Celestún (Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve)
Reserva de la Biósfera Ría Celestún
A saltwater estuary biosphere reserve on Yucatán's west coast, where boat trips bring you close to flocks of pink American flamingos and pass through mangrove tunnels.
The Celestún Biosphere Reserve is a long, narrow saltwater estuary and mangrove wetland on the northwest coast of Yucatán. In winter, thousands of American flamingos gather here, along with pelicans, herons and more than 200 other bird species. Visitors take a boat from the dock beside the estuary bridge, a trip of about 1.5 to 2 hours. The boat first passes the flamingo flocks, keeping a respectful distance. It then passes through mangrove waterways, stops at a freshwater spring (ojo de agua) for swimming, and visits a petrified forest. Boats are priced per boat, and sharing is possible (check on site). Afterward, you can enjoy seafood on the beach in the town of Celestún. It is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Mérida.
Opening hours
Daily approx. 08:00–16:00 (boat tours)
Nearby sights
- Hacienda Yaxcopoil
- Ermita de Santa Isabel
- Casa de Montejo
- Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia)
- Government Palace of Yucatán
- MACAY Contemporary Art Museum
- Mérida Cathedral (San Ildefonso)
- Parque de Santa Lucía