Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida

This day trip from Mérida to the Celestún mangrove reserve is organized by Colibrí Travels, and it combines a boat tour focused on birds with time at the beach. It is a bilingual tour, in Spanish and English, in the same van, and binoculars are provided for watching birds up close. The itinerary lists a total of 540 minutes.

The tour starts at 8:00 a.m. Leaving Mérida takes about 45 minutes, and then there is a stop at a self-service store to buy water and snacks. Around 9:00 a.m. the van heads to Celestún, about an hour and a half away, in an air-conditioned vehicle with a refrigerator on board.

The boat carries a maximum of 8 people and the ride lasts about an hour and a half. The route goes past Bird Island, a resting area for local and migratory birds; the meeting point of the sea and the estuary; the ruins of the Horseshoe; the pink flamingo viewing area; and a mangrove tunnel. It also includes a Mayan clay bath. The pier has restrooms, and the operator recommends wearing a swimsuit if you want to do the clay bath.

The number of flamingos varies by season. The largest numbers gather from December to March, while during the rest of the year you can see various local bird species instead, so set your expectations accordingly.

After the boat, you head to what the operator calls one of the most beautiful beaches in Yucatán, with three hours of free time to swim, relax and explore the area. A dish is included, and the area has cots, palapas, swings, bathrooms and showers. The group then drives back, about an hour and a half from the restaurant in Celestún, and finishes at the same meeting point between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m.

The tour is listed as suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. Infants must sit on an adult's lap and can ride in a pram or stroller. Carbonated beverages are not included, and the operator says a certified nature guide stays with you the whole tour.

The operator contacts you the day before via WhatsApp with recommendations and a reminder of the departure time. Seats in the vehicle are assigned in order of arrival at the office, so arrive about 10 minutes before 8:00 am.