Isla Contoy

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Isla Contoy

Island

Isla Contoy is a small, protected Caribbean island off the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico, known for its seabird colonies, sea-turtle nesting beaches and clear snorkeling waters. Travelers come for guided day trips and wildlife watching under strict visitor limits.

Isla Contoy CancúnChetumalPlaya del CarmenTulum, Quintana RooBacalarAkumalSan Miguel de CozumelFelipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana RooIsla Contoy

Isla Contoy essentials

Address: Isla Contoy, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Isla Contoy is a narrow coral island about 8.5 km long with an area of roughly 3.17 km2, located off the northern tip of the Yucatán peninsula. It has been under government protection since 1961 and was declared a national park in February 1998; management is shared between SEMARNAT and the local NGO Amigos de Isla Contoy A.C. Located in the state of Quintana Roo some 30 km north of Isla Mujeres, the island is largely undeveloped and kept free of hotels and permanent tourist infrastructure. Only supervised eco-tourism and regulated fishing are permitted, and a strict cap limits the number of visitors each day to protect nesting turtles and bird colonies. Visiting feels like a guided nature excursion: expect short onshore visits, guided walks, birdwatching, and snorkeling in the surrounding reef, with visits generally limited to daytime excursions rather than overnight stays.

  • Seabird colonies: Large roosts and nesting sites host many species, including frigatebirds and brown pelicans - ideal for photography and quiet observation.
  • Turtle nesting beaches: Several beaches are protected nesting grounds for loggerhead, green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles, seen mainly during nesting and hatching seasons.
  • Coral reef snorkeling: Clear waters around the island offer snorkeling over coral reef habitat with abundant fish life, typically visited as part of the guided tour.
  • Sandbars and lagoons: Shallow sandbars and interior lagoons are scenic spots for short walks and spotting wading birds and migratory species.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Isla Contoy#

Isla Contoy is warm year-round; the drier months are most pleasant for beach time and birdwatching, while summer and autumn bring heavier rain and hurricane risk. Check seasonal weather and hurricane forecasts before planning a trip.

Winter (best)
November - February · 19°C - 30°C (66°F - 86°F)
Drier, sunnier weather and lower humidity make this the most comfortable period for visits and wildlife viewing; boat trips run regularly but still require advance booking.
Shoulder season
March - May · 20°C - 32°C (68°F - 90°F)
Warm temperatures continue with rising humidity and occasional showers; sea conditions are generally good for snorkeling and bird activity remains high.
Wet and hurricane season (exercise caution)
June - October · 23°C - 33°C (73°F - 91°F)
This period brings heavier, more frequent rain and increased risk of tropical storms, especially in September and October, so expect cancellations and fewer boat departures.

Weather & Climate near Isla Contoy#

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1203 mm/year), wettest in September.

Air Quality: AQI 31 Good
Best Time to Visit
MarchAprilFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 19° - 28° 24° 79 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.7 m/s 1.2 high 10.9h
February Excellent 19° - 28° 24° 49 mm some cloud 76% 4.0 m/s 1.6 very high 11.3h
March Ideal 20° - 29° 25° 38 mm some cloud 74% 4.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
April Ideal 21° - 31° 26° 48 mm mostly sunny 75% 4.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.5h
May Very Good 23° - 32° 30° 93 mm some cloud 77% 3.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.0h
June Very Good 24° - 33° 32° 146 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.3h
July Very Good 24° - 33° 33° 112 mm some cloud 80% 2.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.2h
August Very Good 24° - 33° 33° 131 mm some cloud 80% 2.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.7h
September Good 24° - 32° 32° 186 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.7 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.2h
October Very Good 23° - 31° 30° 144 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.0 m/s 1.7 very high 11.5h
November Excellent 22° - 30° 26° 91 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.5 m/s 1.3 high 11.0h
December Excellent 20° - 28° 24° 86 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.4 m/s 1.1 high 10.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Isla Contoy#

The usual access point is the nearby islands and resorts north of Cancún; most visitors travel via Isla Mujeres or Cancún. The nearest major airport is Cancún International Airport (CUN); there is no rail service in the area. From Isla Mujeres or Cancún you must join one of the few authorised tour operators that hold park permission for Contoy - operators run day trips by boat and you cannot land independently. Park rules require guests to obtain permission at the park offices in Isla Mujeres or Cancún, and landing spaces and visitor numbers are limited, so plan and book in advance.

Tips for Visiting Isla Contoy#

  • You must visit with an authorised operator and obtain park permission in Isla Mujeres or Cancún before boarding the boat. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat - shade is limited on the island. There are no visitor facilities for accommodation, so expect only a day trip and bring water, snacks and any necessities. Keep a respectful distance from nesting turtles and birds and follow the guide’s instructions to avoid disturbing wildlife. Expect time limits ashore and limited numbers of boats, so book early on busy seasons.