Every day up to 200 lucky people are allowed to take a two hour boat trip to the untouched beauty that is Isla Contoy.
Isla Contoy is a small island, just over 5 miles in length and 1.25 square miles overall. The beaches are a safe nesting place for four different species of turtles, including the loggerhead turtle. It’s also a sanctuary of 150 tropical marine birds, both migrating and resident.
The ecosystem is constantly monitored by government-sponsored biologists. All commercial fishing near the island is highly regulated, as is all tourism. Ecotours sail from Park offices in Isla Mujeres or Cancún. There are, however, facilities on the island including a museum, a souvenir store, walking paths, and an archeological underwater museum and artificial habitat. The residential biologists give guided tours describing the flora and fauna.
Isla Contoy, Mexico. Photo by Peter Maas
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