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> Homepage > Homepage > Welcome > Destinations > Northern islands >   Isla Contoy
 Almost the same size as Isla Mujeres, Contoy differs in that it is virtually uninhabited. The only residents of this bird sanctuary are the park wardens who keep watch over the colonies of native and migrant sea birds and waders. Trips to Contoy are available in Cancún.
This federally-protected bird sanctuary and special biosphere reserve is located about two hours by boat from Cancún, to the north of Isla Mujeres and Isla Blanca. With the exception of a science and research station, it is uninhabited and overnight stays are prohibited. Contoy is about seven kilometers long, less than a kilometer wide and covered with sand dunes, mangroves, shallow lagoons and lovely beaches. There is a well of fresh water in the southern part of the island used by the occasional fisherman.
A chain of reefs lies at depths of between three and five meters to the south of the island, this is the beginning of the Great Mayan Reef. Contoy is the permanent or seasonal home of 100 resident and migratory bird species. Residents include brown pelican, roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigatebirds, cormorants, ibis, terns and herons. From May to October, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. A small museum located near the island’s only dock acquaints visitors with island ecology. Two companies offer all-day excursions to Contoy.
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© 2004 Editorial Veras. La guía Oficial del Caribe Mexicano.