Celestun Nature Reserve Flamingo Tour-Boat to Flamingo Paradise from Merida

This day tour from Mérida heads to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve to see flamingos from a boat, and then to a beach for swimming. The operator calls Celestún an eco-tourist paradise and presents the reserve as the most beautiful natural space in Yucatán. It is located 95 km from Mérida, on the Yucatán Peninsula, and the itinerary lists a total of 480 minutes.

The reserve covers 591,139 hectares and is 21 km long, according to the operator. Among its natural attractions is the Baldiosera spring, where you can swim, and the Cambay spring, an eye of fresh water. There is also Tambor, the roost of the pink flamingo, called Caribbean flamingo or Meco locally.

The flamingo watching is done aboard boats guided by locals, in the birds' natural ecosystem. The operator explains that Celestún flamingos are among the pinkest because of the concentration of carotene in the water. Come with the idea of a boat ride through mangrove canals, looking for flamingos and other wildlife.

After the flamingos, the group goes to a beach where you can swim and relax. The itinerary allots about 240 minutes to the boat visit and the beach part combined.

A bilingual Spanish and English guide accompanies the trip. Transportation, the boat ride and a meal of fish fillet are included. For safety reasons, children must be at least 4 years old, and parents are advised to supervise children taking part.

The tour is listed as suitable for all physical fitness levels, but it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health. Soda, alcoholic beverages and tips are not included, so budget for them. The service is operated by Intermerida, and the listing gives no other meeting details, so confirm pick-up when booking.