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ISLA
CONTOY |
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Contoy is a small tropical paradise in the middle
of the tranquil turquoise waters of the sea.
Protected since 1961 and recently designated
a national park, Isla Contoy has almost completely
conserved its naturally virgin state. Althoug
it is a mere 5 miles long and nearly 660 feet
at its widest part, it offers rich and varied
landscapes. While silky white beaches, dotted
with tall palm trees and other exotic plants
border its western coast, the eastern side, facing
the open sea, is formed by calcareous rocks.
Exposed to strong winds, a small range of sand
dunes blanketed by low vegetation rise up. Here
grow, among other plants, sea lavander that emits
a sweet aroma, the sea grape and the orange cordia.
Inland, the lagoons, mangroves and low jungles
are the refuge of 152 registered bird speciest
hat total more than 10,000 birds, an impresive
amount for a such small area.
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Marine life is cleary visible beneath
the crystalline waters of the caribbean. A few
feet from the island, the isalache reef is home
to a multitude of fabulous species, such as the
spiny lobster that vas a high comercial value.
And in Imaxpoit bay, beside the small wooden dock
where the tourist moats moor, the manta rays glide
fearlessly among swimers. In the summer, three
species of sea turtles arrive at the beaches to
nest.
The mission of this natural park is the cinservation
and sustaintable development of its natural resourses,
in additon to divulging the natural history of
the island to others. Only few fishermen may use
the campside during lobster fishing season andno
more than 200 visitors per day are permitted.
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Contoy
Express Tour begins at 8:30 AM when you will
depart from Playa
Caribbean on
our comfortable Caribbean Express. A continental
breakfast with coffee, orange juice, "pan
dulce" (Mexican sweet bread) and fresh fruits
are served while you enjoy the rich colors of
the Caribbean sea. Along the way you will have
amble
opportunity to snorkel the unparalleled beauty
of the Ixlache Reef, home to countless marine
species. At this time the onboard bar opens with
sodas,
beer and cocktails.By 10:00 AM you will be sitting
foot on the sandy white beaches of Contoy. There
is a visitor center with a pier, a museum, a
souvenir store, a resting area with benches and
palapas
and a twenty-meter high watchtower where you
will have a birds eye view of the island. For
the next
few hours you can explore this beautiful island,
bird watch, sunbath, swim and play with the friendly
manta rays that greet the visitors.For lunch,
the famous Til-in-Xix (Yucatan style grilled
fish)
will be served with ceviche and all the trimmings!
The 35 minute ride on the Caribbean Express will
have you back on Isla by 2:30 in the afternoon. |
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