What can I do preserving Contoy Island?
To preserve the island of Contoy we are enforcing the rules of the National Park which are: Don’t touch any wildlife. No animals, no sea creatures. As a wildlife sanctuary, humans are only visitors. No sunscreen or bug spray is permitted. This includes reef-safe or environmentally friendly brands. Zero chemicals are permitted in the National Park area, either on the beaches or in the water. Sunscreen is not permitted on day trips to Isla Contoy. Don’t hang anything from trees or bushes. This includes wet clothes. Living things need those plants for food or for their homes. Hanging things from them could damage the plants. No smoking anywhere in the National Park. Including on the boats while they are docked. Most guides will not permit smoking on board at all. Avoid the turtle nests. These are clearly marked with posts and caution tape. You cannot miss them. Stay far away if you see any. Sea turtles are endangered, and Mexico takes seriously its role in increasing sea turtle populations.
Why is Contoy Island protected?
Isla Contoy is a Natural Protected Area decreed National Park for its exceptional natural conditions; in addition to being one of the few Caribbean islands that keeps its ecosystems intact.
The water around Contoy is very rich in nutrients that serve as food to the plancton that makes up the diet of more than 234 species of fish that have been identified in the area, including the majestic Whale Sharks and Manta Rays that feed off its shores.
Are there any mammals on Contoy Island?
Due to the lack of fresh water on Isla Contoy, no mammals inhabit the island. The only exception is some types of bats that occasionally roost in the area of the field station and the southern tip of the island.
Other fauna to be found: Four species of turtle find a safe haven for nesting on the beaches of the island, namely the loggerhead turtle, Green turtle, Hawksbill turtle, and the leatherback turtle. The reserve is also a sanctuary to approximately 152 tropical marine birds, like the frigate bird, brown pelican, and the double-crested cormorant.
Why is Contoy Island a must see?
Because the island is preserved from mass tourism, it is one of the more exclusive tour experiences in Riviera Maya offering the unique opportunity to experience an untouched Mexican Caribbean paradise. Basically if you want to see one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, then visiting Isla Contoy is right for you!
Great diversity of flora and fauna.
Contoy Island is home to 98 identified species of plants, 234 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles on both land and water (one of them endemic to the Island, known as Star Gecko – Aristelliger georgeensis), 17 species of hard coral, 14 species of soft coral, and 173 species of birds.
Can I see sea turtles on Contoy Island?
Just off the coast of Isla Contoy is the coral reef Ixlaché, part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world and where many sea turtles stay. Of the 7 species of Sea Turtles in the World, 3 of them have chosen the white sandy beaches of Contoy to nest and lay their eggs. These species are the Carey Turtle, the White Turtle, and the Caguama Turtle. Isla Contoy National Park is a sustainable protected area for the conservation of sea turtles and works as a reserve, refuge, reproduction, nesting, and nesting area for sea turtles. On our tours we often see turtles during the boat ride. Our team is specialized in finding them!
Can we snorkel at Isla Contoy?
South of Contoy Island is "Ixlaché", which is the name of the beginning of the Mesoamerican Reef Barrier, the second largest on the Planet, with almost 1000 km in length along the Caribbean coasts. During our tour Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres we include a half hour snorkel stop, weather permitting.
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