Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Tour with Snorkeling from Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
- 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Leave Cancun crowds behind for an all-day adventure tour to Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres aboard a high-speed catamaran. Discover an untouched paradise island that’s home to sandy white beaches, palm trees and an extraordinary population of migratory birds. Spend the day snorkeling along Isla Contoy’s thriving coral reef, where you’ll find bright tropical fish, swaying fans and sea stars, then go to shore at picturesque Isla Mujeres before returning to Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
- Full-day catamaran trip to Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres
- Have lunch on an uninhabited island
- Continental breakfast, buffet lunch and drinks included
- All equipment provided
What's Included
- BreakfastContinental breakfast
- Drinks (water, soft drinks and beers)
- Life vest and snorkel equipment (snorkel tube is new)
- Guided visit to the Island of Contoy
- Shopping time in Isla Mujeres
- Round trip transportation from Cancun, Costa Mujeres and Puerto Morelos
- Gratuities
- Transportation from Playa del Carmen $10 us cash per person
- Transportation from Riviera Maya $20 us per person in cash
- Dock fee, National Park of the island$20.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Pick up service From Costa Mujeres, Cancun and Puerto Morelos Included From Playa del Carmen $ 10 us per person From Riviera Maya Up to Bahia Principe $ 20 us per person
Operating hours.8:30 am
Itinerary
Meet your guide at your Cancun or Playa del Carmen hotel, then head to the marina for a continental breakfast at the water’s edge. Board a high-speed catamaran for the trip up the coast to Isla Contoy—this is the perfect time to snap photos of Cancun from the water and to see the coast beyond the city.
You’ll find extraordinary biodiversity and wildlife on Isla Contoy, which has been a protected natural reserve since 1961, and a National Park since 1998. Find out why the tiny island — it’s just over 5 miles (8.5 km) in length — is considered the most important bird sanctuary on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Explore Contoy at your own pace, with free time to follow sandy trails across the tiny islet. Slip into the water to snorkel the bright coral reef, then relax over an outdoor buffet lunch with an open bar.
Pull up the anchor for a final stop at Isla Mujeres, a must-see stop on the Riviera Maya, then meet back at the catamaran for an early-evening return trip to Cancun/Playa del Carmen and your hotel.
You’ll find extraordinary biodiversity and wildlife on Isla Contoy, which has been a protected natural reserve since 1961, and a National Park since 1998. Find out why the tiny island — it’s just over 5 miles (8.5 km) in length — is considered the most important bird sanctuary on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Explore Contoy at your own pace, with free time to follow sandy trails across the tiny islet. Slip into the water to snorkel the bright coral reef, then relax over an outdoor buffet lunch with an open bar.
Pull up the anchor for a final stop at Isla Mujeres, a must-see stop on the Riviera Maya, then meet back at the catamaran for an early-evening return trip to Cancun/Playa del Carmen and your hotel.
1
Punta Sam
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Isla Contoy National Park
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Isla Contoy
50 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Isla Contoy
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Isla Mujeres
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult to make the snorkel activity and a disclaimer must be signed.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 160 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Kyle_L
Fantastic experience! The guides were super helpful, knowledgeable and kept the drinks flowing. They made the entire experience very fun 😁Would highly recommend and already want to come back!
Reviews
4.1
based on 80 reviews
Stephanie_H, Jun 2024
Very friendly and professional ....we weren't served breakfast, but that's ok....I already ate 😋 perfect day!
Andy_C, Feb 2024
The "uninhabited" Island of Contoy was a magical experience....the windy conditions meant that there was no snorkelling available for those who wished it, but the fish and turtle sightings, together with the frigate birds, brown pelicans, iguanas and "monster" hermit crabs, made it a memorable experience.... you could almost imagine you were "Robinson Crusoe"!
We were well looked after every step of the way.....both on Contoy and also on Mujeres
Thanks to all concerned!!
Laura_J, Oct 2023
Perhaps insignificant but numerous discrepancies between the online description and our personal experience left us disappointed and uncomfortable.
Start time advertised as 8:30 am but we got notified late the night before we'd be picked up at 7:30 am.
The continental breakfast was a selection of yogurt, bananas, or a slice of bundt cake.
The overview describes a "day (of) snorkeling along Isla Contoy's thriving coral reef" but the only snorkeling was a half hour excursion in the middle of the ocean during the boat trip between the two islands with low visibility, strong currents, and minimal sightings of any aquatic life. Snorkeling equipment was not made available while at either island.
The itinerary was reversed. The what to expect section had detailed Isla Contoy first, with time to snorkel there, before the buffet lunch with an open bar, and then a final stop at Isla Mujeres.
We went straight to Isla Mujeres where we had less than an hour to explore. Stopped between the two islands to snorkel in the middle of the ocean. Then were stuck for several hours at Isla Contoy while the boat crew made lunch, served with lemonade and water, and then lead a walking tour that had every participant covered in welts from mosquito bites.
Considering sunscreen is not allowed at Isla Contoy, we would have preferred arriving there earlier in the day. And given mosquitos are abundant, there are no utilities, and minimal shade we would have greatly appreciated less time on Contoy and stopping at Mujeres afterwards where we would have had the opportunity to reapply sunscreen, purchase food more to our liking, and walk around without getting eaten alive.
The 8 hour excursion took 12 hours door to door.
We returned exhausted, famished, and uncomfortably itchy. While the islands were beautiful it just wasn't what we'd hoped for.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thank you very much for your feedback, we are really glad you liked the islands, and we are really sorry the experience was not what you expected, we will take note and action about the points you described in order to avoid future inconveniences.
Jack_T, Jun 2023
Most amazing trip to the islands. The staff were unbelievable who made this trip and coming back from Contoy with drinks and music was the best experience! Staff really make this trip. Would recommend to anyone
Response from Host, Jun 2023
We would like to thank you for choosing our company as your host on your recent tour in our destination. It was a pleasure having you and we appreciate that you have taken the time to share your experience on
Tripadvisor
Kyle_L, Jun 2023
Fantastic experience! The guides were super helpful, knowledgeable and kept the drinks flowing. They made the entire experience very fun 😁Would highly recommend and already want to come back!
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you for your comments we are glad to see you enjoy the experience. We truly hope you can allow us to host you again in the future so we can offer you the remarkable experience you deserve.
Fabiola_L, May 2022
The trip was great both isla contoy and isla mujeres are beautiful places to go and have a wonderful time
Olga_F, Feb 2022
Beautiful trip. The crew did great job. Snorkeling unfortunately wasn’t productive at all. I would love to have more information about islands during the trip and I would not call breakfast, breakfast (more like a fast snack).
I enjoyed my time!
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Thank you olga for taking the time to leave us a review, we will use your valuable feedback to deliver an even better experience next time.
Natalie_H, Nov 2021
The staff is very nice. Isla Mujeres is beautiful but we didn’t get a chance to stay there very long. The day that we went to Isla controy it was windy so the water did not look as clear or calm there was a lot of mosquitoes on the island so it’s very good to bring repellent. The shuttle was a little late to pick us up after the tour and me and my family got a lot of mosquito bites in the parking lot. It’s a very good idea to bring repellent and a towel on the story. Wearing a hat is good but make sure it does not fly off of your head on the boat.
Zhuldyz_A, Apr 2021
The trip to Isla Contoy was a great experience.
I really don't understand the negative comments.
The crew was amazing (especially the guide Moiseus), the program was well organized. We were provided by thé refreshing drinks (sorts, beer, cocktails) all day long. The breakfast and lunch were delicious : especially the lunch on Isla Contoy. We took a fish and were not disappointed. Isla Contoy is magical place, it is absolutely worth to go there.
Also, i would like to tell you that the Covid mesures are very well respected.
That was one of my best excursions si far
Catherine_D, Jan 2021
You spend a LOT of time on the boat getting to and from Isla Contoy - which would be great if you were on the lovely catamaran in the photo advertising this trip. But you aren’t. You are on a big, ugly, uncomfortable tourist boat (which is technically a catamaran) with hard plastic seats.
Isla Contoy is beautiful, but for us not worth the long, uncomfortable ride. Lunch here was nice but nothing to write home about.
Isla Mujeres is a TOTAL tourist trap now - if that’s your thing, you’ll love it, but it’s not our thing. We did have an amazing snack and drink on the beach though (on us, not included) once we worked out that “meandering the town” was really just fending off vendors selling the usual tourist crap.
The Contoy Adventures team were awesome - THEY get five stars. Personable, entertaining, kept our margaritas full!
Glad we did it. Wouldn’t do it again.
JohnKevin_M, Feb 2020
We were not told this was a high speed boat that would bounce and slam off the ocean waves. It has been a week and Im still in excruciating pain. Spoke with my back doctor and from all symptoms he is fearful I may need surgery (ruptured disc).
Once arriving on the island we were told no snorkling (which was part of why we booked this overpriced trip). Also, while on this beautiful island, no sunblock. So we were there in the sun for many hours to burn. And no drinks on the beach. You must wait till lunch time and drink come or beer under the awning.
We were given picnic benches but people moved our items and yelled/kicked us out of seats 2x and told us to sit elsewhere. So we then returned to the VERY over populated beach where 1/2 naked women flaunted around thinking it was their next playboy photoshoot opportunity.
In a nutshell, we felt VERY disappointed and ripped off.
We fell for the ad telling us it was an uninhabited peaceful tranquil island and we would be snorkeling off the 2nd largest reef in the world. None of that was true 😔
Wishing we would had taken pur usual catamaran trip and saved wasted $
Explorer06447415462, Dec 2019
We had a big group. The shuttle was 45 minutes late picking us up from our hotel. They showed up with a van with 12 seats for our group of 13 people. Halfway to the port, they pulled over in a sketchy neighborhood and had us transfer to another van. At least the second one had 14 seats. Once we got to the dock, they wanted to rush us through the “breakfast” since we were late even though the only reason we were late was the delayed pick up. The breakfast was really just a light snack. We should’ve eaten at our resort. The snorkeling was ok. The Isla Contoy was beautiful and our tour guide, Alex, was fabulous. Lunch was good. Isla Mujeres was pretty much just tourist shopping. The trip back from the dock to our hotel took over an hour. Pretty sure they could’ve set it up with a pick up closer to our hotel since we were right near a pier with a water shuttle to Isla Mujeres. Overall I think they need some work on the communication and coordination.
Atul_W, Dec 2019
First of all I must say one thing, Alex and his team were very helpful and excellent. With whatever resources they had at their disposal, they performed very well. They handled the tour very well. The boat "Highlander" was super-fast. Ok this is where the good part ends.
The pickup and drop-off service was good. However, due to the fact that we have to pick few more families on the way, there was no time to have so called “breakfast”. They are supposed to have a continental breakfast at the marina. The breakfast far from being continental. They are faking it. There were a few cookies, a bun cake and tea/coffee. All this was given to you. There are no fruits, bagels or donuts etc. Now comes the kicker, after this we have to do snorkeling, however this activity is like in the middle of the ocean. My kid who is a good swimmer could manage the currents and do something, but I’m not a swimmer I got completely overwhelmed with the concept of dropping the ocean and having to swim. Also from my daughter’s account she barely saw any fish. The concept of swimming in the ocean appealed to her more than seeing fish in the water. All this was done in a big hurry.
After this we went to Isla Contoy. We landed on a jetty, and the beach where were placed is barely 500 meters long or so. That is only piece of land allowed by government for recreational use. There is not fresh water on the island. We cannot clean yourself. There are no beach chairs or anything. There is no shade, barely a few trees. Luckily for us weather was cloudy and windy so it helped. The food served is some salad, fish, chicken, some half prepared rice, couple of cookies (same ones served at the marina) as dessert and watermelon as fruit. The food gets prepared in an unhygienic place. Also there are crabs and iguanas to be worried about. But they do no harm humans. We spent quite a few hours on this beach. I got completely bored.
After this we went to Isla Mujeres, this place has everything we need but guess what u have barely hour and half to go around. The irony of this whole tour is we spent max number of hours in a place without any facilities and very less time at a place where there are things to do.
Bottom line is for close to $400/- it was not worth it. I will not recommend it. There is no point in spending time on Isla Contoy. There is nothing to do there except appreciate the fragile ecosystem.
Kelsey J, Dec 2019
This is a very long day. We left our hotel at 7:50 and did not return until the 7:45 at night. One hour transport there and at least an hour transport back. The crew onboard were very friendly. The instructions and tour was mainly in Spanish. So if your Spanish is not proficient I would not book. The first island stop was very pretty. The lunch served was ok. They fed you sams club dessert and I didn’t feel that it was very authentic food. The second island was very crowded and very busy. As for the snorkeling it is in deep water. The reef was pretty but we saw very little fish. The current is VERY strong and you must be a good swimmer to snorkel. Definitely not for children or adults who are not good swimmers. You must follow the guide through the reef and weren’t allowed to swim about on your own. The crew on the boat were excellent and very helpful. The experience did not meet what my expectation was for the day.
Response from Host, Dec 2019
Thank you very much for your feedback we will take measures to work on the points you mention need to be improved.
Anna_S, Dec 2019
Amazing island tour with such a great staff👍The food was also very good and tasty. My mom and I had a lot of fun. I recommend it for a 100%
Response from Host, Dec 2019
Thank you for your Kind coments , We are really glad you and your mom enjoyed this amazing tour.
Tiffany M, Mar 2018
The guys that do the tour are great! They're really hospitable and make sure you always have a drink. The boat ride is pretty long at about 1-2 hours each way. The bird sanctuary was great, since we got to see some great wildlife up close. We saw hermit crabs by the lunch spot, an iguana about 2 feet away, the little jellyfish and the birds, of course. The lunch they cook is great! They have a buffet set up with fish and chicken. The beach on Isla Contoy is fantastic and pretty quiet since only 300 visitors are allowed each day. The guides split up for walking tours by your preferred language. That was great to get to walk around and learn more, especially after the long boat ride. The Isla Mujeres part was great too, since we were able to do some great shopping. We eventually found the Artisan District for better local crafts. You don't get too much time there, so maximize it accordingly. The boat itself is decent. It's not the nicest, but it's not terrible either. We liked the upstairs deck the most, which allowed the best 360 views. The crew does a great show at the end, which really deserves the tips they get. It's a better alternative than sleeping on the way back. They get people involved and dancing. I only wish it was a little nicer of a boat.
Judite_R, Mar 2018
Isla contoy was amazing! Quiet, beautiful water to swim in.
Marisa M, Mar 2018
Just perfect. Hightly reccomend it. Amazing waters.
Patricia J, Mar 2018
Alexes, Joseph, Diego and Christian did a wonderful, professional, yet fun snorkeling, island tour! Surf was high so we went to a more protective location. Visibility sos, a little shallow in one spot. Best fish lunch we had during our week stay in area!! Wish I remembered the spice Diego?!Thank u!
Carola B, Feb 2018
The water was quite rough the day we went out, so some people were sick - if you tend to get sea sick, take gravol before you go on this. Also, the snorkelling was not bad but we were rushed through the pre-defined route, and the people were running into each other because the some people were faster than others. A bit more space between groups and smaller groups maybe 5-6 would be better - less time on the beach and more time snorkelling! Also, becuase of the roughness of the water, it was quite cloudy -not the tours fault.... Then lunch was very good - especially the charcoal bbq'd chicken and fish. After the quite natural beauty of Contoy, the noisy commercialism of Isla Mujeres was a bit jarring - maybe even more so because it was carnival time and there was tons of loud music and people everywhere. I would have been happier to stay on Contoy for the whole day!
adriennealuzzo33, Dec 2017
Very friendly staff on boat they were a lot of fun and kept the trip lively. Isla Contoy was beautiful and the tour guide was terrific his knowledge of the island and it's history was solid. Lunch was excellent and at one point we were the only people on the island. I did not enjoy Isla Mujeres very much it was a bit squalid and everyone wanted to pull you into their stores which for the most part were filled with junk that could have been made in China.
Jeffery M, Sep 2017
Beautiful reef to snorkel on. Very fun and engaging crew who kept things lively.
Laura W, Aug 2017
We enjoyed Isla Contoy, but shall never attend a tour with this provider ever again. We bought extras, including the souvenir photos that the tour provider charged an extortionate amount of money for 10 photos for 50 USD! and subsequently found out that another guest on the tour was charged significantly less, as they had haggled in Spanish. At the end of the tour, we were hassled twice by one of the members of the tour providers that we didn't tip enough, even though we had tipped 5 dollars each. I was told twice that I should have provided the 'green colour', i.e. at least 10 Euro, even though my partner and I had each already generously tipped AND bought their souvenir photos. Whether he was joking or not, it was extremely bad taste and offensive.
Luca G, Jul 2017
Truly amazing experience, I strongly recommend it! Make sure you book in advance as there are only 200 entry to the Island per day.
Jin Y, May 2017
Given previous experience with other snorkeling adventures elsewhere in the Caribbean, I have to say that this trip was very disappointing. The whole trip started on a bad note when the ride included with the package never managed to show up nor did the tour company call us to inform us that they were late. We had to get the wonderful concierge at the JW Marriott help us contact the company and get things straightened out. Once there we were rushed to the boat since they were already late. Does this mean that we would have been left if we had not called them? There was only one snorkeling experience near Cancun about a 20 minute ride out from port where the water was so rough that unless you were a strong swimmer, the crew smartly and justly stated you should not go out to snorkel and that there were be another snorkeling experience once we got to Isla Contoy. However, that was misleading as well. The hour ride out to the island, albeit beautiful was rough. Once we got to island, we found out that the snorkeling experience was just free time to swim. However, even that was fine given that Isla Contoy was beautiful. However, what was annoying was cutting our time at Isla Contoy short to stop by Isla Mujeres. Maybe there are parts of Isla Mujeres that are beautiful but the part of the island our tour stopped was not pleasant nor entertaining, Our group with the majority of the boat sat and waited in the food court and wasting our vacation time wishing our boat would come back faster and sooner. The time as Isla Mujeres would have been better spent at Isla Contoy. However, the bright spot of trip was the crew. The crew made the trip tolerable and bearable. The two stars were earned purely by the crew on board the ship. As the land crew did nothing to even help us get back to our hotel helpful. I had to go searching for the driver that would take us back home since once we landed and got off the boat, it was pure chaos once again.
Jennifer D, May 2017
I LOVED Isla Contoy! Such a beautiful island with great wildlife. The snorkeling was so much fun. Saw tons of colorful reef fishes and huge corals. We also saw several sea turtles on the boat ride to the island. I didn't find Isla Mujeres nearly as exciting but time spent there was short. Excellent!
Jared S, May 2017
Staff was friendly, lunch was great. Could have been a bit longer, but we were happy overall.
Donata_P, Apr 2017
We've had a fantastic time, the crew was very entertaining and the group was fun.
Isla Contoy was absolutely beautiful, worth seeing and visiting. Lunch was very good and drinks plentiful. Could have done with another hour at Isla Mujeres so we could enjoy more time on the beach. Overall well worth it!
Christine_J, Apr 2017
This tour was overpriced. Our weather was not perfect; it was drizzling and had been raining all day, so inside the boat was soaked-floors, tables, seats. There were lots of leaks from the ceiling -water was pouring in on the tables from ceiling leaks. We had rust water continuously dripping on ours
Lauri_H, Apr 2017
EXCELLENT right from the time we booked it online. Booking it was easy.The shuttle pick up and delivery back home was simple and on time. Very nice drivers! The tour itself was the highlight of our vacation. The crew who took us out were informative. personable, passionate about what they do and fun. My 16 year old an I have never snorkeled before. We are ok swimmers. We felt very safe out in the open sea with our guide. He assured that his group was safe and always with him. He also gave us pointers about snorkeling. Isla Contoy was INCREDIBLE!! We didn't want to leave! Lots of wildlife: on the boat ride there 2 dolphins swam around the boat. Once on the island we saw a stingray and many different kinds of tropical fish swimming in the beach area, many beautiful birds and a crocodile on the other side where the lagoon was. The crew cooked us a beautiful meal and we ate it in the picnic area amongst the iguanas and hermit crabs - SUPER COOL! After Isla Contoy, we headed to Isla Mujeres. It's a completely different island than Isla Contoy...busy with people and very commercialized. We enjoyed our time there but wished we were back at Isla Contoy. Christian, the photographer with the group, is very talented and we purchased the pics he took of us. The photos are among some of our favorites from the whole vacation. At the end of our trip we were upset to see very little tipping of the crew. These guys spent the entire day with us and worked their tails off the whole time. Please be sure to bring enough to tip 7-9 very passionate, hard working crew members. Also REMEMBER: Eco-friendly sunscreen. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TRIP!!!!!!!!!
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