Mexico Bird Conservation

The Mexican state of Quintana Roo is on the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. The most famous destination for most travelers is the popular city of Cancún but birders might prefer to go to a nearby quieter location. Off the coast is an island called Isla Contoy- considered by some to be the most important nesting place of sea birds in the Mexican Caribbean, even though it covers only 317 hectares.

Isla Contoy is located at the confluence of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. 152 species of birds have been documented at Isla Contoy and it has been protected by the Mexican government since 1961. In 1998 Isla Contoy became a National Park and is jointly run by the Amigos de Isla Contoy A.C. and the Secretary of Environment, Natural Resources and Fishing (SEMARNAT).

To visit this sanctuary you must go with a tour and only 200 visitors are allowed per day to prevent overcrowding. Tours are held by resident biologists on the island.

Brown Pelicans are one of many species found at Isla Contoy