Rio Lagartos, Coloradas & Cancunito Beach from Merida

If you’re looking to escape the urban buzz of Mérida and explore some of Yucatán’s most mesmerizing natural sights, this tour offers a well-rounded day of scenery, wildlife, and culture. Price-wise, it costs around $120 per person, and with a duration of about 11 to 12 hours, it’s a full-day commitment but packed with memorable experiences.

What immediately attracts us to this tour? First, the chance to see Las Coloradas’ famous pink lagoons, a picture-perfect sight that some call the most Instagram-worthy spot in Yucatán. Second, the opportunity to observe local fauna in the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, where flamingos and crocodiles are part of the everyday landscape.

One thing to consider is that the tour is not primarily conducted in English, which has been a point of frustration for some travelers, and the guide’s language preference may be Spanish. Also, the tour requires you to meet at a designated point in Mérida, so it’s not a hotel pickup experience. That said, if you’re comfortable with a small group, enjoy nature, and appreciate natural beauty with a dash of adventure, this tour could be perfect.

This experience suits travelers who want a broad, authentic taste of Yucatán’s natural treasures without spending days on multiple excursions. It’s particularly good for those who are eager to see flamingos, explore mangroves, and take a mud bath—all in one day.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: See the iconic pink lagoons of Las Coloradas and the scenic beaches of Cancunito.
• Wildlife Encounters: Observe flamingos, crocodiles, and other local fauna with expert guides.
• Cultural & Natural Insights: Learn about the flora and fauna from bilingual guides and enjoy a Mexican lunch.
• Boat Ride & Mud Bath: Experience a boat tour through mangroves and a fun, skin-softening mud bath.
• Small Group: With a maximum of 20 travelers, expect a more personalized experience.
• Full-Day Experience: Prepare for an early start, with the tour beginning at 7:30 a.m. and returning in the late afternoon.

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Timing

The adventure kicks off early at 7:30 a.m. from a designated meeting point in Mérida, near the San Ildefonso Cathedral. This is a practical choice, as it allows the tour to maximize daylight hours and cover all three main stops comfortably. Keep in mind, hotel pickups are not available, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

Transportation and Group Size

Comfortable, round-trip transportation is included in the $120 cost, which is quite convenient for a full-day excursion. The tour caps at 20 people, promising a more intimate atmosphere. We appreciate this aspect because it often means better interaction with guides and fewer crowds during photos or wildlife spotting.

Cancunito Beach: A Quiet Start

Your day begins with a visit to Cancunito, a small, quiet beach within the Las Coloradas Biosphere Reserve. Here, you’ll have an hour to swim, sunbathe, or just take in the peaceful surroundings. This stop is perfect for those wanting a quick dose of beach relaxation before the more structured parts of the tour.

Las Coloradas: The Pink Lagoon

Next, you’ll spend about two hours at Las Coloradas, famous for its vibrant, pink-colored lagoons. The hue results from the high concentration of algae and minerals, creating a surreal landscape. This stop is undeniably Instagram-famous, but it’s equally captivating in person.

From reviews, we’ve learned that many visitors find this part of the tour “a must-see” and invaluable for its unique beauty. However, some mention that the area is somewhat commercialized, so don’t expect pristine wilderness—more like a natural wonder with a side of photo opportunities.

Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve: Wildlife & Mud Bath

The highlight for wildlife lovers is the boat tour through the mangroves of the Ria Lagartos Reserve. Guides, like Luis mentioned in reviews, are knowledgeable and passionate about local flora and fauna. You can hope to see flamingos, frigate birds, and crocodiles—a true wildlife spectacle.

The boat ride lasts about two hours and is included in your fee. The cruise through winding waterways offers excellent photo ops and a chance to learn about the delicate mangrove ecosystem that supports so much life in this part of Mexico.

After the boat tour, you’ll get a chance to exfoliate in the natural mud of the reserve. Many reviewers describe this as fun, and some mention that the mud leaves their skin feeling remarkably soft—a playful yet beneficial experience.

Lunch & Additional Tips

A Mexican lunch, included in the tour, is a highlight for many. While reviews don’t specify the menu, local restaurants typically serve authentic Yucatecan dishes, adding cultural flavor to the day. Be prepared to purchase drinks separately if desired, as drinks at the restaurant are not included.

Considerations & Practical Tips

• Weather: Most travelers can participate, but it’s wise to bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The Yucatán sun can be fierce.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes, swimsuit, and bring a change of clothes for after swimming or mud baths.
• Cash & Fees: Remember that government fees of about $27 per person are additional; carry cash for this.
• Language: Keep in mind that, although guides are bilingual, the tour is primarily conducted in Spanish, which can be a drawback if you don’t speak or understand it well.

Authentic Experiences & Real Feedback

Many travelers come away praising the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. As Tammy mentioned, guides like Victor, Eddy, and Fredy go out of their way to make the experience memorable, stopping for glimpses of baby alligators or pointing out flamingos.

Others, however, have expressed frustration about the language barrier. For example, Mavourneen notes, “this isn’t an English-speaking tour,” and the descriptions are mostly in Spanish. This might be a concern if you’re not comfortable with the language, but the scenery and wildlife remain impressive regardless.

Several reviews highlight the value for money — considering the boat ride, lunch, transportation, and multiple stops, many agree that $120 is a fair price for a full day of natural beauty and adventure.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers eager to see Yucatán’s most photogenic sites and wildlife in action. It’s perfect if you want a full-day immersive experience that combines beaches, lagoons, and mangroves. It’s also suited for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy nature walks, boat rides, and informal wildlife encounters.

If your priority is guided in-depth history or cultural sites, you might want to consider other tours. But for those seeking natural landscapes and authentic encounters with local fauna, this trip delivers.

Be prepared for a long day, but one packed with visual wonders and fun activities. It’s a good mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of chances to take memorable photos and learn about the ecological importance of these protected areas.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers find it appropriate, especially since there are opportunities for swimming and mud baths that kids tend to enjoy. Just keep in mind the early start and full-day length.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a swimsuit, a change of clothes, water, and cash for additional expenses like drinks or government fees.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, travelers need to meet at the specified point in Mérida near the San Ildefonso Cathedral.

What’s the food like?
A typical Mexican lunch is included, giving you a taste of local flavors. Drinks are not included, so plan to buy your own.

Can I expect guides to speak English?
Guides are bilingual, but the tour is mainly conducted in Spanish. Some reviews indicate that English-speaking guides may not be always available.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
The tour involves boat rides, some walking around lagoons, and beach stops, but it’s generally manageable for most fitness levels.

What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
Most travelers go in the dry season, to avoid rain and heat extremes, but check the weather forecast beforehand.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride through the mangroves lasts around two hours, providing ample time for wildlife sightings.

Are there any hidden costs?
Yes, the government fee of about $27 per person is additional, and drinks at the restaurant are not included.

In all, this tour offers a wonderful chance to combine wildlife, stunning landscapes, and local culture into one memorable day. Be prepared for a bit of Spanish—think of it as an authentic cultural experience—and you’ll be rewarded with some truly spectacular sights.