Frigatebirds
In their hundreds.
Giorgio Galeotti — CC BY 4.0 · Giorgio Galeotti — CC BY 4.0 · Suwanosejima — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bernard DUPONT — CC BY-SA 2.0 · PNAPM — CC BY-SA 4.0
Isla Contoy is a small island in Quintana Roo, about 27 km in a straight line north of Isla Mujeres and about 35 km north of Cancún. It is 8.5 km long and covers about 3.2 square kilometres. The island has been protected by the Mexican government since 1961 and was declared a national park in February 1998, run jointly by the group Amigos de Isla Contoy and the environment ministry. Only a few companies may bring visitors, up to a maximum of 200 a day. It is a refuge for about 152 species of tropical seabirds, such as frigatebirds, brown pelicans and cormorants, and four species of sea turtle nest on its beaches. Clear turquoise water and white sand beaches ring the island, which has palms, plant-covered dunes and an inner lagoon fringed by mangroves. Black frigatebirds circle in their hundreds over the lagoon, and from the lookout tower the view takes in the whole island and the sea around it. The island can be visited only with licensed operators, usually on a full-day trip from Cancún or Isla Mujeres that often includes snorkelling on the way. Book early, as numbers are limited, and keep to the marked paths.
In their hundreds.
Among mangroves.
A full view.
North of Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico
With licensed operators from Cancún or Isla Mujeres.
Yes, numbers are limited.