Wildlife· Isla Contoy· Mexico
Isla Contoy Bird Sanctuary
21° 30.4′ N · 86° 47.9′ W
An 8.75 km sliver of mangrove, dune and salt lagoon 30 km north of Isla Mujeres, protected since 1961 and a national park since 1998 - 'the island of birds', with some 152 seabird species, nesting frigatebirds, brown pelicans and cormorants, and turtle-nesting beaches.
Practical
Coordinate from English Wikipedia (island centre). Ramsar site since 2003; managed by CONANP with Amigos de Isla Contoy A.C. Daily cap of 200 visitors (Por Esto, October 2023, confirming the management program; overnight stays are not allowed and a proposed overnight bungalow scheme was rejected). Hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles nest on the beaches; 234 fish species recorded. Guided visits include a small museum where a biologist explains the ecosystems, the Porfirian-era lighthouse and short trails. Commercial and sport fishing are prohibited around the island per travel guides; use biodegradable sunscreen; do not take shells or plants. See 'Isla Contoy Visitor Permit' before going by private boat.
Best for
Seabird colonies and an untouched park island
Season
Nov–Apr calmest; tours run 9:00 am to about 5:00 pm
Nearby
- Isla Contoy Anchorage (Playa Tortugas Visitor Dock)2 NM away
- Ixlaché Reef (Isla Contoy)3.5 NM away
- Isla Blanca Anchorage (Chacmuchuch Lagoon)6.5 NM away
- Isla Blanca Beach7.9 NM away
- Isla Blanca Kitesurfing (Chacmuchuch Lagoon)8.8 NM away
- Whale Shark Season (Isla Mujeres and Holbox)8.9 NM away
- Hondureño Wreck (Isla Mujeres)13.1 NM away
- Sleeping Shark Caves (Cuevas de los Tiburones Dormidos)13.5 NM away