Discovering Isla Contoy: Your Guide to the National Park and Whale Shark Swim Tours

Best hotels to stay near Isla Contoy

Written by Diana Gonzalez | Sep 18, 2025 4:25:00 PM

Are you going to travel to Isla Contoy and plan to stay in a nearby place to take the most requested tour in the Caribbean? Read on and discover all the lodging possibilities in the vicinity of Isla Contoy.

Isla Contoy is a true paradise in the Mexican Caribbean: a Natural Protected Area (NPA) famous for its wealth of seabirds, pristine beaches, and unique reefs. However, you are not allowed to spend the night on Isla Contoy.

The good news is that you can stay very close: in Cancun (Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam, Hotel Zone), Costa Mujeres, or even in Isla Mujeres, from where most of the authorized tours depart.

In this guide, you will find:

  • Best hotels near Isla Contoy.
  • Approximate prices per season and capacity per room.
  • Distances and times to the main docks (Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam).
  • Comparison of categories: luxury, family, boutique, and economic.
  • Tips to plan your visit.

If you still don't know the nearby sites and places where you can find lodging, below we share with you the best options to stay and get to know the destinations near Isla Contoy:

Best Hotels near Isla Contoy

Cancun

Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun - All Inclusive

Price: 5,035

2 pax / 1 bedroom

Villa del Palmar Cancun All inclusive Spa & resort Price: 6,162 2 pax / 1 room
Hotel RIU palace Price: 4,758 2 pax / 1 room
Hotel Mousai Cancun Adults Only - All Inclusive Price: $12,777 2 pax / 1 room

 

Isla Mujeres

Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres Adults Only

Price: $3,614

2 pax / 1 room

Hotel Posada del Mar - Isla Mujeres Price: $3,614 2 pax / 1 room
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets - Adults Only - All inclusive Price: $27,124 2 pax / 1 room
Hotel La Joya Price: $2,577 2 pax / 1 room
Villas Coco Resort - Adults only Price: $1,208 2 pax / 1 room
Casa De Los Sueños Boutique Hotel Price: $2,931 2 pax / 1 room
Casa Azul Maya Price: $1,714 2 pax / 1 room
Maria's Kan Kin Price: $3,410 2 pax / 1 room

 

Mayan Riviera

Atelier Playa Mujeres

Price: 9,983

2 pax / 1 bedroom

Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort - All inclusive Price: 9,907 2 pax / 1 room
Excellence Playa Mujeres Price: 11,263 2 pax / 1 room
Finest Playa Mujeres Price: 8,589 2 pax / 1 room

SLS Playa Mujeres - all-inclusive Collection

Price: 6,816 2 pax / 1 room

 

Why can't you sleep in Isla Contoy?

The island has been a protected National Park since 1998. Only a maximum of 200 visitors per day can enter, and always with authorized operators. Sleeping on the island is prohibited to preserve its ecosystem.

👉 Therefore, it is best to choose a hotel near the departure docks (Cancun or Isla Mujeres), from where you can take your tour.

Best areas to stay near Isla Contoy

1. Puerto Juarez / Puerto Cancun

Perfect for those looking to be within walking distance of the Ultramar pier or Isla Contoy Experience.

Time to pier: 5-15 min walk or drive.
Advantage: perfect for early departure tours to Isla Contoy.

2. Costa Mujeres / Punta Sam

If you are looking for luxury all-inclusive resorts, this option is for you.
Time to the pier: 5 to 10 minutes by car.
Advantage: proximity to Punta Sam, where many tours depart.

3. Cancun Hotel Zone.

Recommended for those who combine nightlife and the beach.
Time to Punta Sam: 22 min by car.
Advantage: varied options, from 3★ to 5★ resorts.


4. Isla Mujeres

Excellent option if you are looking for the island experience and sunrise at Playa Norte.
Time to the local pier: 5-15 min by cab from any hotel.
Advantage: enjoy Isla Mujeres before and after your tour to Contoy.


Comparison of hotels near Isla Contoy

Hotel

Zone

Category

Price per night (low/high season)

Capacity

Distance to the pier

Dreams Vista Cancun

Puerto Juarez

5★ Family

US$280 / US$420

6 pax

0.6 mi from Ultramar

Hotel del Sol

Puerto Juarez

3★ Economy

US$70 / US$120

2 pax

0.5 km from the pier

EHDEN Vacation Suites

Puerto Cancun

4★ Apart-hotel

US$97 / US$160

2 to 4 pax

1.5 mi from Ultramar

Atelier Playa Mujeres

Mujeres Coast

5★ Adults only

US$450 / US$650

2 pax

3.8 km from Punta Sam

SLS Playa Mujeres

Costa Mujeres

5★ Luxury

US$350 / US$500

2 to 3 pax

0.2 mi from Punta Sam

Riu Palace Costa Mujeres

Costa Mujeres

5★ Family

US$320 / US$480

2 to 4 pax

9 km from Punta Sam

Privilege Aluxes

Isla Mujeres

5★ Adults only

US$236 / US$400

2 to 3 pax

15 min to local pier

Ixchel Beach Hotel

Isla Mujeres

4★ Boutique

US$180 / US$280

2 to 4 pax

10 min to local pier

Casa Blanca Boutique

Isla Mujeres

3★ Boutique

US$110 / US$180

2 pax

8 min to local pier

Selina Cancun Lagoon

Hotel Zone

Hostel / 3★

US$45 / US$80

1 to 6 pax

20 min to Punta Sam

Prices are approximate in USD per room/night and are current as of 2025. They may vary depending on the season and availability.

Tips for choosing lodging

  1. Verify the departure pier of your tour before booking your hotel.
  2. Calculate transfer time (Hotel Zone ↔ Punta Sam ~22 min; Cancun ↔ Isla Mujeres ferry 20-30 min).
  3. Book in advance, access to Isla Contoy is limited to 200 people/day.
  4. Pack biodegradable sunscreen or better wear UV clothing, as the use of chemicals is entirely restricted to protect the marine species in the area.
  5. Travel light. Contoy is pure nature; there are no hotels, stores, or ATMs nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) - Lodging in Isla Contoy

Can I sleep in Isla Contoy?

No. Sleeping on the island is prohibited, as it is a Natural Protected Area.

Where is the best place to stay if I want to visit Isla Contoy?

If your tour departs from Punta Sam, the best place to stay is Costa Mujeres. If you leave from Puerto Juarez, choose a hotel in Puerto Cancun.

How much does it cost to stay near Isla Contoy?

From US $70 in budget options in Puerto Juarez to US $650 in luxury resorts in Costa Mujeres.

How long is the Isla Contoy tour?

Generally between 7 and 9 hours, including navigation, guided tour, and free time on the beach.

 

Live the Isla Contoy experience

If you have already chosen where to stay, now you need to make a reservation to live the most exciting tour in the Caribbean.

👉 Book with Isla Contoy Experience and enjoy:

  • Caribbean catamaran tour
  • Snorkel
  • Guided tour of the National Park
  • Free time on pristine beaches
  • Typical lunch included