Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida

Merida, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan , Mexico

Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida

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(79 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Birdwatching includes binoculars for close-up viewing. The best season to see many flamingos in Celestún is between December and March; the rest of the months there are few, however, other types of local birds can be observed.
Discover this incredible reserve of mangroves on board a boat, which has a capacity for up to 8 people, visit:
1. Bird Island is the resting area of a wide variety of local and migratory birds.
2. The union of the sea with the estuary.
3. Horseshoe Ruins.
4. Sighting area of pink flamingos.
5. We went through a mangrove tunnel.
6. Mayan bath with clay.
The boat tour takes a maximum of 2 hours.

Enjoy eating at a beachfront restaurant where you can also relax and swim. Celestun is the most beautiful beach in the state with crystal clear waters all year round.
This tour lasts 9 hours (8am to 5pm).
This tour takes place in both languages (Spanish and English).

Available options

Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida

What's included

Certified nature guide

Round trip transportation from Mérida

Refrigerator on board the vehicle

Binoculars for bird watching

Delicious beachfront food at the restaurant La Ramada de la Tía Candi, choose a dish from the menu that provides the guide (there are vegetarian options)

Detailed itinerary

This is the first meeting point where we pick up travelers for this tour. Departure from here is punctual at 08:00 am (with a maximum tolerance time of 10 minutes).
Later we go to the next meeting point which is the Santa Ana park and we finish at the third meeting point which is the Fiesta Americana hotel.
Before leaving Mérida we stop at a store to buy water and snacks for the road.
Once we have everyone on board and after making the stop at the store, we begin our journey to the first point of this incredible tour.
The time to get to the Celestún mangrove reserve is 1 hour and a half on the road.

Discover this incredible reserve of mangroves on board a boat, which has a capacity for up to 8 people, visit:
1. Bird Island is the resting area of a wide variety of local and migratory birds.
2. The union of the sea with the estuary.
3. Horseshoe Ruins.
4. Sighting area of pink flamingos.
5. We went through a mangrove tunnel.
6. Mayan bath with clay.
The tour lasts maximum 2 hours.
Here in the jetty there are bathrooms (it is recommended to wear the swimsuit if you want to do the activity of the Mayan bath).

Stop 3

Enjoy the most beautiful beach in the state, here the stay is 3 hours in the restaurant to eat a delicious dish that is already included in the tour, swim and explore the surroundings.
There are lounge chairs, palapas, a swing, bathrooms and showers.

We finish this tour at the same meeting point where we picked you up in the morning, starting with the last one which is the Fiesta Americana hotel and ending at the Viajes Colibrí office.
The travel time back to Mérida is 1 hour and a half from the restaurant in Celestún.

What's not included

Drinks in the restaurant are not included

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

38 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

41 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

08:20 a.m. - Hotel Fiesta Americana, on Cupules Avenue at the entrance of the hotel the van is parked. The guide arrives here with the van and contacts you by phone or mentions your name to find you.

Important notes

We will contact you a day before by WhatsApp message to remind you of the tour departure time and meeting point. If you don't have WhatsApp, don't worry, your reservation is already confirmed for the selected day, the guide will pick you up at the meeting point you have chosen.

About Merida, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan

Merida, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan offer a rich blend of ancient Mayan culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant colonial cities. This region is a paradise for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking relaxation in tropical settings.

Top Attractions

Chichen Itza

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this ancient Mayan city features the iconic El Castillo pyramid.

Historical Half to full day Moderate (around 500 MXN for entrance)

Uxmal

A stunning example of Puuc architecture, Uxmal is another significant Mayan archaeological site.

Historical Half day Moderate (around 350 MXN for entrance)

Celestún

A beautiful coastal village known for its flamingo-filled lagoons and pristine beaches.

Nature Full day Budget to moderate (boat tours around 500 MXN)

Riviera Maya

A stretch of Caribbean coastline known for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

Beach Overnight or multi-day trip Variable (budget to luxury options available)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cochinita Pibil

Slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, wrapped in banana leaves.

Main Dish Contains pork

Panuchos

Fried tortillas filled with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, and avocado.

Appetizer Vegetarian options available

Sopa de Lima

A tangy and comforting soup made with lime, chicken, and tortilla strips.

Soup Contains chicken

Popular Activities

Cenote diving Jungle trekking Zip-lining Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga retreats Visiting archaeological sites Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring archaeological sites.

22-28°C 72-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5)

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Merida and the Yucatan are generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates compared to other parts of Mexico. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport • 10 km from Merida city center
Cancún International Airport • 300 km from Merida

By bus

Terminal de Autobuses de Mérida

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and efficient, combís are small vans that follow fixed routes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Histórico Colonia García Ginerés Altabrisa

Day trips

Valladolid

150 km from Merida • Full day

A charming colonial town with a rich history and beautiful architecture.

Izamal

70 km from Merida • Half day

A picturesque town known for its yellow buildings and significant archaeological sites.

Cenotes Route

Varies, typically 30-60 km from Merida • Full day

A series of stunning cenotes (natural sinkholes) perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Festivals

Festival de la Ciudad • January Hanal Pixán • November 1-2

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Visit cenotes early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures
Explore the region's lesser-known archaeological sites for a more authentic experience
Try local street food for an affordable and delicious culinary adventure
Book tours and accommodations in advance during peak season (November to April)