Private Tour
Private Tour Celestun Flamingo Watching and Beach
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Sail through centuries-old mangroves where silence is broken only by the sound of water and the graceful flight of flamingos painting the sky in shades of pink. Observe them up close in their natural habitat while discovering endemic birds and the serene beauty of this natural sanctuary.
The journey continues to a crystal-clear freshwater spring hidden among the mangroves, a perfect place to reconnect with nature and cool off if you wish.
The experience culminates on the coast of Celestún, where the sea breeze, local cuisine, and peaceful atmosphere create a day filled with beauty and wonder.
Highlights
• Navigate through mangroves: Explore the Celestún River on a private boat.
• Flamingos in their natural habitat.
• Biodiversity among mangroves.
• Water eye: freshwater spring surrounded by nature.
• Beach: free time to relax by the sea.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
On this tour you are supporting the preservation of the natural reserve and the conservation of wildlife.
No mandatory stops at souvenir shops
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve
Celestún: A natural paradise awaits you in Yucatán If you’re a nature lover and passionate about photography, you can’t leave Yucatán without visiting this ecological paradise! Aboard a private boat, you’ll venture into a magical world of mangroves, home to 560 animal species. Keep your eyes wide open, you may spot tiger herons, gulls, Canadian ducks, crocodiles, and even spider monkeys if luck is on your side. Celestún is famous for being one of the main breeding sites of the American flamingo. From December to March, these elegant birds put on an unparalleled show with their low flights and courtship. We will continue our boat tour to Bird Island to admire its rich birdlife. Then, we’ll venture into a mangrove tunnel that feels straight out of a movie. If the weather allows, you can immerse yourself in its crystal-clear and revitalizing waters to mitigate the heat and renew energy. The trip from Mérida to Celestún will last 1 hour 15 minutes The tour will last 1 hour 30 minutes
Playa Norte Celestun
After the boat ride, we will take you to enjoy authentic Yucatecan coastal cuisine at a seaside restaurant, renowned for its fresh and high-quality seafood, personally attended by its own owners. You will have free time to relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches in Yucatán. The drive to the restaurant takes 15 minutes Lunch and swimming time at the beach will last 2 hours and 45 minutes. The drive from Celestun to Mérida takes 1 hour 15 minutes
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Snacks and Refreshments
Certified bilingual guide
Travel insurance during transportation
Private boat ride and life jackets
(Guide and driver)
Food and other beverages
Admission tickets to the Beach Club (if you choose this option)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Tour
Duration: 7 hours Minivan and Boat Pickup included
Reviews
44 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun day for all
Ronald B,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Drive up and arrange e the tour . Spanish and English guides. Not sure about other languages. We saw colonies of flamingos and several other birds. Our group included 2 to 82 year olds and all were fascinated with the experience. Low exertion on the tour. In the freshwater mangrove we saw a crocodile. Fun for all.
There was pink everywhere!
stuvmo,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with our guide, Gabriel, on a private flamingo tour to Celestun. We had great conversations on the drive there and back from Merida. Gabriel made sure we were comfortable and that the tour was moving at the speed we wanted. We never felt rushed or hurried. Everytime we have guests visiting us on Merida, we bring them on this tour. I highly recommend this tour for that "only in the Yucatan" experience.
All the birds!
Eric H,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ivan was very knowledgeable and patient. The flamingos and birds of Celestun are majestic. Exceptional tour.
Worth it
Kristyn B,Feb 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed this trip very much. Blanca and Raul were top notch. The van was roomy and comfortable. Blanca very knowledgeable and fun.
This was an amazing...
Carmen A,Feb 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing experience and a highlight of our trip to Merida. Alejandra was an excellent guide. We saw thousands of flamingos and other unique birds. My son (4yo) had a great day and was keen on spotting a crocadile. With a careful eye, Alejandra found one hiding under a tree! After our boat ride, we went to a restaurant on a beach. The food and service was excellent- everyone was so kind. We relaxed on the beach for a few hours before our ride home. This was such a great day!
Two great excursions with Travelezza.
soccerrefmichigan,Feb 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First off communication from Lusia was top notch. We did 2 tours with them. One to Celestun and the other to Uxmal, Kabáh and the Chocolate Factory. Alphonso was great as our guide well as our drivers Raul and Jorge. Lunch spots were good too. Celestún boat ride to see the flamingos was relaxing and informative. We also saw many different kinds of birds along with a crocodile. The Mayan ruins was very educational.Would highly recommend Travelezza.
Fun Day
Andrea B,Jan 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend. Blanca was a great guide. We saw lots of flamingos. The beach lunch and experience was perfect. I got a massage on the beach and it was an incredible experience.
Excellent private tour To Celestun Biosphere andbeach
755cherris,Dec 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful day with driver, Rauol, and tour guide Blanca at the Celestun biosphere where we saw so many flamingos and other birds and animals in the mangroves followed by a nice lunch on a lovely beach. The tour operators were very professional and assisted us in Providing a tour for us on another day when a different company canceled on us unexpectedly. Thanks to Louisa of Traveleeza tours, we had another excellent private tour day. Highly recommended.
12 out of 10! 🦩
maria s,Dec 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything was exceptional from the communication in the beginning to the guide and driver to the experience itself. Also they accommodated our additional requests and even returned my husbands hat when he left it in the car. 12 out of 10!
Super experience in Celestún
Anaid69,Apr 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From start to finish, this tour was spectacular! In addition to marveling at the landscape and the flamingos, the clear and timely communication with Luisa from the moment of booking, the impeccable coordination of transportation and schedules, and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guide came together to make us live a very pleasant experience. I recommend it 100%
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Operated by TRAVELEZZA