ISLA CONTOY
A jewel in its natural state
When approaching the island visitors are welcomed by a
landscape of numerous intensely green palm trees and a soft,
wide beach, bathed in golden sunrays and rolling waves.
The Isla Contoy National Park is the oldest protected
natural park in the state of Quintana Roo. It has solar and
wind power facilities, a museum, a research office with
laboratory, a visitor's centre and two walking-paths for
learning about local flora and fauna.
Visitors can climb the steps to the top of its observation tower
and enjoy the island's landscape, a refuge for approximately
150 species of birds, 250 species of fish, 98 species of flora
and three species of sea turtles in danger of extinction.
Access to the National Park is by sea, leaving from Cancun,
Puerto Juarez or Isla Mujeres, and takes between one or two
hours. Only 200 visitors are allowed to visit Isla Contoy per day,
arriving on authorized vessels. They have the chance to enjoy
a unique experience, witnessing the wonders hidden on this
refuge for water and migratory birds.
Images courtesy of Cancun Tourist Board
Isla Contoy
23
