Excursion to Celestun Biosphere and Beach Day from Merida

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

7 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

We will depart from downtown Mérida and head to the Celestún Biosphere, a multicolored paradise full of wildlife, mangroves, and fresh water springs. Once there, we will take a guided boat tour through the estuary, with the main goal of seeing the flamingos in their natural habitat. Along the way, we will spot various bird species, as well as possibly crocodiles and other wild animals. After the biosphere visit, we will drive to Celestún Beach, just 20 minutes away, where we will enjoy local cuisine and the amenities of the beach club. The rest of the afternoon will be spent relaxing and enjoying the day on this beautiful Yucatán coast.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Bilingual guide at all times and assistance with translation if needed.

Air-conditioned vehicle

Use of beach facilities: loungers, showers, pool, hammocks, restaurant service, and beach access.

Guided boat tour.

Lunch

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.

What To Expect

Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve

We will travel to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, a multicolored paradise, where we will take a guided boat tour through the estuary, the mangroves, the bird island, and we will also visit a freshwater spring.

2 hours • Admission Not Included

Playa Norte Celestun

After the boat tour, we will drive to the beach in Celestún, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch (optional), the beach club faciities and have time to swim in the ocean and spend a relaxing day at the beach.

3 hours • Admission Included

Options

Celestún. Private groups

Pick up at your hotel in Merid
Duration: 8 hours: Private groups can choose to spend up to 4 hours in the beach club and have have pickup and drop-off included -within Mérida

Celestún biosphere & beach day

Reviews

4.81

42 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Fla, Fla, Flamingos!!!
Tim H,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide Rodrigo was very knowledgeable and took us to Celestún and back. The Biosphere boat ride was nice to see the flamingos, although there weren’t many this time of year. Rodrigo explained each bird we saw ( but didn’t see any crocodiles). The beach club was nice, food was good and the white sand made it look tropical. There was a lot of seaweed at the waters/beach edge that you had to walk through to sandy bottom. Would have like to spend more time on the beach. The drive home took a bit longer than expected due to road issues but Rodrigo found a detour and dropped us off quickly. Would do this tour again in the warmer months to get a better immersive experience.
Take a minute to imagine 🍃
bobeQ3853HG,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Buzzing by the shorelines and into the mangroves, we were thrilled by all the exciting wildlife and the whole ecosystem, carefully explained to us by our guide Jorge! A kind and passionate man trained in this particular field ., Jorge made this day very special for us ., if you’re lucky enough to find pink flamingos, you may even see his world class impression 🦩 Thank you Leticia and Jorge! Can’t say enough ., Highly recommend :)
10/10 Jorge for the win
521ethand,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My wife and I took our honeymoon here in Mérida and wanted to see some wildlife on our last day here. We were so lucky to be paired with Jorge, he knew any and everything when it came to the Yucatan. He made sure we had the best experience possible and constantly talked about how much he loved his job and the work he’s does. Couldn’t ask for anything more from a tour guide. I’d do the tour again just to hang with Jorge. Highly recommend to anyone coming to Mérida
It was a wonderful experience to be in nature a privilege to see such beautiful beaches and landscapes that are worth
L7860JLolgam,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It is very valuable to know about the biosphere and our natural wealth, knowing first hand such emblematic species as flamingo and other species, besides mangroves, among others, Since they all allow a balance in the ecosystem and also our life on the planet
Celestun with Jorge
Cyndi B,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I absolutely loved my tour today. Our tour guide was Jorge and he was absolutely wonderful. So knowledge and informative. He really made the experience top notch. Thank you Jorge
It was an experience...
Rodrigo C,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was an unforgettable experience. We loved the biosphere of Celestun with all the different species of flora and fauna. Jorge was great and had a lot of knowledge that made the experience even more amazing.
Memorable trip
sut432,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We enjoyed the tour very much. Jorge is more than a regular tour guide. As a biologist, we benefit from his knowledge and passion. He is a guide of eco and bio tourism. If you are on his trip, you will have a fun and informative tour.
For the nature and beach lovers!
rchinrc,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great experience and adventure! We saw more than flamingoes we saw array of unique birds and crocodiles. Our tour guide was amazing and very informative. The boat operator was also great! Going through the mangroves and seeing the fresh water springs was fantastic. The beach was beautiful and relaxing. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone that loves nature!
And here they are! Precious and magnificent Flamingos!
Juan N,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Jorge is the best guide for this experience. As a biologist the understanding of ecosystems and animal species made this your the crown of our tours. The Co existence of a variety of bird species is incredible. The stop at the mangler “cathedral” to experience the stillness of the communion with nature was the highlight of our entire visit. His knowledge and the fortuitous presence of flamingos, crocodiles and various species of cranes is just unforgettable, great tour! The best lunch in a serene beach.
Incredible experience!!
377sennew,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an incredible excursion! The weather was cloudy but it was perfect to see lots of birds, including flamingo’s. Our tour guide Jorge gave amazing explanations and did it all very passionately, what a joy to listen to his enthousiasm! The captain of our boat knew all the right spots to see birds and we even saw some crocodiles which he spotted quickly. A trip through the mangrove tunnel was the cherry on top, definitely would recommend!