Isla Contoy National Park

A Narrow, Uninhabited Island National Park (1998) With One Of The Major Bird Nesting Colonies Of The Caribbean, Including Frigatebirds, Brown Boobies And Flamingos, Plus Green And Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Beaches. Entry Is Capped Each Day And Only By Authorised Tour Operators From Isla Mujeres, Cancun Or Holbox. Boats Can Be Cancelled In Rough Weather · Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

Isla Contoy is a long, narrow, uninhabited island about 30 km north of Isla Mujeres, protected as a national park since 1998 and one of the main seabird nesting sites of the Caribbean. Frigatebirds, brown boobies, cormorants and flamingos use the island, and green and loggerhead turtles come ashore to nest on its beaches, roughly from May to September. There is a small reef offshore for snorkelling and a short trail and tower for bird watching. Entry is limited to a daily cap and only on authorised tour boats from Isla Mujeres, Cancun or Holbox; there are no overnight stays and no services beyond a ranger station and toilets. It suits birders, snorkellers and nature lovers who accept rules. It is worth the cost and the long boat ride on a calm day; it is not worth it if you get seasick, want a party boat, or expect resort comforts. Rough seas can cancel the trip, so keep the date flexible if you can.

Isla Contoy, a narrow island about 30 km north of Isla Mujeres, reached only by licensed tour boat; coordinates approximate, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Visits are daytime only, usually one tour per day with a morning departure and return in the afternoon, and the exact schedule depends on the operator. The island is CLOSED to overnight stays, and independent landing without an authorised operator is not allowed. A daily visitor cap applies, so tours can sell out. The park may be CLOSED or boats cancelled in rough seas, storms or hurricane season, and some beaches are closed during turtle nesting. There is no free entry: the park fee and boat cost are normally charged, though watching seabirds from a passing boat is free. Confirm the operator and date in advance.

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