Sisal with flamingo tour

This day tour from Mérida heads to Sisal, a coastal town on Yucatán's Gulf coast, for a boat trip through the estuary in search of pink flamingos, mangrove birdlife, and a slower pace by the sea. Transport is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour runs about seven and a half hours in total.

On arrival at the port, part of the fun is getting to the water itself: you'll board a motorcycle taxi that carries you through the town to the jetty, described as an adventure in its own right.

From there, the main activity is a ride through the Sisal estuary in a chalana, a small boat without a motor, and/or by kayak, gliding past mangroves and spotting different bird species along the way, pink flamingos included. The pace is unhurried, timed to take in the calm of the estuary as the light changes toward sunset, with a specialized nature guide on hand throughout. Along the way, there's also a stop at a natural spring where you can swim if you'd like.

A meal at a local restaurant is included, featuring fresh, regionally caught fish, and afterward there's free time to walk along the beach or go for a swim before heading back.

The tour suits all physical fitness levels, though it isn't recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, infants must sit on an adult's lap, and service animals are welcome.

Private transportation, a SECTUR-certified guide, the motorcycle taxi transfer, bottled water, the regional meal, and the boat ride through the estuary are all included. Tips and other drinks beyond the bottled water are not. Pickup is right at the door of your hotel in Mérida.