Snorkeling Isla Mujeres & Contoy: Private Boat, Reef & Lunch

Two islands, three snorkel stops, one boat: reef, bird sanctuary, beach lunch and free time on Isla Mujeres

Private snorkeling activity departing from Isla Mujeres to Contoy National Park and back, with a bilingual guide leading reef snorkels at two stops, a protected nature reserve with shallow water for swimming, and a Caribbean-style beach lunch. The boat, guide and all transport are included. The day runs eight hours and covers two islands with time to explore Isla Mujeres on foot before returning.

The experience

You board a private speedboat in the morning and head straight to the first reef snorkel. Brightly colored coral and tropical fish fill the water here. This is a guided stop where the guide points out what lives in the shallows and how to move through it without damaging the reef. After that first snorkel, the boat moves to Contoy Island, a protected nature reserve where the water stays shallow and clear. The island itself holds an incredible population of bird species, so there is something to watch whether you are in the water or on the sand. This is where the beach lunch happens: fish and chicken prepared Tikin Xic style (a Yucatán method using citrus and achiote), rice, guacamole, fresh fruit and totopos, with beer after you come out of the water and coffee afterward.

After lunch you have an hour of free time on Isla Mujeres itself, time to walk the colorful streets, buy an ice cream or a souvenir, or simply sit on Playa Norte and let the white sand and turquoise water be enough. The guide is bilingual (English and Spanish, with Portuguese, Italian and four other languages available), so the reef stops and the day's rhythm are explained as you go. Water and sodas travel with you. The boat is private, meaning no strangers on the schedule and no waiting for a group to assemble. The whole day is eight hours from pickup to return.

Biodegradable sunscreen still harms the coral and sealife, so the operator asks that you apply sunscreen only on exposed skin before leaving your hotel and after water activities are done. The boat handles the physical demands of snorkeling (entry and exit are assisted), but the activity itself requires at least a moderate level of fitness. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

• Private round-trip speedboat transportation and pickup.
• private bilingual guide in English and Spanish (or Portuguese, Italian or four other languages).
• two guided reef snorkels.
• entry to Contoy National Park.
• Caribbean-style lunch with fish, chicken, rice, guacamole, fresh fruit and totopos.
• beer after snorkeling and coffee break.
• water and sodas throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ocean Tours Mexico

Is this one for you?If your guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian fluently, you will follow the reef stops and the day's rhythm without translation delays. The private boat and bilingual guide mean the pace stays yours (no group waiting, no rushing through Isla Mujeres), and the eight-hour window fits easily into a day without an early start or a late return.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Polish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Contoy National Park like when we get there?

Contoy Island is a protected nature reserve with clear, shallow water perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The island holds an incredible population of bird species, so there is wildlife to watch both in and out of the water. Lunch is served on the beach here after the second snorkel stop.

How many times do we snorkel, and where?

You snorkel twice: first at a guided reef stop where the guide shows you the coral and tropical fish, then again at Contoy Island in the shallow protected waters. Both stops are included in the eight-hour day.

Is the boat shared with other groups, or private?

The speedboat is private, so only your group is on the schedule. No waiting for other travelers to arrive and no strangers on the route.

What is included in the lunch?

Lunch is Caribbean-style and served on the beach at Contoy Island: fish and chicken prepared Tikin Xic style, rice, guacamole, Mexican sauce, totopos and fresh fruit. Beer is included after the snorkel activity, and coffee is served afterward.

Do we have time to explore Isla Mujeres, or is it just a quick stop?

You have one hour of free time on Isla Mujeres to walk the streets, buy souvenirs or ice cream, or relax on Playa Norte. It is built into the eight-hour day as time to move at your own pace before the return trip.