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Some of the amazing islands near Cancun are for vacationing and others are for visiting for the day.
There are many of these islands throughout the Mexican Caribbean, many of which are beautiful island paradises perfect for a day trip.
But officials are now limiting daily visitors to one of these gorgeous islands near Cancun called Isla Contoy.
Visitor Limits On Isla Contoy
The limit of visitors on the island of Isla Contoy that officials are imposing is 200 visitors per day.
According to officials, tour operators were requesting the allowance of 250 visitors, but the request was denied.
Another request that was rejected was to allow overnight stays on the island for groups of 20 at a time.
@brittshel Left a little piece of my heart at this beach!! 🫶🏽 The most beautiful waters ive ever seen!! #IslaContoy #islacontoy🌴 #mexico #beautifulbeaches #bestbeach #bestbeaches #tropical #vacation #bucketlist #destination #paradise #beachvibes #sand #whitesand #peaceful #fyp #fypシ #healingjourney #explore ♬ Somewhere Only We Know – Gustixa
Why Isla Contoy Is So Special
Aside from being a beautiful island in the Mexican Caribbean and having a healthy coral reef system, Isla Contoy is special for another reason.
It is home to the Isla Contoy National Park and is the habitat for numerous species.
Multiple species of birds, fish, and plants can be found in and around the island, which is what most visitors go to see.
@jamievanderwoude You need to visit the most beautiful island of Mexico Isla Contoy 🏝️🥹 #islacontoy #mexico #vacation #mexicotiktok #travel #island #sea #seastar ♬ golden hour – Ruel Remix – JVKE
Reason For The Visitor Limits
The limit on visitors is a way to preserve the island and the life that calls it and the surrounding waters home.
Scientists have pointed to the fact that an increase in the number of visitors to the island could greatly affect the ecosystem that is already established on Isla Contoy.
This could have detrimental effects on the life that calls the island home, both plants and animals.
@fortheroadtravels We bet you didn’t know about this Mexican Island 🤔🤭 #islacontoy #islamujeres #mexicotrip #mexicotravelguide ♬ Sunshine – WIRA
Location And Size Of Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is located in the Mexican Caribbean in the state of Quintana Roo, which is also home to popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and Cancun.
It sits just under 20 miles north of the island of Isla Mujeres, which is just off the coast of Cancun.
The island is tiny, measuring just over five miles in length and only a little over one square mile in area.
How To Get To Isla Contoy
In order to visit Isla Contoy, you’ll need to book a tour, as tour operators are the only boats allowed on the island, other than those that work on the island.
Tours start at around $140 for a tour that includes a trip to Isla Mujeres, lunch, and snorkeling.
Tours depart from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen, with some offering hotel transportation as well. The highest-priced tours also offer an open bar and run around $190.
Things To Do When Visiting Isla Contoy
The tours that are offered that will allow you to visit Isla Contoy will vary, but each will have some sort of activities included.
In the case of the $139 Isla Contoy Tour with Snorkeling, Buffet Lunch, and Isla Mujeres tour, for example, you’ll also get to explore the island with a professional marine biologist.
On the tour, you’ll spend some time birdwatching, snorkeling, exploring Isla Mujeres, and enjoying a lunch with beverages included, as well as roundtrip transportation from a convenient pickup location in Cancun.
@travelmylove Isla Contoy, Quintana Roo, Mexico #caribbean #cancun #mar #sea #quintanaroo #isla #island #islacontoy #travelmexico #travel #playadelcarmen #tulum ♬ Life – Zivert
Other Islands To Visit In The Area
If you happen to miss out on visiting Isla Contoy due to the low allowance of visitor numbers, there are a few other amazing islands that you can visit in the Mexican Caribbean.
Isla Mujeres, as mentioned above, Cozumel, and Holbox are all beautiful islands with plenty to do.
But Isla Contoy is well worth the visit for the untouched nature element, so if you can visit the island, it’s a highly suggested tour for your Mexican Caribbean vacation.
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