National parks in Quintana Roo
Quintana Roo has 6 national parks: Arrecife de Puerto Morelos, Arrecifes de Cozumel, Arrecifes de Xcalak, Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, and Tulum.
Arrecife de Puerto Morelos
Arrecifes de Cozumel
Arrecifes de Xcalak
Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres
Isla Contoy
Tulum
National parks in Quintana Roo
- Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park
A narrow reef barrier just south of Cancún in Quintana Roo. Snorkel and dive country close to shore, with mangrove and seagrass nearby.
- Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
Coral reef and marine reserve off Cozumel island. Clear Caribbean water and busy dive sites along the Mesoamerican Reef.
- Arrecifes de Xcalak National Park
Southern Quintana Roo reef and lagoon country near the Belize border. Quiet compared to Cancún; fishing villages and shallow flats.
- Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park
Shallow reef and seagrass beds along the west coast of Isla Mujeres and nearby Cancún waters. Mostly marine — snorkeling and boat access.
- Isla Contoy National Park
A small barrier island north of Isla Mujeres. Protected seabird and turtle nesting site — day visits by permit and boat only.
- Tulum National Park
A walled Maya coastal site on cliffs above the Caribbean in Quintana Roo. Ruins, beaches, and busy day-trip crowds.
Other parks within reach of Quintana Roo
| Park | Straight-line distance | Estimated drive | Realistic trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park | 38.3 km (23.8 mi) | 53 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park | 42.8 km (26.6 mi) | 58 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Tulum National Park | 49.6 km (30.8 mi) | 1 hr 5 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park | 78 km (48.5 mi) | 1 hr 35 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Isla Contoy National Park | 109 km (67.5 mi) | 2 hr 3 min | Doable as a day trip |
| Dzibilchaltún National Park | 255 km (159 mi) | 4 hr 12 min | Best as a weekend |
| Arrecifes de Xcalak National Park | 268 km (166 mi) | 4 hr 23 min | Best as a weekend |
| Arrecife Alacranes National Park | 325 km (202 mi) | 5 hr 14 min | Best as a weekend |
| Palenque National Park | 617 km (383 mi) | 9 hr 31 min | Worth a longer road trip |
| Dry Tortugas National Park | 630 km (392 mi) | 9 hr 43 min | Worth a longer road trip |
Biggest towns and cities in Quintana Roo
- Cancún
- Chetumal
- Playa del Carmen
- Cozumel
- Felipe Carrillo Puerto
- Tulum
- José María Morelos
- Kantunilkín
- Leona Vicario
- Tihosuco
- Chunhuhub
- Nicolás Bravo
- Señor
- Javier Rojo Gómez
- Álvaro Obregón
- Tepich
- Sergio Butrón Casas
- Saban
- Cacao
- Maya Balam
- Pucté
- Isla Holbox
- Chiquilá
- Caobas
- Sabidos
- X-pichil
- Coba
- Nuevo Xcán
- Los Divorciados
- Jose Narciso Rovirosa
- La Union
- Santa Rosa Segundo
- Cocoyol
- Zacalaca
- Presidente Juárez
All municipalities in Quintana Roo
Common questions
How many national parks are in Quintana Roo?
6: Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park, Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, Arrecifes de Xcalak National Park, Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park, Isla Contoy National Park, and Tulum National Park.
What is the closest national park to Quintana Roo?
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, roughly 38.3 km (23.8 mi) out and about 53 min of driving from the centre of Quintana Roo.