Isla Contoy National Park: planning guide
A small barrier island north of Isla Mujeres. Protected seabird and turtle nesting site — day visits by permit and boat only.
Isla Contoy National Park is in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The nearest town is Cancún — roughly 37.3 km (23.2 mi) out, about 52 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Cancún | 37.3 km (23.2 mi) | 52 min |
| Chiquilá | 56.2 km (34.9 mi) | 1 hr 12 min |
| Isla Holbox | 60 km (37.3 mi) | 1 hr 16 min |
| Leona Vicario | 71.1 km (44.2 mi) | 1 hr 28 min |
| Kantunilkín | 84.3 km (52.4 mi) | 1 hr 41 min |
| Playa del Carmen | 102 km (63.4 mi) | 1 hr 57 min |
| Nuevo Xcán | 109 km (68 mi) | 2 hr 4 min |
| Cozumel | 113 km (70.1 mi) | 2 hr 7 min |
Where Isla Contoy National Park sits
Official Isla Contoy National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Isla Contoy National Park
Isla Contoy National Park sits close enough to Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park, Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park, Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, and Tulum National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park | 34.1 km (21.2 mi) | 48 min |
| Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park | 73.6 km (45.8 mi) | 1 hr 31 min |
| Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park | 137 km (85.1 mi) | 2 hr 28 min |
| Tulum National Park | 158 km (98.1 mi) | 2 hr 46 min |
Parks close by
- 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.
- 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.
- Tulum National Park
A walled Maya coastal site on cliffs above the Caribbean in Quintana Roo. Ruins, beaches, and busy day-trip crowds.
Common questions
Where is Isla Contoy National Park?
Isla Contoy National Park sits in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Cancún, about 37.3 km (23.2 mi) away — roughly 52 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Isla Contoy National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.