Side Trip to Isla Contoy

Side Trip to Isla Contoy

Some 30 km (19 mi) north of Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy (Isle of Birds) is a national wildlife park and bird sanctuary. Just 6 km (4 mi) long and less than 1 km (about 1/2 mi) wide, the island is a protected area -- the number of visitors is carefully regulated in order to safeguard the flora and fauna. Isla Contoy has become a favorite among bird-watchers, snorkelers, and nature lovers who come to enjoy its unspoiled beauty.

More than 70 bird species -- including gulls, pelicans, petrels, cormorants, cranes, ducks, flamingos, herons, doves, quail, spoonbills, and hawks -- fly this way in late fall, some to nest and breed. Although the number of species is diminishing -- partly as a result of human traffic -- Isla Contoy remains a treat for bird-watchers.

The island is rich in sea life as well. Snorkelers will see brilliant coral and fish. Manta rays, which average about 5 feet across, are visible in the shallow waters. Surrounding the island are large numbers of shrimp, mackerel, barracuda, flying fish, and trumpet fish. In December, lobsters pass through in great (though diminishing) numbers, on their southerly migration route.

Sand dunes inland from the east coast rise as high as 70 feet above sea level. Black rocks and coral reefs fringe the island's east coast, which drops off abruptly 15 feet into the sea. The west coast is fringed with sand, shrubs, and coconut palms. At the north and the south ends, you find nothing but trees and small pools of water.

The island is officially open to visitors daily from 9 to 5:30; overnight stays aren't allowed. Other than the birds and the dozen or so park rangers who live here, the island's only residents are iguanas, lizards, turtles, hermit crabs, and boa constrictors. You can read more about the Isla Contoy by visiting a Web site devoted to the island: www.islacontoy.org.

Sociedad Cooperativa Isla Mujeres (Contoy Pier, Av. Rueda Medina. 998/877-1363) offers daily boat trips from Isla Mujeres to Isla Contoy Pier at Rueda Medina. Groups are a minimum of 6 and a mazimum of 12 people.

Captain Ricardo Gaitan (Contoy Pier, Av. Rueda Medina. 998/877-0798), a local Isla Contoy expert, also provides an excellent tour for large groups (6 to 12 people) aboard his 36-foot boat Estrella del Norte.

Contoy Express Tours (Av. Rueda Medina between Avs. Matamoros and Abasolo. 998/877-1367) offers daily tours aboard the 40-foot Caribbean Express sailboat. Groups are from 6 to 15 people.

The trip to Isla Contoy takes about 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the weather and the boat; the cost is between $38 and $50. The standard tour begins with a fruit breakfast on the boat and a stopover at Xlaches reef on the way to Isla Contoy for snorkeling (gear is included in the price). As you sail, your crew trolls for the lunch it will cook on the beach -- you may be in for anything from barracuda to snapper (beer and soda are also included). While the catch is being barbecued, you have time to explore the island, snorkel, check out the small museum and biological station, or just laze under a palapa.

Everyone landing on Isla Contoy must purchase a $5 authorization ticket; the price is usually included in the cost of a guided tour. Check with your tour operator to make sure that you'll actually land on the island; many larger companies simply cruise past. The best tours leave directly from Isla Mujeres; these operators know the area and therefore are more committed to protecting Isla Contoy. Tours that leave from Cancún can charge up to three times as much for the same service.

What to See on Isla Contoy

Once on shore, visit the outdoor museum, which has a small display of animals along with photographs of the island. Climb the nearby tower for a bird's-eye view. Remember to obey all rules in order to protect the island: it's a privilege to be allowed here. Government officials may someday stop all landings on Isla Contoy in order to protect its fragile environment.