Isla Contoy & Mujeres Snorkeling Tour: Reef, Lunch, Open Bar
Snorkel the Mesoamerican Reef, eat on the boat, walk two islands in one day
This full-day tour from Playa del Carmen takes you by boat to Isla Contoy National Marine Park for snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Reef, then to Isla Mujeres for beach time and exploring the town. The tour includes round-trip hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, buffet lunch with barbecue, and an open bar on board. The national park limits daily visitors, so the reef stays uncrowded.
9h–10h
Step-by-step itinerary
Visit Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres
- Transfer from hotel to Isla Contoy
- Snorkel at Isla Contoy reef
- Relax and enjoy Isla Contoy beach
- Buffet lunch with open bar
- Transfer to Isla Mujeres
- Sightseeing tour in Isla Mujeres
- Free time for shopping and beach
- Return transfer to hotel
The Experience
You're picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven to the departure point. The boat heads out to Isla Contoy, part of a protected marine reserve where the snorkeling happens in the Mesoamerican Reef — the second-largest reef system in the world. The water is shallow and clear, and the guide is with you in both English and Spanish. After you come back on board, lunch is waiting: a buffet with grilled meats and sides, plus the open bar runs the whole time you're on the water.
Once you've eaten and rested, the boat moves to Isla Mujeres. You get free time here to do what suits you — swim and relax on the beach, or walk into town to browse shops and the streets. The day is structured around the boat schedule, so the timing holds together without you arranging pickups or coordinating between stops.
The return journey includes the drive back to your hotel. The whole outing runs 9 to 10 hours from start to finish. Infants travel free but must sit on an adult's lap; the tour is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or serious cardiovascular concerns.
What’s included
- Round-trip hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen.
- bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
- snorkeling gear and reef access inside Isla Contoy National Marine Park.
- buffet lunch with grilled barbecue on the boat.
- open bar for the full day.
- boat transportation to both islands.
Operated by ParaViajantes Tours
Is this one for you?Book this if you're snorkeling for the first time or want to see coral and fish clearly—the daily visitor cap at Isla Contoy keeps the reef uncrowded, unlike busier sites.
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Top questions
What is the Mesoamerican Reef and why is snorkeling there different from other reefs?
The Mesoamerican Reef is the second-largest reef system in the world, and this tour takes you to the section inside Isla Contoy's protected reserve. The shallow, clear water and the limited number of daily visitors mean you're snorkeling in a reef that stays uncrowded and healthy, with active marine life and coral visible in the water around you.
How much free time do I get on Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres is the second stop of the day, after snorkeling and lunch on the boat. You have free time there to swim, rest on the beach, or walk into the town center to shop and explore — the exact length depends on the boat's return schedule, which the guide will explain when you board.
Is the lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?
Lunch is included as a buffet with grilled barbecue and sides, served on the boat. The open bar is also included for the full day. Dietary restrictions should be mentioned when you book so the operator can note them; contact them directly if you have specific needs.
Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the boat, or is pickup included?
Round-trip hotel pickup is included in the tour price. The driver collects you from your hotel in the morning and returns you there at the end of the day, so you don't need to arrange separate transport to the departure point.
What language is the guide, and will I understand the snorkeling instructions?
The guide is bilingual in English and Spanish, so instructions and information about the reef and the islands are given in both languages throughout the day.
Is there a fee I need to know about besides the tour price?
A port tax of 20 USD is not included in the tour price and is paid separately when you arrive at the departure point.
Isla Contoy & Mujeres Snorkeling Tour: Reef, Lunch, Open Bar
9h–10h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 190 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.5036 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
