Throughout the year, many sea turtles call the Riviera Maya home and put on “performances” for the friendly snorkelers swimming alongside them. Just off the coast of Isla Contoy is the coral reef Ixlaché, part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world and where many sea turtles stay. 

Between June and November, you can witness Sea Turtles lay their eggs on the beach, and travelers can witness them hatch. Sea turtle eggs are preserved by teams of specialists to ensure that the babies have a safe journey to the sea, where they will start their lives! Do you want to swim with these remarkable animals? 

Take a Hike

It would be a shame not to witness all of the natural beauty of the island, so why not get ready and go on a hike? Explore the island with a guide as the trails take you through a whole new world full of vegetation and an abundance of animals. Observe the home of over 90 species of some of the most important animals in the Mexican Caribbean. 

Relax on the Beach

Within the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Contoy is one of the most incredible islands there is, and with it comes a fantastic beach. Relax under palm trees on a white sand beach while enjoying the beautiful sea. Perfect for a day trip with the entire family while enjoying the incredible Caribbean sun.

Scuba Diving 

Exploring the deep is not only exhilarating, but you have the opportunity to see a whole new world exploring the depths of the Caribbean Sea. Luckily for scuba divers in Isla Contoy, they have the best options. 

Here lovers of adventure can swim by different species of fish close to the Ixlaché reef, starting at the beginning of the Great Mesoamerican Reef! 

Bird Sanctuary 

Exotic, uninhibited, and protected are just three words that perfectly describe this island that stretches 2.4 miles long. Though this island’s name is Contoy, it is also referred to as Bird Island, and that is for it’s incredible bird sanctuary. 

During the winter, more than 152 bird species migrate to the natural park on the island and call it home until they can return to their normal habitats. Some of the breathtaking birds that travel to the island are: 

  • Frigates 
  • Cormorants 
  • Herons 
  • Pelicans 
  • Terns

Fun Facts about Isla Contoy 

Isla Contoy is one of the most unique islands in the Caribbean, and there are so many things that make the island stand out! Here are some fun facts about the island: 

  1. Because the island has stayed uninhabited, the flora on the island has been able to stay prominent, with more than 70% of the island being covered in mangroves. 
  2. Only 200 people are allowed to visit the island per day, with an Isla Contoy Tour lasting roughly from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. 
  3.  3 species of Sea Turtles arrive on the island, including hawksbill, loggerhead, and white. 
  4. Isla Contoy is situated near the 

How to get to Isla Contoy 

To get to this paradisiacal island is a little bit of a journey, but it is totally worth it. First, you will have to take the ferry from Cancun to the famous island Isla Mujeres. From there, travel to Playa Tortugas on the island, and take another ferry to Isla Contoy. We recommend starting your journey in the morning so that you can have a full day experiencing the best of Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. 

Travel to Isla Contoy with Seek & Go

As we mentioned above, at Sandos hotels in Mexico, we have the best tour agency in the Riviera Maya and Los Cabos. Our incredible tour operators Seek & Go will plan out a wonderful trip for you that makes your journey unforgettable. You can choose the right tour for you with our professional travel experts. 

During your tour, snacks, lunch, drinks, music, extra activities, and a guide are all included to help you have the best experience. We guarantee that this tour will be extremely special and provide a unique experience for the entire family. 

Accommodations

In the Riviera Maya, we boast 3 perfect all-inclusive options for all ages of travelers. Isla Contoy is a secluded island that does not have any hotels. So after a day exploring nature, you are going to need a place to lay your head; luckily for you, we have the right hotel for you. Choose between: 

Sandos Caracol– Situated within the jungle hidden by mangroves and cenotes is Sandos Caracol. Here the entire family can spend their vacation in nature through eco-activities, a gigantic waterpark, and breathtaking performances. 

Sandos Caracol

Sandos Playacar– On the best beach in Playa del Carmen lays Sandos Playacar, an all-inclusive resort offering fun for the whole family. Enjoy time on the beautiful white sand beach or indulge in one of the many exclusive amenities that the resort has to offer. 

gay resorts mexico
Sandos Playacar

Sandos Cancun– Are you looking to focus on your well-being before and after your natural retreat to Isla Contoy? Then Sandos Cancun is your place. Situated within the Cancun Hotel Zone, a short distance away from the ferry to Isla Mujeres, Sandos Cancun offers an extensive program focusing on the well-being of its guests during the day and night. 

Sandos Cancun

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