Snorkel· Isla Contoy· Mexico
Ixlaché Reef (Isla Contoy)
21° 27.0′ N · 86° 47.1′ W · approximate
The reef south of Isla Contoy, the northern start of the Mesoamerican reef system, where the Contoy tour boats stop for a snorkel on the way to the island.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: placed just south of Contoy's southern tip from descriptions ('south of the island'); no published position found - use your chart and watch for breaking water. Snorkel in calm weather only; it is inside the protected area, so do not anchor on coral and follow CONANP rules. Tours stop here mid-morning. The 1997 management program records tour boats anchoring on a sand patch east of the reef. Tour-operator snorkel hours are 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, in guided groups of up to ten, staying at least 2 m from coral. Gloves, knives and lights are not allowed.
Best for
Reef snorkel en route to Contoy
Nearby
- Isla Contoy Anchorage (Playa Tortugas Visitor Dock)1.4 NM away
- Isla Contoy Bird Sanctuary3.5 NM away
- Isla Blanca Anchorage (Chacmuchuch Lagoon)4 NM away
- Isla Blanca Beach4.6 NM away
- Isla Blanca Kitesurfing (Chacmuchuch Lagoon)5.5 NM away
- Hondureño Wreck (Isla Mujeres)9.7 NM away
- Sleeping Shark Caves (Cuevas de los Tiburones Dormidos)10 NM away
- Regata al Sol (Pensacola–Isla Mujeres)10.9 NM away