Cancún
Isla Mujeres
Isla Contoy
Puerto Morelos
Cozumel
Punta Maroma
Boca Iglesia
   

Destinations

Isla Contoy...

This small island, four mile long and about 22 yards wide at its narrowest point, was declared nature reserve by presidential decree in 1961.

The tree shallow lagoons (Laguna Norte, Puerto Viejo and Pajarera Central) and surrounding mangrove forest harbor 70 species of resident bird, incluiding colonies of herons, species such as turnstones and anderlings also winter on the island.

Visitors are treated with a celebration of bird life. Pelicans dive as bombs into the waters on the approach to the island, frigate birds, herons stalk throught the shallows in search of fish and colonies of booby birds strike up a raucous chorus in the mangroves.

    

 

Photo Gallery

    

   

It is worth staying in the island until sunset to watch the birds returning to roost.

The beach beside the wooden pier is sheltered and the water is shallow. Large sting rays are often seen here. The windward coast is rocky with sandy beaches near the northern and southhern headlands. Sand dunes and palm groves complete the scenery.

The island is protected by shallow water reef rich in marine life. Another interesting dive site littered with the vestiges of several shipwrecks lies to the south of the island.

There are no services here and a visitor's permit is required; overnighting is strictly prohibited.