Isla Contoy Adventure Tour & Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen

If you’re eyeing a day trip that combines snorkeling, island exploring, and a bit of laid-back beach vibe, this Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres tour might catch your interest. Offered by Stap Travel, it promises a full day of adventure, blending natural beauty with some local shopping and good food. While it certainly has its appealing moments, it’s worth unpacking what you’re really signing up for to see if it fits your travel style.

What we like about this tour is the opportunity to visit two iconic islands in one go—giving you a taste of both Isla Contoy’s untouched reefs and the lively streets of Isla Mujeres. Plus, the inclusion of a buffet lunch and unlimited drinks makes it a pretty easy, hassle-free day. On the downside, some travelers have been surprised by the departure point and group size, so it’s not all smooth sailing.

This experience is best suited for travelers looking for a cost-effective, social day out that mixes snorkeling with a bit of sightseeing. If you’re okay with a group setting and don’t mind a longer morning pickup, this could be a good fit. But, if you’re after a private, tailored trip or more flexibility, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Departure from Playa del Carmen: The tour offers pickup, making logistics easier.
• Visit two islands: Isla Contoy for snorkeling and Isla Mujeres for exploring and shopping.
• All-inclusive feel: Buffet lunch and unlimited drinks included.
• Group size: Capped at 40 travelers, so it’s lively but not cramped.
• Price point: At $142 per person, it’s reasonably priced considering the inclusions.
• Timing: Around 7 to 8 hours, making it a long but manageable day trip.

What to Expect from the Tour

Easy and Convenient Pickup

Starting bright and early at 7:00 am, the tour includes pickup from your Playa del Carmen hotel. This saves you the hassle of coordinating transport on your own, especially since the tour departs from Punta Sam, where the boat is stationed. Travelers should note that some reviews mention confusion about the pickup location—some reviews noted it was a bus trip to Cancun before heading to the departure point, which might not be what everyone expects.

The transportation is shared, with the tour vehicle collecting multiple guests along the route. A key point is that the actual boat departs from Punta Sam, not directly from Playa del Carmen. So, if you’re staying far from that port, consider the extra time needed for pickup and transfer.

The Boat & Island Visits

Once on board the two-level Catamaran, the journey to Isla Contoy begins. This part of the trip is quite scenic, with most travelers enjoying the views and the sea breeze. According to reviews, the boat itself is a double-decker, offering enough space to relax and chat with fellow travelers.

Isla Contoy is the first stop, with around 3 hours allocated. You’ll have the chance to snorkel around the island’s reefs—something many travelers found to be a highlight. The reefs are known for their vibrant marine life, and with snorkel equipment provided, you can dive right into the clear waters. Keep in mind, weather can impact snorkeling; some reviews note that poor weather prevented snorkeling in certain instances, so check the forecast beforehand.

After snorkeling, everyone is served a regional buffet meal with a beverage of their choice. The food is generally well-received, offering a good break and energy boost before heading to the next island.

Exploring Isla Mujeres

Next, the boat sets sail for Isla Mujeres. Here, you’ll have about an hour to wander around the island’s streets, explore shops, and soak in the lively atmosphere. The reviews mention that while the island can be crowded, there’s still time to visit less busy beaches or pick up souvenirs. If shopping isn’t your thing, just strolling and taking photos is a pleasant way to spend the hour.

Return Journey

After walking around, the group reunites and heads back to the mainland, with the trip wrapping up around late morning or early afternoon. The overall duration is about 7 to 8 hours, making it a full but not overwhelming day.

The Value for Money

At $142, this tour offers a decent balance of inclusions—transport, boat rides, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks. The reviews highlight that many find it worth the cost, especially given how much is packed into the day. The all-you-can-drink open bar is a nice touch, allowing travelers to relax and socialize without worry.

However, the tour does include a $20 government fee payable on the day, and a dock fee of $20 per person. This is the kind of extra cost that’s easy to overlook but adds to the overall expense.

No matter how you slice it, this isn’t a cheap day but considering the transportation, boat ride, guided info, and meals, it’s a fair deal for many travelers. That said, some reviews pointed out that the trip’s organization could improve, especially regarding pickup logistics and timing.

The Group Experience

Being a group tour, there’s a lively, social vibe—perfect if you enjoy meeting people and sharing experiences. The maximum of 40 travelers helps keep the atmosphere friendly yet not overcrowded. Some travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides, who made the experience engaging and informative.

Downsides to consider

• Potential confusion about pickup points: Some travelers were surprised that the trip departs from Punta Sam, not directly from Playa del Carmen, and the transfer from Cancun is sometimes mentioned, which might be confusing.
• Weather sensitivities: Snorkeling can be canceled or limited if the weather isn’t cooperative.
• No private options: The tour is non-refundable, and rescheduling means paying again, so if your plans change last minute, you might face extra costs.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see both Isla Contoy’s natural beauty and the lively vibe of Isla Mujeres without breaking the bank. It’s best for those who don’t mind being part of a larger group and enjoy a packed schedule. If you’re a solo traveler looking for a social day or a couple happy to share the experience, you’ll likely enjoy it.

However, if you prefer more flexibility, private tours, or a focus solely on snorkeling, you might want to explore other options or customize your trip.

Final Thoughts

The Isla Contoy Adventure Tour & Isla Mujeres offers a solid day of Caribbean island exploration at a reasonable price. It delivers on the essentials—snorkeling, sightseeing, good food, and a friendly guide—and provides a chance to mingle with fellow travelers. While the logistical details could be clearer, and weather may impact certain activities, most guests walk away with positive memories and a full heart.

This experience suits travelers eager to maximize their island time, enjoy some snorkeling, and experience local culture through shopping and walking around Isla Mujeres. If you’re okay with group dynamics and the occasional organizational hiccup, this tour is a practical way to see some of the best sights near Playa del Carmen.

FAQ

Does the tour depart from Playa del Carmen directly?
Not exactly. The pickup is from your hotel in Playa del Carmen, but the boat departs from Punta Sam, which may involve a transfer or additional pickup points.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkel equipment is provided, and you’ll have the chance to snorkel around Isla Contoy’s reef, weather permitting.

What’s the lunch like?
A regional buffet meal is served, and most guests find it satisfying and energizing for the day.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there’s an unlimited open bar with national drinks, making it easy to relax and socialize.

How long is the entire trip?
It lasts about 7 to 8 hours, from pickup to return.

Is this a family-friendly tour?
While suitable for most travelers, always consider the length and activities—snorkeling and boat rides may not be ideal for very young children.

Can I reschedule if I change my mind?
No, this tour is non-refundable. Rescheduling requires repurchasing the tour.

What are extra costs I should prepare for?
There’s a $20 government fee and a $20 dock fee per person, payable on the day.

What if the weather is bad?
Snorkeling might be canceled if weather conditions aren’t suitable, though other parts of the trip can still be enjoyed.

Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, especially if you like group settings and meeting new people; most reviews highlight the friendly guide and social atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a full day of island hopping, snorkeling, and exploring with a friendly group, this tour ticks many boxes. Just keep an eye on the details, and you’ll likely come away with some great memories of your Caribbean adventure.