Located just off the coast of Mexico, the remote Contoy Island provides a serene escape from the wild parties and lively atmosphere of Playa del Carmen.

From vivid flamingos to spotted whale sharks and flourishing coral reefs, you’ll discover an exciting array of flora, and fauna on a Contoy Island day trip from Playa del Carmen.

Here's all you need to know about Contoy Island, one of the most exciting day trips from Playa del Carmen.

How to get to Contoy Island from Playa del Carmen?

Contoy Island is located in the northeastern stretch of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is approximately 100 kilometers north of Playa del Carmen.

Guided tour to Contoy Island from Playa del Carmen

Public transportation between the two destinations is nonexistent, which means that the best and only way to get to Playa del Carmen is via an organized tour. These tend to last between 8 and 12 hours, and begin with a convenient accommodation pickup. You’ll simply select your hotel from a dropdown list and, on the day of your Contoy Island excursion, wait in the lobby for collection by a friendly guide.

How much does the entrance ticket to Contoy Island cost?

The charge for accessing Contoy Island is US$15 per person, which, if you take part in a guided tour, is typically not included in the price. Bear this in mind when choosing an excursion and make sure you have cash on the day.

What is the typical itinerary?

Contoy Island day trips generally follow a similar itinerary. After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll travel to the harbor where you’ll board a comfortable vessel and cover the 100 kilometers between the two destinations with ease. As you approach Contoy Island, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel at a well-known coral reef before heading into the national park for a guided tour that showcases the magnificent array of birds that have found sanctuary in this corner of Mexico.

You’ll then enjoy lunch provided by your tour operator, which is typically formed of local fare, before soaking up the sun on the island’s sparkling shores. On the return journey to Playa del Carmen, most Contoy Island day tours stop off at the artsy Isla Mujeres, which is known for its colorful boutiques and incredible snorkeling.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Contoy Island?

There are a couple of different options to choose from when deciding on the Contoy Island day trip that will best suit your party. You can choose an excursion based on your own personal travel style.

Guided tours to Contoy Island plus Mujeres Island from Playa del Carmen

This Contoy Island day trip begins with a delicious breakfast before hopping onto a boat and being transported across the glittering ocean to your main destination. Here, you’ll take a dip into the calm waters to explore a coral reef and the myriad of marine life that lives within it.

Then, discover the island’s protected nature reserve, which provides a home to more than 150 species of birds including flamingos, pelicans and hawks. Dig into a Mexican feast before journeying across to the neighboring island, Mujeres, which you can enjoy at your own leisure, wandering its enchanting streets or topping up your tan at the beach.

Private tour to Contoy Island from Playa del Carmen

If you’re seeking greater personalization than a group trip allows, consider booking a private day tour to Contoy Island. You’ll have a guide on hand throughout the day who is dedicated to your enjoyment and will fill you in on the area as they lead you to different spots, including a thriving coral reef where you can take a dip.

This excursion is the ultimate way to relax as you lounge on the silky sands, search the skies for birds and slip under the waves to discover a bustling underwater world filled with whale sharks, and turtles. Hop over to Mujeres Island to purchase a souvenir to remind you of your day in paradise or simply admire the sea view with a sweet treat in hand before heading back to Playa del Carmen.

How much does a day trip to Contoy Island from Playa del Carmen cost?

Day trips to Contoy Island vary in price, depending on whether you prefer a shared of private experience.

A basic excursion to Contoy Island and Mujeres Island costs US$160 per adult. Children between the ages of 4 and 11 benefit from a small discount of around US$10 on the excursion, and you’ll be part of a group limited to 50 travelers.

You’ll spend US$1,600 on a private Contoy Island day tour if you travel solo. However, the cost per head reduces with each person added and, with the maximum of 10 guests in your party, you’ll each pay between US$180, and US$190.

What will you see and do?

Contoy Island is a named national park, measuring just over 3 square kilometers. The isle packs a lot of punch into its small size and those who journey to Contoy Island will find plenty of activities to keep them busy, including snorkeling. There are 152 species of fish that live in the waters surrounding the island.

Alongside snorkeling, many visitors enjoy dipping into the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea for a serene swim. Bird watching is another activity that can be done on the island and the most commonly seen species include brown pelicans, and double-crested cormorants. The island is an important research spot for the study of both birds and marine life, and has been for more than 60 years.

With just 200 visitors granted permission to visit the island every day in an effort to protect the area, the destination feels like a personal haven and you can enjoy the tranquility that the paradisiacal destination provides on a day trip to Contoy Island.

When is the best time to visit Contoy Island?

From December to April are the best months to visit in terms of weather and wildlife sightings. The temperatures are pleasant, and there's less chance of rain.

Are there any tours to Contoy Island from other cities in Mexico?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Mexico:

Day Trips to Contoy Island from Cancún

Travel tips

Always remember to book your trip in advance, given the daily restrictions on visitor numbers to the island (around 200 people per day).
Contoy Island is a national park. Always follow guidelines, such as not touching or disturbing wildlife, not leaving behind any waste, and staying within designated areas.
Not all tour operators might accept credit cards, especially for additional on-site expenses or tips. It's a good idea to have some Mexican pesos on hand.

Contoy Island: Day Trips and Tours from Playa Del Carmen