What You Can Expect: Snorkel on the Ixlache reef – Contoy The waters near Isla Contoy are very rich in nutrients that serve as food for the plankton that constitutes the food base of more than 234 species of fish identified in the area, including the majestic whale sharks and stingrays that feed near their coasts and the turtles that nest there. The Ixlaché reef south of Contoy marks the beginning of the second-longest reef barrier in the world, the Great Mesoamerican Reef. Beautiful species of corals, fish, and organisms of great commercial value such as spiny lobster and pink snail abound. Swim with rays and turtles, nurse sharks and a huge amount of fish. This area of Isla Contoy is good for snorkel with rays and whale sharks Notes of this tour: Frigate birds wingspan can be up to 8ft. Each individual bird weighs approximately 3 lbs. They glide for hours on end, usually in circles. There is no oil in feathers, so that is the reason, they prefer to fly. Their usual diet consists of sardines, but their favorite food is Flying Fish. They can have 1 chick every 2 years. Usual lifespan, 35 years. Females identified with white bellies. Males have black bellies and inflate bright red gular sacs when the mating season, to attract females. Also, Turtles, come up on the shores of Contoy to lay eggs at night. The temperature determines whether or not turtles will be male or female. Turtles use the moon’s reflection off the surface of the ocean to find their way back to the sea.1% survive their first year. 1 in 500 turtles make it to adulthood. There was a family of Manta Rayas at the Isla Contoy beach when I was there. A baby, and two older Mantas. A fourth one came racing up at one point and kicked up some sand. They were very friendly and enjoyed playing with each other in the shallow water. Includes: Crew and Fuel Snorkel and fishing gear Sodas / beers / sandwiches / ceviche / snacks