Excursion to Celestun Biosphere and Beach Day from Merida
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Merida, Mexico
- 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided interpretive nature tour through the Celestún Biosphere Reserve
- Bilingual guide at all times and assistance with translation if needed.
- Use of beach facilities: loungers, showers, pool, hammocks, restaurant service, and beach access.
- Lunch
- Entrance fee - Since the visitor center at Ría Celestún and the boat operators only accept cash payments, each traveler must bring 500 pesos on the day of the tour.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Calle 47 209, Parque Santa Ana, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
We will meet at Parque Santa Ana. The van will park on 47th Street, I will meet you next to the fountain.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.9:00 am
Itinerary
1
Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Playa Norte Celestun
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- The best season for flamingo viewing is typically from mid-November through March, when larger numbers are usually present in the area. From April through mid-November, sightings become highly inconsistent. During these months, there may be days when only a few flamingos are seen — or none at all. As this is a protected natural ecosystem, wildlife behavior is entirely beyond our control. Flamingos migrate seasonally, and their presence depends on factors such as climate, water conditions, and food availability. For this reason, we do not and cannot guarantee the sighting of flamingos, nor a specific number of flamingos, on any day of the year. By booking this experience, guests acknowledge and accept that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and are subject to natural conditions.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
AURORA_M
Our excursion to Celestún was amazing! The boat tour through the mangroves was beautiful, and seeing the flamingos in their natural habitat was such a special experience. Our guides—Alicia and Leticia were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and made the whole trip even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this excursion; it was truly a beautiful and memorable day!
Reviews
4.8
based on 129 reviews
Mitul_L, Apr 2026
We enjoyed the day, however it isn’t anything more than a taxi service to the Celestún Biosphere and beach. You have to pay extra for the boat per person (which I was aware of). You get a bit of the guide and explanations on the boat but definitely not worth the money paid.
Other than this, we saw some flamingos, exotic birds and crocs! The restaurant at the beach was nice but there are better if you just crab a taxi for the day and do this trip on your own especially if there are are few of you!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello, thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the wildlife and your overall day.
However, we would like to clarify that the tour includes exactly what is described: transportation, guidance throughout the day, an English-speaking specialized guide during the biosphere visit, and access to the beach club facilities. All of this is included in the tour price.
Regarding costs, the additional boat fee is clearly communicated in advance. In fact, one of the main advantages of our tour is that we organize and coordinate the boats so travelers share the cost, allowing you to pay a moderate amount rather than the full private boat price, which is significantly higher.
Additionally, having an English-speaking guide during the biosphere experience is not something typically available when arranging a boat independently. Most tours with similar inclusions are typically 30–40% more expensive.
We are certain this experience offers a strong value but we are sorry it didn’t meet your expectations.
Lawrence_N, Apr 2026
What a great tour! Our tour guide, Alicia, and our driver, Herman (spelling), were excellent . The boat trip to see the wild flamingos, other birdlife, even crocodiles, plus going by boat into the mangroves was stuff from television nature shows. Brilliant! The beach stop, restaurant lunch, and dip in the Gulf of Mexico, how delightful. Terrific. Recommended.
Cord_C, Apr 2026
This was a fantasy experience and tour of the biosphere here in the Yucatán. I could not imagine coming to this area with such rich biodiversity and not seeing some of it firsthand. We saw Flamingos in flight which is rare. We saw crocodiles, other water foul, and the mangrove forests. Our guide Rodrigo was fantastic and we later took some time on the beach. I highly recommend the tour as it offers something very different than the others.
Mark_B, Apr 2026
Excellent trip. Our guide was very informative & helpfull.
Saw lots of Racoons at the centre & lizards then went on the boat tour to see a huge flock of Flamingos who seemed unbothered by us coming in really close. Saw other birds such as spoonbills & a couple of crocodiles, boat went through mangrove forest like a tunnel to a fresh water spring where you could bathe but.... beware a resident crocodile so probably not recommended.
This was followed by lunch & beach time.
Amy_H, Mar 2026
Fantastic tour to see Flamingos and other animals at Celestun. Our guide Sergio was very knowledgeable. Please note that the tour said it’s maximum 6 travellers but we had around 12 people on our tour, it’s just that each boat only carries 6 people. So we were temporarily separated from our tour guide for some parts of the boat ride (not the flamingos time), but our boat driver was also knowledgeable in spotting birds and wildlife. The beach afterwards was nice, but unfortunately windy the day we went. We had 3 hours of free time there which was more than enough. The food was very good and there are bathroom facilities, but didn’t see any showers. There’s also a pool there and sun loungers.
Martha_P, Mar 2026
Beautiful biodiversity!! We got to see a lot of flamingos and even crocodiles. Excellent guides. Overall fun day.
Alexandra_K, Mar 2026
This was an excellent way to spend a day when staying in Mérida! Our group of 12 ppl was taken in a very new van to the boat dock. Sergio coordinated the boat trip to explore the Reserva de la Biosfera Ria Celestún in search of flamingos, roseate spoonbills, other bird life and crocodiles! Sergio appeared to be genuinely interested in speaking to the group about the animals. Although we did not see a large number of flamingos, it was really wonderful to see those that we did and get to learn about their lifecycle and much more! They are just beautiful. We did see a lot of crocs, from safe distances of course! The lunch outdoors at the beach restaurant was delicious (yummy cocktails too!) and it was great chance to have a swim in the ocean at a very quiet spot. It was just long enough and then we were back on the road to Mérida. As a solo traveller, I felt very luck to get the front passenger seat and be able to chat with Sergio. He was a great driver and conversationalist. Thank you for the great day, Sergio!
AURORA_M, Mar 2026
Our excursion to Celestún was amazing! The boat tour through the mangroves was beautiful, and seeing the flamingos in their natural habitat was such a special experience. Our guides—Alicia and Leticia were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and made the whole trip even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this excursion; it was truly a beautiful and memorable day!
George_A, Mar 2026
Wonderful experience at the nature reserve observing the flamingoes. Rodrigo who was both our driver and guide was excellent. The beach was also enjoyable.
Kelli_H, Mar 2026
After arriving in Celestún, we boarded a small boat and headed out to the sand bar where we got a close-up view of thousands of flamingos. We then stopped at the Bird Island, where we saw roseate spoonbills, herons and ibis. After passing through a mangrove canal, we arrived at the springs, where we spotted two lazy crocodiles. After getting off the boat, we fed the raccoons at the visitors’ center and then headed to the restaurant and beach club. This part of the beach is only sparsely developed and there are no crowds. We had a nice lunch at the open-air (covered) restaurant/ bar. You could then swim in. The ocean or the club pool (there are changing rooms, showers and restrooms). Alicia is a wonderful guide and very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. A great day overall - be prepared for lots of sun!
Beverly_K, Mar 2026
Very nice morning drive to the Celestun biosphere. The guide provided excellent information about the biosphere, the birds, fish, crocodiles and mangroves. Also took lunch orders before arrival to make sure we stayed on schedule and had ample time to eat and swim. My expectations were met for my last day in Merida.
Robert_T, Mar 2026
Much better than expected. I went with my wife's friends from Cuernavaca ...all 80+ because they wanted to go. Privately me husband 78 yrs from Chicago was not thrilled 😒 in the beginning. I was 100% wrong..enjoyed every minute. The great weather helped.
Catherine_K, Mar 2026
Wonderful day trip. The pick was easy and not too early. The van was full but it was comfortable. We never felt rushed. The biosphere was amazing. The guides knew exactly where to take us. Lunch was perfect. The beach was great. No one around and gorgeous water!
Lucille_H, Feb 2026
The flamingos were more than what we expected, they are absolutely magnificent! Our guide, Sergio, was very knowledgable and was able to answer all questions. This is a must do for everyone coming to this area! If you think you have seen flamingoes- think again, and do this tour! We were also able to see several crocodiles, and a Rosetta spoonbill. Great day out!
Derrick_C, Feb 2026
The chance to see so many flamingos in one place was a complete bucket list thing to see and do. Eric our guide was quite knowledgeable in telling us information along the way through our two hours out on the water. This is a must see, but the window does close heading into the warmer months as the flamingos will leave the area.
Beverly_S, Feb 2026
You can see flamingos and other birds, even a crocodile!
The boat is comfortable and there is also a nice walk to view the biosphere from close by.
Wonderful lunch! And downtime on the beach to relax.
Paul_W, Feb 2026
A little over an hour’s drive to the biosphere. Air conditioning but a bit of a tight fit for 12 people in the van. The boat ride was superb, saw many flamingos as well as many other bird species, a crocodile and great tunnel through the mangroves. Jorge was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable with a great sense of humour. The nearby restaurant was very good quality and reasonably priced. The beach was beautiful. 5 stars all the way!
Sonya_F, Feb 2026
Wonderful trip to the biosphere where we saw lots of fascinating wildlife. Sergio was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. The private beach was lovely and relaxing, and the food was delicious.
We would have liked a more detailed description of the trip so that we were clearer about what we would be doing and what to bring (I.e. a towel!)
Bronwen_S, Feb 2026
The flamingos were gorgeous and our guide, Eric, had lots of interesting information about their biology and natural habits. It was also very fun to boat directly into the mangrove forest!
Gord_H, Feb 2026
Eric was a wonderful guide. He gave us all an overview and then at each stop, gave us an idea of timing, how things would work and what to bring. On the boat he shared lots of information on all the birds and the crocodile and answered all our questions. The flamingos are truly amazing. The mangroves were beautiful.
Once we got to the beach club he made sure everyone had their order and let us know how much time we had.
rebeccalouiseholmes, Feb 2026
Excellent trip and got to see so much beautiful wildlife.
The flamingos were the highlight but we were also lucky enough to see raccoons, hummingbirds and a croc.
Sandra_E, Feb 2026
The boat ride on lagoon to see flamingos is extraordinary. We saw thousands on a cloudy, windy day! Boat also took us to spots along the mangroves to see other birds, through an amazing mangrove “tunnel” where the root structures alone were 12 to 20’ high. Then we got off boat at dock and boardwalk and went along a cenote and saw crocodile, five types of herons, and a kingfisher. Then went to spot where Rosetta Spoonbills were roosting, with more egrets and herons. So, fabulous up close bird spotting by our guide in places known and selected by our knowledgeable boatman. Excellent experience.
It was not a beach day, but the restaurant served good food, excellent staff, and everyone enjoyed. The van was fine and our driver/guide wonderful.
Maureen_R, Feb 2026
The biosphere part was our favorite. Our guide, Sergio, who was also our guide on our favorite viator excursion to Uxmal and 2 cenotes, was a fun, friendly, smart and educated host. He made these daytrips very worthwhile... and we met some fun people on these excursions as well. Sergio had the best smile and was an excellent driver as well!
Mark_Z, Jan 2026
Our tour of the Celestún Biosphere was absolutely unforgettable. Jorge, the guide, was a trained biologist, and his expertise truly elevated the experience—every explanation about the ecosystem, wildlife, and conservation efforts was clear, insightful, and fascinating. Beyond his knowledge, he was incredibly kind and patient, making sure everyone felt comfortable and engaged throughout the tour.
The highlight was witnessing an astonishing flock of around 4,000 flamingos gathered together—a breathtaking sight that felt almost unreal. Seeing them in their natural habitat, while learning about their behavior and environment from someone so passionate and knowledgeable, made the experience even more special. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for both natural beauty and meaningful insight into this unique ecosystem.
Lynn_J, Jan 2026
An amazing day. Request Jorge. Excellent English and vast knowledge of environment and animals. Small group trip where you get to meet other people. On top of the trip cost you will need to pay 500 pesos per person for entrance and boat fees. Plus you will need to pay for your lunch and beverage. A very worthwhile trip. It is a full day
Bill_G, Jan 2026
Wonderful excursion with Jorge as our amazing tour guide.
We saw thousands of pink flamingos, along with many other bird species. We went into a mangrove where we saw more than just birds...An alligator, fish in the crystal clear waters and so much more. Jorge was very knowledgeable in all aspects of the tour and easy to understand.
Even on a cloudy day, this was a stellar excursion, thanks to Jorge.
Muchas gracias Jorge @
Brent_H, Jan 2026
The flamingos were plentiful and very colourful. Saw a few crocodiles and many other birds. Guide was friendly and knowledgeable. The boat driver was also informative. The lunch was not as good as last year’s.
Ana_F, Jan 2026
The travel guides were extremely kind to us. I personally would prefer full transparency when it pertains to per person costs on the first page. Example: $$ per person + 500 pesos cash to be collected on the day of excursion. I do believe, you can research yourself, that the boats charge per boat, not per person. My next tour, I will definitely book with Yucatán tours.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your feedback and for your kind words about our guides — we’re happy to hear you had a positive experience with them.
You are correct that the boat operators charge per boat, not per person. The total cost of the boat is 3,018 MXN, of which you personally paid 500 MXN. To make this experience as affordable as possible, we group up to six participants per boat and divide the total cost among them.
When a full group of six is not reached, our agency absorbs part of the cost, not the guests. This is precisely how we are able to offer one of the most economical options for visiting Celestún while maintaining the same service and safety standards.
We appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continue improving communication and transparency for future travelers.
David_C, Jan 2026
A bit pricy but completely worth it. We got to see flamingos but the tour guide let us know that we were very lucky. That it wasn’t fully guaranteed that we saw them. The food was very delicious and considering the portions very cheap.
Rituraj_S, Jan 2026
The boat trip to watch flamingos and other birds had been a wonderful experience. Also the short stop at the mangrove was a nice experience. The beach trip however has not been worth as the water was not god to swim, so this has been only a stop for lunch.
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