Isla Blanca: Day Trips and Tours from Cancún

Cancún immediately evokes images of reveling vacationers enjoying the sea and sunshine of Mexico's Caribbean coast. But if the jovial atmosphere of the city becomes too much, a day trip to Isla Blanca from Cancún is just what you need to escape the busyness.

This hidden peninsula was ripped straight from a postcard and its unmatched tranquility and beauty are lightyears removed from Cancún’s resorts and nightclubs.

With the lagoon to the one side and the glistening sea to the other, Isla Blanca is a place to unwind and truly immerse yourself in the natural spectacles of southern Mexico.

Here's all you need to know about Isla Blanca, one of the most exciting day trips from Cancún.

How to get to Isla Blanca from Cancún?

Isla Blanca is a narrow embankment running into the Caribbean Sea from the Yucatán Peninsula.

From Cancún to Isla Blanca by car

Isla Blanca is only about 40 minutes north of Cancún’s downtown area. You will drive along Avenida Bonampak until you reach the sand road of Isla Blanca.

Guided tour to Isla Blanca from Cancún

The best way to experience Isla Blanca is with a guided day trip. This way, you don’t have to worry about driving or arranging transport after a long day of activities. The sandy road through Isla Blanca can also be tricky to navigate if you are a novice driver, so leave it up to the pros and enjoy a guided tour instead.

What is the typical itinerary?

This sandy strip has little infrastructure, and a day trip to Isla Blanca is accompanied by one or more activities to make the most of its open spaces. Private tours often include hotel pickup, whisking you away to a day full of activities.

You can take a bike tour for an hour on the sand bank between the lagoon and the sea, followed by some downtime and a boat tour. You will end your 4-hour tour with a local lunch before being dropped off at your hotel again.

You can also take an early morning tour of the manatee lagoon for a birding tour. Search for colorful and exotic birds among the mangroves and dunes on this 8-hour experience.

There are also several kitesurfing lessons in Isla Blanca, ranging from quick 1 hour classes to extensive 9-hour experiences.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Isla Blanca?

There are Isla Balance day trips for groups or private tours. You could also make your own way there and enjoy kite surfing lessons from a pro.

Bird-watching tours to Isla Blanca from Cancún

Guided day tours to Isla Blanca are ideal for nature lovers. You will take a boat cruise on the lagoon and enjoy bird watching, even spotting a croc or two! The group is kept small for an intimate experience, taking you up close to the wildlife of Isla Blanca.

Private tour to Isla Blanca from Cancún

Most excursions to Isla Blanca are private tours, the ultimate way to experience the beauty of Mexico. Take a bike ride along the coast, embark on a boat tour or enjoy a private kite surfing lesson to take to the water like a pro. Some experiences are open to individuals while others are for a minimum of three people.

How much does a day trip to Isla Blanca from Cancún cost?

A full-day bird-watching boat tour to Isla Blanca costs US$150 per person. A combo boat and bike tour costs US$200 per person. Kite surfing lessons are priced according to your group size and booking length.

What will you see and do?

Isla Blanca is a remote, untouched area and you can take part in several activities immersing you in nature. Search for rare birds, manatees and crocodiles, or go kitesurfing or bike riding. Alternatively, simply enjoy the stunning stretch of beach that Isla Blanca is best known for.

When is the best time to visit Isla Blanca?

Isla Blanca has great weather year-round, but it can be rainy from July to October.

What other day trips can you do from Cancún?

• Day trips to Chichen Itza from Cancun
• Day trips to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
• Day trips to Tulum from Cancun
• Day trips to Valladolid from Cancun
• Day trips to Coba from Cancun

Travel tips

• There is not much cell phone reception in Isla Blanca, so make arrangements if you take a taxi to a kite surfing lesson.
• You can only use cash in Isla Blanca as there is not enough signal for credit card machines.
• Bring some water and snacks if you plan to spend the whole day on the beach.