The price between different tour groups did not vary, each asking $40 per person or 440 Pecos. We selected La Islena Tours on Morelos Avenue (just ½ block from the pier) since we found a 10% discount coupon on the isla-mujeres.net site. This lowered the price to 396 Pecos. Cash only. No plastic. The owner was not pleased when we presented our coupon and reluctantly subtracted the amount on our invoice. We signed a document guaranteeing our compliance with the use and safety of Contoy Island, protecting the environment and wildlife.

Everyone selected their snorkeling gear while at the tour building and then carried the equipment to the boat. We waited over an hour to obtain clearance due to the high winds and choppy waters. Finally the captain allowed us to step into the small boat and we took off for Contoy. We sat in a medium-sized boat, designed for 10 passengers. Due to rescheduling of tours, 12 people were squeezed in to the boat, forcing the captain and first mate to stand in the boat. The sun cover protected us from the heat as we trudged off to open sea.

The choppy water soon had its affect on me. One of the other passengers offered Dramamine but it was too late. I accepted her offer to take one before the return trip to Isla. Due to the high winds and late starting time, our tour did not stop for snorkeling or fishing. Our first stop was arrival on the island.

I jumped in the cool water to relieve my ailments and immediately felt better. While the captain grilled barracuda for lunch, we snorkeled in the bay area and swam with the friendly stingrays. My wife and I walked the nature paths on the island and perused the nature museum. Large collections of beautiful birds nested near a small pond towards the middle of the island. Iguanas and crabs sat on the paths, almost unafraid of humans. We carefully watched our steps to avoid the animals.

A storm passed over the island right when the captain announced lunch. He moved the buffet into a covered area next to the museum. We had fish, rice, corn tortillas and all the fixings. We had plenty to eat, relaxing while the dark rain clouds passed overhead.

We spent another hour sitting in the sun (sleeping in my case), swimming and snorkeling. We thought we had another hour on the island, but the captain insisted that we needed to pack up and leave now. We were in for another adventure.

We left the cove, heading out to open seas. Several passengers turned to the back seat, sending encouraging signs and words. I was determined to make it back to Isla Mujeres with my lunch intact. After 15 minutes of the boat ride, I met a full-fledged challenge.

The brilliant blue and tranquil turquoise waters turned to an angry green. I recognized this weather warning, as the ocean matched the color of a Kansas sky just before a tornado. The winds picked up and I could feel the boat pushing against the waves to make progress across the water. No sign of Contoy Island behind us and no indication of Isla Mujeres ahead.

The white-capped waves slapped over the sides of the boat, soaking those of us sitting on the outside. My wife pulled her beach towel from the backpack, offering it to one of the wettest passengers. When her offer was declined, my wife wrapped the towel around the camera, hoping to protect this piece of equipment. Almost as soon as the camera was covered, the rain began. Already wet, the rain almost seemed immaterial. But at that point, I heard a new noise behind me. My wife looked and the first mate was bailing water out of the boat with a bucket. I glanced back and only counted six life jackets for the twelve passengers and two crew members.

My wife tensed beside me when the thunder cracked. We know what accompanies thunderstorms, and my wife was afraid. Focused on the horizon, I saw the first bolts of lightning crashing from the sky. I counted the seconds between the lightning and thunder to estimate the distance of the storm. I realized that I did not know the distance for lightning conductivity in the ocean. I quit counting.

As the lightning continued with increasing frequency, other passengers noticed. "Our asses are fried," one man bemoaned. Three young ladies sitting together screamed and pointed with each flash. The lady in front of me turned to check on my condition and then sang, "The tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew." Most of us laughed with the theme song to Gilligan’s Island. (Remember, I’m 50. I watched this show.)

The captain slowed the boat to better manage the waves and kept making progress. Finally, Isla Mujeres appeared in the distance, with the storm lessening as we moved closer to land. As soon as the boat docked, the captain yelled at everyone to exit. I jumped out and assisted the other passengers. We ran to land and laughed with relief for our safe arrival.

Isla Contoy is supposed to be a bird paradise. I don't really know about that, because we didn't see that many birds. The manta rays come very close to the shore so you cam touch them and play with them, so that is a pretty neat experience. You can do a few trails, but if you wander on the rocky side of the island and decide to go around...well...don't. That is a long walk, and it gets unpleasant quite a few times along the way. Also, this side of the Island looks like a public dumpster, so there is nothing really to see.

The lunch...that's included in the tour no matter where you purchase it. All tour companies do it. And it is excellent.