National park · Mexico
Isla Contoy National ParkParque Nacional Isla Contoy
Go only as a booked day trip: 200 visitors a day, no lodging, no camping, no sunscreen or repellent on the island. Book an authorized boat from Isla Mujeres or Cancún for Dec–Apr; expect roughly MXN 1,900–2,600 (about US$100–140) with lunch and a reef snorkel stop.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²)
approximate
Established
1998
Best months
Dec–Apr
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²)
- Land area is small — roughly 2–3 km² of island plus surrounding reef and lagoon; figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1998
- Best months
- Dec–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Isla Mujeres
Isla Contoy is a low, sandy island off the northeast corner of the Yucatán, about 30 km north of Isla Mujeres. It is a national park with a hard cap of 200 visitors per day, reachable only on authorized tour boats, and it is also a Ramsar wetland. There is no hotel, no campsite and no trail network beyond short sandy paths: the day is a boat ride, a beach, a shallow lagoon and a reef snorkel. That is the whole offer, and it is why the island still looks the way it does.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Ramsar wetlandListed as a Ramsar wetland; adds environmental safeguards on top of national park status (check).
Size and age
2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²) · national park since 1998
Land area is small — roughly 2–3 km² of island plus surrounding reef and lagoon; figures vary by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Isla Mujeres.
Why go
- A Caribbean island with a 200-person daily cap, no buildings to speak of and no vendors on the sand.
- One of the better bird islands in the Mexican Caribbean: frigatebirds overhead, ospreys and pelicans working the shore.
- The reef snorkel stop on the way in or out is the other half of the trip, and it is included in most tour prices.
- Sea turtles nest on the beaches — four species are recorded here, all protected.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepAvoid
- OctCaution
- NovGo
- DecBest
- JanDry, sunny, steady breeze; boats full
- FebDry and warm; peak booking
- MarDry; spring break crowds on the boats
- AprStill dry; heat building
- MayHot and humid; fewer boats
- JunRainy season starts; afternoon showers
- JulHot, wet; nesting turtles on the beach
- AugStorm season; trips can be cancelled
- SepPeak hurricane month; boats often stay in port
- OctStorms taper; some operators still closed
- NovDrier, cooler, fewer people
- DecDry and clear; holiday demand
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigatebirds (resident, seen all day)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Migratory birds crossing the Gulf of MexicoOct–Mar | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Ospreys and pelicans along the shoreNov–Apr | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Sea turtles nesting on the beachesMay–Sep · Four protected species are recorded here; nests are marked and must not be approached. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Isla Mujeres
Authorized tour boat from the island's docks; the shortest crossing.
45–60 min
Open the page →
From Cancún
Tour boat from Puerto Juárez or the hotel zone marinas, often with a stop at Isla Mujeres.
1.5–2.5 h
Open the page →
From Playa del Carmen
Van or ferry north to Cancún or Isla Mujeres, then the tour boat; long day.
3–4 h total
From Cozumel
Ferry to Playa del Carmen, then north; not practical as a same-day trip.
4 h+
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Beach and landing area | Sandy beach, palapa shade and the lunch set-up where boats put passengers ashore. | Open to tour groups only. |
| Nature museum and short paths | A small museum on the island's ecology and conservation, plus sandy walking paths behind the beach. | Open with the tour; stay on the marked paths. |
| Mangrove and lagoon | Mangrove swamp and shallow water where birds feed and nest. | View from the paths and the beach; no walking into the mangrove. |
| Reef snorkel site | Shallow coral reef visited by the boats on the way out or back. | With the tour only; no anchoring on coral. |
| Turtle nesting beach | Stretches of sand where sea turtles come ashore to nest. | Closed or roped off in nesting season; keep back. |
Sketch map
- 1Isla Contoy landing beach · Beach≈21.496, -86.797Map ↗
- 2Nature museum · Headquarters≈21.494, -86.795ApproximateMap ↗
- 3Mangrove lagoon · Trail≈21.490, -86.799ApproximateMap ↗
- 4Reef snorkel area · Dive site≈21.470, -86.780Approximate; the exact stop depends on the operatorMap ↗
- 5Isla Mujeres docks · Ranger station≈21.256, -86.746Map ↗
- 6Puerto Juárez, Cancún · Ranger station≈21.183, -86.803Map ↗
Take the points offline
6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Island coordinates from open data; the museum, lagoon and reef points are approximate and for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authorized day tour from Isla Mujeres or Cancún (boat, park entry, lunch, reef snorkel) | MXN 1,900–2,600 (≈ US$110–150) | person | 2026 estimate; a 2023 figure of about MXN 1,900 was quoted for the standard tour, so budget the upper end now. Hotel pick-up may cost extra. |
| Park entry collected separately by some operators | MXN 100–200 (≈ US$6–11) | person | Usually bundled into the tour price; ask before you pay (check). |
| Reef and dock use fee (Isla Mujeres departure) | MXN 0–100 (≈ US$0–6) | person | Varies by operator; often included (check). |
| Snorkel gear rental | MXN 100–300 (≈ US$6–17) | person | Most tours include mask and fins; check the listing. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Authorized boat access permit or guide
Park entry permit or guide
Research or filming access permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- MX$1,900–2,600≈ US$110–150
- MX$100–200≈ US$6–11
- MX$100–300≈ US$6–17
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) — Parque Nacional Isla Contoy before you go.
Park rules
- Sunscreen
- All sunblock products are banned on Isla Contoy. Bring a hat, a long-sleeve shirt and use shade instead.
- Insect repellent
- Banned on the island. The wind usually keeps mosquitoes down, so this is rarely a problem.
- Visitor cap
- Only 200 people per day and only authorized boats may land. Book ahead in Dec–Apr.
- No overnight stays
- No lodging and no camping anywhere on the island; everyone leaves with their boat.
- Wildlife distance
- Do not approach nesting turtles, nests or roosting birds; stay on marked paths and behind any roped areas.
- Reef contact
- No standing on or touching coral at the snorkel stop; no anchoring on reef.
- Litter
- Take everything back with you; there are no bins for visitor waste.
Where to stay
Near the park
Isla Mujeres
The closest base: hotels and guesthouses of every level, and the shortest boat ride to the island.
Near the park
Cancún
Resort hotels and hostels; most tours leave from Puerto Juárez or the hotel zone.
Near the park
Puerto Morelos
Quieter coast between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, useful if you want a low-key base.
Safety
Sun exposure high
Motion sickness on the crossing medium
Storms and cancelled trips medium
Reef cuts and stings low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The beach landing and the paths behind it are flat sand, but boarding a small boat and wading ashore can be difficult for limited mobility.
- There are no paved paths, boardwalks or wheelchair facilities on the island.
- Ask the operator directly about assistance with boarding before booking.
Visiting lightly
- The 200-visitor cap and the sunscreen ban exist to protect the reef and the nesting beaches — follow both.
- Book a licensed operator; unlicensed boats are the main threat to the island's rules.
- Do not buy shell, coral or turtle products anywhere on this coast.
- Take your rubbish back to the mainland; the island has no waste service for visitors.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Isla Contoy?
There is no walk-up ticket: entry comes with an authorized tour. Budget about MXN 1,900–2,600 (roughly US$100–140) per person in 2026 for the boat, park entry, lunch and the reef snorkel stop. A 2023 reference price for the standard tour was about MXN 1,900, so treat the lower end as out of date. Some operators quote park entry separately — ask before you pay.
What are the best hikes in Isla Contoy?
There are no real hikes. The island is low, sandy and small, with short flat paths behind the beach and a nature museum. The walking you do is a beach and birdwatching stroll of one to two hours, not a trail network. The active part of the day is the reef snorkel stop, not a hike.
When is the best time to visit Isla Contoy?
December to April: dry, sunny and warm, with the steadiest boat schedules. It is also when the boats are fullest, so book several days ahead. June to October is the rainy and storm season, and September is the month most likely to see trips cancelled. November is a good middle option with fewer people.
Can I stay overnight on Isla Contoy?
No. There is no lodging and no camping on the island, and everyone leaves with their boat. Sleep in Isla Mujeres, Cancún or Puerto Morelos and take a day trip.
Can I visit Isla Contoy on a private boat?
No. Only authorized tour boats may land, and the island is capped at 200 visitors per day. Book through a licensed operator from Isla Mujeres, Cancún or Playa del Carmen.
Can I wear sunscreen on Isla Contoy?
No. All sunblock products are banned on the island, and insect repellent is banned too. Bring a hat, a long-sleeve shirt and use the shade; apply nothing before you land if you plan to snorkel.
What will I see on Isla Contoy?
Frigatebirds overhead all day, ospreys and pelicans along the shore, migratory birds in the dry season, and sea turtles nesting in the warm months. The island records more than 150 bird species and four protected turtle species.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go