Cancun: Contoy Island & Isla Mujeres with snorkeling and lunch on the beach

Discover the Beauty of Contoy Island & Isla Mujeres in a Full-Day Adventure

This 9-hour tour takes you to two of the most stunning islands in Quintana Roo, Mexico: Contoy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected nature reserve, and Isla Mujeres, known for its charming beaches and vibrant craft market. Offered by Bluecaribe Tours, the experience includes snorkeling in pristine coral reefs, a fresh BBQ lunch on the beach, and guided explorations of each island.

The tour starts with pickup from multiple locations including Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya, making it accessible for many travelers. While the journey involves a combination of bus, speedboat, and walking, the focus remains on enjoying the natural beauty and tranquility of these Caribbean islands, with plenty of free time on each for relaxation, photos, or browsing local shops.

This tour is ideal for those eager to experience unspoiled nature, rich marine life, and cultural highlights, all in one day. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate guided commentary, scenic views, and good value for the full-day experience. However, it’s important to note that the tour involves several transitions between transport modes and is not suitable for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or individuals with certain health conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Visit two iconic Caribbean islands: Contoy, a protected UNESCO site, and Isla Mujeres, famous for its beaches and markets
• Snorkeling included: float over the untouched coral reef (weather permitting)
• All meals and drinks included: enjoy a BBQ on the beach with water, beer, and soda
• Comfortable transportation: includes air-conditioned bus, speedboat rides, and guided tours
• Flexible pickup options: from multiple locations across Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya
• Duration of 9 hours offers a full day of exploration with free time on each island for personal discovery

Starting Your Day with Convenient Pickups at Multiple Locations

The tour begins with pickup at up to 17 different locations, including popular resorts and hotels such as Hotel Marina El Cid, Grand Sunset Princess, Moon Palace, and Hotel Zone. For travelers departing from Tulum, pickups are available at Super Aki. This flexibility ensures a smooth start, without the hassle of extra transfers.

Once everyone is collected, the group travels by comfortable bus or coach for approximately an hour to the marina area. After a brief 30-minute break, the adventure accelerates with a 40-minute speedboat ride that whisks travelers toward Contoy Island, setting the scene for the day’s highlights.

Exploring Contoy Island: UNESCO Protection and Marine Riches

Contoy Island serves as the first major destination, offering a guided tour, sightseeing, and walks around the island’s natural surroundings. Known as a natural refuge for migratory and endemic birds, the island’s fauna and flora fascinate visitors who enjoy heavenly beaches and turquoise waters.

The tour includes a 40-minute snorkeling session in the untouched coral reef just off the island. This reef is part of the second-largest coral reef system in the world, and snorkeling here offers a chance to see vibrant marine life in clear waters. Weather conditions can influence snorkeling availability, but the experience remains a highlight for many.

Following the snorkeling, travelers get approximately 1.5 hours for a guided tour of the island, exploring its natural beauty, observing bird species, and learning about local conservation efforts. The lunch break features a buffet BBQ with fresh seafood and scenic views, plus drinks to keep everyone refreshed.

Free Time and Photo Opportunities on Contoy

After lunch, there is another 30-minute period for free time and photo stops. This is a perfect chance to relax on the pristine beaches or capture memorable shots of the landscape. The island’s scenic vistas and untouched environment provide a serene backdrop for personal reflection or photos.

The boat ride back to the mainland takes roughly 25 minutes, setting the stage for the afternoon visit to Isla Mujeres.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering the Charm of Isla Mujeres

The trip to Isla Mujeres offers about 75 minutes of free time. Visitors can walk along the beaches, browse the craft market for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. The guide leads you through scenic views along the way, making the most of this charming island’s relaxed vibe.

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its beautiful beaches, local artisan shops, and seaside restaurants. The short speedboat ride from Contoy to Isla Mujeres is lively, providing a fun contrast to the peacefulness of Contoy.

Returning via Speedboat and Bus: Smooth Transit Between Destinations

After spending time on Isla Mujeres, the tour continues with a 15-minute speedboat ride back to the main area, followed by a 45-minute bus ride for the return journey to the pick-up locations. The entire transfer process is carefully coordinated, ensuring minimal waiting and efficient movement throughout the day.

The tour concludes with drop-offs at up to 17 different locations, including Cancun International Airport, Playa del Carmen, and various resorts. This extensive return network makes it easy to plan the rest of the day without additional travel worries.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

Participants are advised to bring a change of clothes, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, beachwear, insect repellent, and cash for small purchases or tips. To protect the coral reef, lotion-based sunscreens and oils are discouraged, and travelers are encouraged to bring a refillable thermos to reduce plastic waste.

Since the tour involves multiple transfers and walking, it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or individuals over 95 years old.

The Guide and Overall Experience

The tour features live guides fluent in French, English, Spanish, German, and Italian. The guides are praised for their knowledge, attentiveness, and friendly approach, especially in explaining the local environment and wildlife.

While some reviews mention that the boat transfer is primarily a means of transportation rather than a sightseeing experience, the overall scenic views and well-structured itinerary** compensate for this. The lunch on Contoy is often highlighted as a delicious, generous meal with fresh fish and ample portions.

Final Thoughts on the Contoy & Isla Mujeres Tour

This full-day tour offers a balanced combination of nature, culture, and relaxation. The protected Contoy Island provides a rare glimpse into pristine Caribbean ecosystems, while Isla Mujeres offers local charm and beach leisure. The inclusive snorkeling, lunch, and drinks add excellent value, especially given the flexibility of multiple pickup points.

While it involves several transitions and some physical activity, the experience is well-organized and rewarding for those interested in Marine environments and Caribbean scenery. This tour suits travelers looking for a mix of adventure, wildlife, and cultural exploration without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling included in the tour?
Yes, snorkeling is included and takes place in the untouched coral reef near Contoy Island, weather permitting.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 9 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

Can I participate if I don’t swim?
While snorkeling is part of the experience, participants who prefer not to snorkel can still enjoy the guided tour, free time, and beach activities.

Are food and drinks provided?
Yes, a BBQ lunch and drinks including water, beer, and soda are included in the tour package.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring change clothes, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, beachwear, insect repellent, and cash for small purchases.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for babies under 1 year and may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with health issues. Children over 1 year may participate with appropriate supervision.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby