Some of us envision resort foam parties in a sea of rowdy crowds, while others, likely past their Spring Break glory, picture open beaches and adults-only amenities to unwind in peace.
The same can be said about Mexico’s postcard beaches — you don’t want to pick the wrong one that mismatches your vibe.
Well, when it comes to Cancun, we at Travel Off Path have had the great fortune of visiting so frequently that it feels like we’ve walked every grain of soft white sand from renowned Playa Delfines to ever-so-trendy Isla Mujeres.
That said, there’s a secret island just as gorgeous, yet uninhabited, with a limit of just 200 visitors per day to preserve its fragile ecosystem and unmatched beauty, so you can enjoy true tranquility unlike the bustling Hotel Zone.
Don’t miss Isla Contoy, perhaps the last of Cancun’s tight-lipped secrets, as Mexico’s most sought-after beach getaway continues to soar in popularity.
Isla Contoy: Hidden Paradise In Plain Sight
Some publications stretch the truth when it comes to your Cancun vacation. Maybe they hype up a place as a Cancun add-on when really it’s another destination entirely.
Before the highly anticipated Maya Train, Cancun was tough to traverse beyond the usual hotspots such as Tulum, but exploring the region and peeling back the layer of many hidden gems has become almost obligatory nowadays.
There’s no denying the secret has long been out on Isla Mujeres, becoming a destination unto itself.
But what about other island escapes with fewer footprints and more serenity?
That’s what Isla Contoy is all about.
Boasting gleaming white sand, vibrant turquoise waters, and lush forestry of swaying palms, this unsung day trip is a must-visit for those who can snag a reservation.
With minimal boat traffic and dedicated focus on sustainability, you’d be hard pressed to find clearer waters with “so much room for activities!”, such as snorkeling and guided hikes.
Is It Even Possible To Make A Reservation?
When millions of tourists visit, and only 200 people are allowed, it might seem like playing the lottery to land a beach lounger in Isla Contoy.
But we’re happy to tell you that math ain’t mathin’; the odds are actually in your favor.
Tours can sell out weeks (and sometimes months) in advance, so you’ll likely miss a last-minute excursion.
It’s advised to plan ahead with a legitimate guide — the only way to experience the island.
How to score an Isla Contoy reservation on your next Cancun vacation:
- Commonly used operator: Contoy Adventures
- Typical tour price: about $100 – $175 per person
- Departures leave early morning from Cancun, Puerto Jurez, or Isla Mujeres
- Prepare for a full-day trip (roughly 7–9 hours round-trip)
- Snorkeling usually takes place at Ixlaché Reef
- Snorkel gear and lunch are typically included
- Peak season typically lasts from December – April
Another important note: make sure to ask your tour operator whether the National Park fee is included in their price.
Otherwise, have $15 handy for entry.
Is Isla Contoy Worth A Full Day Of Your Cancun Vacation?
We all know Cancuners love adding Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen in the mix when they can, but what about little-known Isla Contoy?
The answer appears to be a resounding “YES!”.
Boasting nearly 2,000 Google reviews and holding a near-perfect 4.9 rating, one recent visitor claimed, “One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited! A true paradise!”
Another beachgoer loved their experience overall, but warns nature’s most annoying bloodsucking pests 🦟 can be a nuisance with no chemical sprays or lotions allowed on the island.
The most negative reviews are years ago and complain about pricing, but there’s nobody dogging the pristine beauty of the island and the crowd-free experience that’s certainly hard to come by in such a popular city.
Is Isla Contoy Sargassum Proof?
It’s hard for us humans to stop what Mother Nature has in store. That being said, there’s no place this side of Mexico that is truly free of sargassum during the unavoidable invasion of icky sea gunk.
However, Isla Contoy is a map-dot in the open Caribbean, so you have better odds of missing heavy buildup on the shoreline.
As our expert pals at The Cancun Sun have previously reported, Isla Contoy feels ‘untouched’ and ‘sargassum free’.
Read all about my experience during Cancun’s seaweed disaster earlier this year and you will definitely want to head to Isla Contoy!
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