Celestun Beach and Mangrove Boat Ride from Merida
Merida, Mexico
- 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Offered in: English
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Overview
What's Included
- Round transportation from Merida (could be a meeting point even if the hotel is listed)
- Certified guide
- Boat ride
- One dish to choose (fish or chicken)
- Free time at Celestun beach
- Wild life sightseeing
- Drinks at the restaurant
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Important information! Must read We can do pick ups at some hotels in Merida, even if the hotel is listed we are going to confirm if it's possible to pick you up there or at a meeting point These are the main meeting points: *Parque de Santa Ana Merida *Hotel Fiesta Americana Merida The pick up time depends on the location of the hotel, it's important to confirm if it's possible to pick you up at your hotel (even if it's listed)
Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
1
Celestun
7 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- On tour details 3 hours remaining is for the travel time
- The supplier is entitled to assign the meeting point even if the hotel is listed
- Not recommended for passengers with mobility issues
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Paul_B
Really great trip. Fabiola was an excellent guide. We would recommend it as a great nature experience.
Reviews
4.3
based on 89 reviews
Mark_S, Jan 2026
You meet up early and travel with knowledgeable and friendly guide and driver to take a boat tour thru the mangroves followed by lunch and two glorious hours on the beach great day totally memorable and worth doing
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Our guides love what they do, for us the goal is to share and spread the love for nature and Mexico as much as possible
We are glad that you had a great time at the mangroves in company with the guides. Mexico and Yucatan has plenty more to offer
We hope to see you again soon!
Isola_S, Feb 2025
They pack the bus and if you’re smaller(weight wise) they will put you in the very back of the bus!! No windows & extremely uncomfortable. The tour operator kept pointing things out the window along the drive but we couldn’t see anything…again no windows back there!! We arrived at our boat and we thought we were getting an English tour guide which we requested, not the case! He didn’t speak a word of English and basically no information regarding the flamingoes or along the mangrove, he just stood on the boat doing nothing! Complete waste of time! Next stop is the beach which is a 5 minute drive from the boat to the beach. We decided we needed a breather from bring crammed in the 4 back seats so we sat in the other comfortable seats. All we heard were complaints & people gripping!! Since when did these seats become reserved?!! Extremely disrespectful! Then you spend at least 3 hrs if not more at the beach a little long seeing I thought the main event were the flamingoes?! Trip back home the tour guide held us back getting on the bus until everyone else got on the bus and in their chosen seats and we once again we had to sit in the very back, no windows & extremely tight quarters & very uncomfortable! The guide said everyone is bigger…what???Meanwhile we’re in our mid 60’s and we don’t count?! Because of our size we had to be crammed in the back seats of the bus? We complained and he ignored us! Complained to Viator and they couldn’t care less! We asked for a small discount and they refused. Horrible customer service from Viator & this is a really bad tour! Would definite NOT recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
You were the last members of the group to board, and the only spots left where at the back of the van, no one made any comment regarding "weight" or "size"
Also, this is a highly requested tour meaning, the transportation is usually full. Just because a vehicule is full does not mean it's "cramped" since we are only allowing the regular capacity of persons
The boat tour is done in both english and spanish, the problem was that you did not care to pay attention to the guide and instead you were complaining the entire time about unrelated things and bothering other travelers
No one else in the group had any complaints or issues, however, we received reports that you were harassing other people trying to project your own issues on to them
There weren't any "reserved" seats
The time spent at the beach is clearly described at the tour information, you didn't cared enough to read it
The "small discount" you claimed to have request, was a full refund just because you were late and got sitted on the back
For any readers, please reffer to other reviews since this one was written out of unbecoming spite
Jessica, Jan 2025
Tony was a wealth of knowledge and a wonderful tour guide. Make sure you bring something to swim in, as you will be given an opportunity to take a Mayan Bath during the tour , and after the tour is complete, you eat lunch and spend a couple of hours on the beach.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Tony has many years of experience, for him the goal is to spread as much knowledge as possible
Just as the tour describes, there are places to swim and enjoy the nature
Thank you for sharing your day with us, we hope to see you again soon for your next adventure
Rocky_K, Jan 2025
Enjoyed our thorough tour guide and all the arrangements. Great tour, saw lots of birds. Great weather. One thing though, the information from Viator was incomplete. There was no description detailing that we could bring bathing suits and get in the water so we didn’t bring them.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
The tour information invites travelers to swim at the Celestun beach, the information is complete
The tour name even says Celestun beach
We are glad that you enjoyed the staff performance and the nature surrounding Celestun
Katharine_B, Dec 2024
The boat ride and birding were totally awesome. Going fast on a small fishing boat was way more fun than expected and Tony was a wonderful birding guide. Swimming off the boat was also great. We saw a ray jump several times, so cool. Get the grilled fish for lunch, options with sauce were not as good. Agree with other reviewers that there’s too much time at the restaurant/beach; the afternoon could have been an hour shorter and the tour slightly cheaper. All of the tour parts are in the morning and the afternoon is just downtime.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Tony has a deep love for nature and he shared it with all our travelers
Celestun is abundant in wildlife and flora, we are happy that you enjoyed it to it's fullest!
We'll take notes to keep improving our experience
Michael_U, Dec 2024
Our trip yesterday was overcast and there weren’t a huge number of flamingos at this time of year.
We saw dolphins very briefly from the boat which was special, but other than that only a few different birds and mostly at a distance.
Being on the beach in the weather that we had was relaxing, but we hardly saw the sun and I had a strong feeling it would be even better on a clear day.
This might all sound more negative than I intend, I just got a sense this tour would be an even better choice at a time of year when there are more flamingoes and on a fine day.
Of course none of the above is in the tour operator’s control and I would recommend the company we used wholeheartedly. Our guide was fantastic - really enthusiastic, knowledgeable and attentive at all times even at the restaurant, for example. Plus she gave me a sense she cared both about her job and the environment of the reserve. All staff were friendly and made things easy. The bus was clean and everything seemed well organised and relaxed. Pick up was communicated clearly and punctual.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
We truly appreciate your honest and detailed review, our staff tries their best to make every tour special for our travelers
We'll keep improving
We hope to welcome you again in a better time for your next adventure
Sabra_M, Dec 2024
The tour guide, Tony, was very passionate about what he does. Shared knowledge and top notch customer service. The reserve was full of wildlife including seeing the gorgeous flamingos…breathtaking. The beach, food, boat ride and Mayan mud bath was superb.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
It's important to love what you do in order to provide an amazing service, our staff knows that very well!
We are happy that you got to enjoy Celestun and the company of the staff
Celestun is filled with wild life and amazing flora, it's a place where you'll experience the anthentic power of nature
Mer, Dec 2024
Our guide was amazing sent us great pictures at the end fun loving personality!
I would highly recommend our guide!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Our guides can go above and beyond to take pictures of wiling customers to capture magical moments at Celestun
Amalia_M, Dec 2024
My only complaint is that we weren’t told by the original tour company (Altus) that we would have free time at the beach. We did not bring bathing suits so we couldn’t get in the water. The tour was actually giving by Viajes Colibrí which I highly recommend.
Flamingoes- we saw a few but if you’re coming I would recommend waiting until mid December for more flamingo sight seeing.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
One of the tour highlights is the time spent at the beach, it's highly advertised and all travelers must be sure to read the entire information for any tours they book
Even the name of the tour says "Celestun beach"
We appreciate the feedback, we'll make sure to improve the service so travelers can be aware of the tour they booked
Jason_V, Nov 2024
Juan was nice and somewhat informative, but could have given more info about the history of the beach and culture. The restrooms in Celestun were abysmal, but the boat ride was fantastic. Especially loved the Mayan Bath!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for letting us share this experience with you! We'll take notes to improve the tour
Jefferson_F, Nov 2024
We were picked up on time by our fantastic driver Diego and our fabulose guide Fabulola. We drove straigt to the bioreserve, boarded boats and cruised along the coast. We say Ospreys, gray and blanc pelicans, blue herrons, double crested cormorants, and other birds. But the stars of course were the pelicans. I never appreciated them before but to see them walk on their stiled legs was a mind trip. We took a mud bath off the coast, and had a great seafood meal on the shore. Fabulola spoke clear English, was very funny, and full of information. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys nature, but also full of information on Mayan history and culture.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
It's always great to know that our travelers are having an amazing time with our guides and at the beautiful locations that Yucatan has to offer
Thank you for letting us shared this experience with you, Celestun is an amazing places filled with nature and incredible views
We hope to see you again soon! There's still plenty more to explore
Paul_B, Nov 2024
Really great trip. Fabiola was an excellent guide. We would recommend it as a great nature experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Our staff does their best to make the experience memorable and unique. Celestun is an amazing place filled with life and colors, perfect for anyone looking to experience nature to it's fullest
Yucatan has plenty more to offer, we hope to see you again soon!
JaneCook, Nov 2024
A great day in the sun. We saw all the sights. Lots of flamingos and other birds, pods of dolphins, and a lovely lunch at the beach. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Thanks Juan.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Spotting dolphins is very rare, we are glad that you had the chance to see them! Celestun is home to many marine and wild life, we are glad that you enjoyed it with our guides
There's plenty more to explore in Yucatan! We hope to see you soon for your next adventure
Lieza_O, Nov 2024
The tour operator was poorly organized. We arrived at a very nice dock and should have been taken to boats to go straight into the mangroves. Instead, the tour was overbooked. The boats could only take 6 people. We were 9. We ended up driving to another operator, where the boats had to take a long route along the coast to the mangroves. We didn't spend any meaningful time identifying birds and wildlife in the mangroves.
We also didn't spend any meaningful time with racoons as promised. I was most looking forward to that since we don't have any in my home country. I wanted to take some videos of the racoons at the original site where we were supposed to have been taken to the mangroves. No time was given for this. Instead we rushed to the alternative operator.
The beach and the food was okay.
I wouldn't recommend this tour operator.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
There was no long wait for the boats, after arriving at the dock the second boat was 10 minutes away from arriving. There was no extra driving or waiting time
The guide was spotting the wild life during the boat ride and the mangrove tour, it was sightseeing, not interaction
There is no promise of interacting with any animals or wildlife, it is advertised as sightseeing and wildlife spotting
Julie_T, Nov 2024
Fantastic tour! Our guide, Michelle, and driver, Eduardo, were outstanding. They were very communicative about where to pick us up, even sending photos of the exact location, and arrived right on time. From the start, they made sure we had a smooth and comfortable experience, making stops along the way for snacks and drinks. Michelle went above and beyond to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and shared so much knowledge about the area. We stayed on schedule the entire time, which allowed us to make the most of every stop.
The boat ride to see the flamingos and explore the mangroves was a highlight - our captain did a great job explaining everything and pointing out wildlife. Lunch on the beach was a perfect way to unwind, combining relaxation and fun. Overall, this was a wonderful, fun-filled experience that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. A perfect day trip!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
We truly appreciate the kind words towards the staff and the locations. Celestun is an amazing places filled with nature and amazing views, it's even better whiled guided by passionate guides
Mexico and Yucatan has plenty more to offer, we hope to welcome you again soon for your next adventure!
Melanie_M, Oct 2024
I would love to have gone but there was confusion as far as where the pick up would be with the website saying my hotel and someone from the tour company stating otherwise without updating the tour details online. When I contacted customer service, they were very rude and took absolutely no ownership of this mishap what-so-ever. They stated that I would not get any kind of refund, full or partial.
I had also booked another tour thru Viator with the same company but luckily I cancelled and got the same tour elsewhere for a better price. I do NOT recommend doing business with Altus Tours EVER. They clearly do NOT know how to conduct a proper business.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
We are sorry for your confusion.
The instructions were clear over email, over the phone, via messages and at the website description of the tour. You even confirmed multiple times to acknowledge the meeting point and yet you did not follow instructions
We always make sure that all of our travelers are aware of their pick up details to avoid situations like this one. This is the first time that someone confirmed to acknowledge the meeting point details and yet does not show up and goes to another place which we did not assign
willsnetwork, Jun 2024
While staying in Merida, we booked this daily activity to visit the Celestun Lagoon.
Our driver brought our group to the lagoon and we went birdwatching until we were able to see the flamingos from close. We then, explored the mangrove forest and also saw a crocodile. There was a place in the forest were we could also swim in this mixed water (half fresh half salty) - the scenario was very picturesque.
The trip ended with a stop at the first location where we saw a family of raccoons, and then at the beach: the water was very rough that day, and we really couldn’t see the sand but we had a good time.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Your entire review is filled with nature, we are glad that you got to enjoyed it as much as you did
Celestun is an amazing place with abundant nature and wildlife, thank you for letting us share it with you
We hope to see you again soon, there is plenty more to explore!
Greg_B, Jun 2024
Wonderful tour of the Biosphere and Celestun Beach. We saw the flamingos and many other local birds. Great lunch on the beach as well.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Celestun is always a great choice to explore nature and get the chance to look up close many types of wildlife
We are glad that you enjoyed the tour! We hope to see you again soon for your next adventure
Brooke_B, May 2024
Such a fun day! Start with seeing flamingos and a trip through a mangroves island and then a relaxing lunch and afternoon at the beach. Great choice for a Sunday.
Response from Host, May 2024
It's always great to know that our travelers are loving the destinies! Thank you for sharing this adventure with us
Yucatan and Mexico have plenty more to offer, we would love to welcome you again for your next adventure!
Ian_J, May 2024
Well organised tour, we saw flamingos, a crocodile and various other wildlife on the boat ride, followed by a relaxing few hours at the beach with lunch provided. Driver and guide were very helpful and efficient.
Response from Host, May 2024
We appreciate your kind words towards the experience
Celestun is an amazing place and we are glad that you got to see all it has to offer
Rachel_K, Mar 2024
Jair was an amazing tour guide. His passion and excitement was contagious. He was full of facts about all the different animals and sites we were seeing. We were fortunate enough to see hundreds of flamingoes on their migration. The lunch that was provided was delicious. It was a wonderful time and I would recommend it to anyone.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Jair never disappoint! We'll make sure to commend him for his performance
The goal for all of our staff is for out visitors to love Mexico as much as we do
Kondy_M, Mar 2024
Amazing experience. Driver Roberto and the guide Annel were amazing - really professional and helpful - made the day so easy and enjoyable!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for sharing this adventure with us!
We are happy to know that you had a great time at the location and with the staff performance
Michael_B, Mar 2024
Enjoyed the day trip to Celestun. Saw lots of wildlife and good amount of free time given at the beach to swim etc.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for the review!
We hope to see you again soon for your next adventure, Yucatan has plenty more to offer!
Rita_S, Mar 2024
It was a great day for viewing the Pelicans. We saw a few crocodiles. I enjoyed the many birds we saw. The lunch on the beach was amazing. Thanks to our tour guides. They were fun. A perfect day
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for your kind words! Celestun is indeed an amazing place, it's nature and wild life is amazing
We are glad that you had the chance to see the best of it! We hope to welcome you again on your next adventure
Rodrigue_M, Mar 2024
Exploring the Celestun's natural reserve on this boat trip with guide Annel was a wonderful experience. Her expertise and passion for the environment added depth to the journey, making it both informative and enjoyable.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for the kind comments towards our guide! We'll make sure to commend them
Karen_S, Feb 2024
Javier was a fantastic guide- very passionate about the wildlife! Beautiful area around Celestial n- we loved seeing the crocodiles, flamingos and many other birds. The beach stop was just right.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you! We'll make sure commend Javier for his work
It's important that our staff shares their love for the nature in Celestun
ROBERT_J, Feb 2024
Our guide, Jair, was great with a lot of knowledge of the area's wildlife and and prepping us for what to see. He was so very enthusiastic about the wildlife and getting us the best experience possible. Ours was a small group of 5 plus another couple who joined us and we all fit into one boat. We had a wonderful experience with the Flamingos as we were one of the first boats to arrive where they hang out on the river and saw hundreds of them. Many were flying in from another place, so we got to see many groups land and join the bigger groups floating. You have to see Flamingos in flight to see just how long their necks and legs are! Jair explained that the darker colored a Flamingo was the healthier and better fed it is. We saw several other bird species as well.
The trip through the mangrove stand was interesting. We jumped off the boat for a short time to stroll along a boardwalk to see some fresh water springs. Jair said we could swim in the springs if we wanted, but it was too cold.
After the boat ride we headed to downtown Celestun for lunch at Los Pampanos where we had a credit to choose what we wanted for lunch (if you selected something more than the credit you had to pay the extra). Beverages were not included. Jair said that all of the seafood was fresh caught that day. I had the grilled fish and it was quite nice. The restaurant opens up to the beach and has quite a few tables set out on a portion of the beach with a roof in addition to the dining area inside.
The day we went in mid Feb was unusual as it was in the low 70's, a bit rainy, quite windy and cool, so we didn't hang out on the beach. There weren't beach chairs or cabanas or anything that I saw available for us, but a little further down the beach I did see some places that looked that they may rent things like that - but due to the weather the day we went none were open.
After a stroll along the beach towards the pier we took a walk through town and did a little shopping at some of the local stores before meeting Jair and our driver for the trip back to Merida.
A couple of things to keep in mind. There are no beverages or snacks on the van, so bring your own water for the ride to/from Celestun and during the boat ride. Jair offered to stop at an OXXO store if someone needed to pick up something for the day. You'll also want towels, swimsuits, sunscreen, etc. if you are going to lay out on the beach. You can change in the restroom at the restaurant. There were some mosquitos when we ventured into the mangrove stand so bug spray would also be a good idea.
We all enjoyed our outing to Celestun to see the flamingos.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you! We really appreciate such a detailed review of the experience
The staff will do everything to get the best out of the day, they get everyone interested and pumped about the nature and all Celestun has to offer
Jennifer_G, Feb 2024
We saw many flamingos. The tour was great and we ended the day at the beach for a few hours. The guide was very nice and amazing. Very kind at taking pictures as well.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Flamingos are such majestic and beautiful creatures
Celestun is not only a gorgeous place filled with nature, but it's also the home of this amazing birds
We are glad that you got to see many of them up close
Timothy_C, Feb 2024
Jair was a great guide, very well organized and informative. Amazing to see the thousands of Flamingos among other wildlife on the trip.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you for sharing this experience with us!
We are happy to know that you had a great time, Celestun has many things to offer
There is plenty more to explore, we hope to see you soon!
Zachary_T, Feb 2024
This is a beautiful one day excursion to Celestún with lunch and beach time provided. The boat tour of Celestun is great with amazing views of American Flamingos and very knowledgeable guides. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you! Flamingos are indeed one of the highlights of this adventure
Getting the chance to see them upclose is always special
Mexico has still plenty more nature and wilderness to offer! Come back soon
From $135.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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