Isla Contoy, who's been there?

[Phydeaux]

Since we never have, I've been doing a little research and we're considering a trip there in Feb/March this year. We really enjoy off the beaten path, quiet, peaceful beaches, and the snorkeling looks very good. I know this is a bird sanctuary, but neither of us are that much into birds. For those that have been there, how was the boat ride over, and your overall impression of the island? Are the boats in decent shape? Can you simply purchase a round trip boat fare, and be on your own, or must you purchase a tour package? (We really dislike tours)

Thanks for your help!

 

[wyobean]

Isla Contoy

You must go with a group. Only so many are allowed each day. The boat ride can be rough, so pick a nice day. If you are going from Isla Mujeres Captain Tony has an excellent reputation. I am not a big bird person either, but I really enjoyed it. There are crabs scurrying around all over and rays come in the bay to be fed. You can go up in the lighthouse. It is a nice trip.

 

[geoffb]

I think it is worth the trip and many tours stop for snorkeling along the way.

 

[Phydeaux]

Thanks for the replies! We'll see how we feel about it after we arrive. I guess our only concern is spending about 4 hours on a boat in one day. Boat rides bore me, thus I never even dive in Cancun, waiting a week to dive when staying at the Royal Hacienda. Dive Balam's boat trips out are about 20 minutes max. But, we'll see... It sure looks beautiful there from the photos!

As far as snorkel tours, all require floatation vests. It's impossible to snorkel properly wearing one of those.

 

[easyrider]

We visited Isla Contoy today. My opinion is that the island has a beautiful beach with really good snorkleing. That being said, there are plenty of snorkleing areas closer to Cancun, one being Graferon Park on Isla Mujures, that do not require a 60 minute boat ride. If I was to do this again, for snorkeling only, I would get a private panga to take my group to the reef and snorkle there. I would let the current float us down the reef and have the panga follow us untill were done.

As far as birds go, there are frigates nesting in the trees, but again, its only a frigate. If you have seen one frigate you have seen then all.

 

[Phydeaux]

Yeah, I think we'll wait a week and make up for it by diving more. You mentioned a 60 minute boat trip - you must have left from Isla then?

Snorkeling is fun, but there's nothing like SCUBA. Birds are pretty too, but I just don't get excited over them.

 

[easyrider]

Yeah, I think we'll wait a week and make up for it by diving more. You mentioned a 60 minute boat trip - you must have left from Isla then?

Snorkeling is fun, but there's nothing like SCUBA. Birds are pretty too, but I just don't get excited over them.

We left at the car ferry terminal in Punta Sam. It is next door to the Villa del Palmar, where we are staying. I think your on the right track with not wasting time at Isla Contoy. We only snorkled for about an hour. Had lunch for an hour. Looked at frigates for an hour. Went to Isla Mujures for an hour. The rest was riding around on a tour boat.

You are required to wear a life jacket around your waist at Isla Contoy. I think they do this so you can't pick up shells and other items.

I would not do this trip again knowing what I know now.

 

[easyrider]

Another reason why I didn't like Contoy is all of these "no-see-um" bites that I now have. I used insect repellant but it didn't stop all of the insects from biting.