Las Coloradas is a fascinating destination in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, known for its striking pink lakes and diverse wildlife. It’s a place where nature’s vivid colors and abundant birdlife create picture-perfect moments — and the best way to experience this unique environment is through a carefully chosen tour. Some trips focus on the stunning pink waters of Las Coloradas, while others combine it with visits to Rio Lagartos’s mangroves and wildlife sanctuaries. We particularly like tours that include wildlife observation such as flamingos and crocodiles, as well as those that offer a mix of cultural insight and natural beauty. Whether you prefer a luxury eco-safari or a budget-friendly quick visit, there’s an option for everyone.
If you’re considering a visit, you’ll find a variety of tours that balance educational experience, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. For instance, the From Cancún: Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Day Trip & Lunch offers a full-day adventure with boat rides, wildlife observation, and local seafood, making it a great choice for those who want an in-depth experience []. Meanwhile, shorter trips like the EcoSafari Flamingo classic provide a quick but immersive wildlife-focused outing if time is tight.
Quick Overview
Our list covers day trips from Cancun that include transportation, meals, and guided tours, such as the all-day Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas trip, as well as smaller, more intimate tours like the EcoSafari Flamingo Luxury. There are also specialized experiences, like visiting inside the salt production plant or swimming in cenotes. Each offers a different way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and wildlife, tailored to various interests and schedules.
1. From Cancún: Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Day Trip & Lunch
At number 1, this full-day tour is a popular choice for travelers based in Cancún wanting an immersive experience. It includes boat rides through the canals of Rio Lagartos, where you’ll see herons, eagles, and cormorants. The tour also stops at Las Coloradas, famous for its pink waters, making it a perfect photo opportunity. The itinerary features a 3-hour bus ride, a guided 1.5-hour tour of Rio Lagartos, and a 1-hour visit to Las Coloradas. The highlight? A local seafood lunch at the biosphere reserve, which offers a delicious break after exploring the wetlands. The tour also includes a secret stop for some unexpected sights and a 30-minute wildlife walk.
What makes this trip stand out is the detailed itinerary and the balance of wildlife observation and scenic landscapes. The reviews, rated 4.5/5 from over 350 travelers, praise the well-organized day and knowledgeable guides. The price at $91 per person reflects excellent value, given the full-day experience, transportation, and meals included.
Bottom Line: This trip is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day out with wildlife, stunning scenery, and local food, all from Cancún. Be prepared for a long but rewarding day.
2. Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas: Natural Experience
Ranking second, this 4-hour tour is perfect for travelers looking for a intimate and budget-friendly wildlife adventure. Costing just $11 for up to 6 people, it emphasizes close encounters with flamingos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. The itinerary includes visits to mangrove estuaries, freshwater springs, and a salt factory. You’ll also explore the clay extraction area and relax at a virgin beach, perfect for swimming or unwinding amid nature. The tour features a natural clay bath and a fish spa experience, adding a fun, relaxing element.
What makes this tour special is its focus on wildlife observation and the opportunity to see flamingos and crocodiles up close. It’s rated a perfect 5/5, with travelers praising the personalized attention and genuine nature encounters. The small group size and affordable price make it especially attractive for families or couples seeking an authentic, low-key experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature lovers who want to witness wildlife in its environment and enjoy a relaxed, personalized experience without breaking the bank.
3. Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas: EcoSafari Flamingo Luxury
At number 3, this luxury eco-safari offers a more intimate, educational experience with a focus on wildlife interaction. Priced at just $11 per person for small groups, it includes visits to flamingo and crocodile zones, where you can learn about the species from knowledgeable guides with 25 years of birding experience. The tour features a trip to the lagoons of Las Coloradas to see the famous pink lagoons and a stop at a pristine beach for swimming. A clay exfoliation session is included, letting you enjoy a natural skin treatment inspired by Mayan traditions.
What sets this tour apart is its interactive approach and focus on education, making it suitable for travelers who want to learn while observing wildlife. The reviews, rated 5/5, highlight how informative and engaging the guides are, and many appreciate the personalized attention. The short duration makes it a good choice for a quick but meaningful outing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and those wanting an up-close, educational experience in a small-group setting.
4. Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas: EcoSafari Flamingo classic
Coming in at number 4, this 2-hour trip offers a quick yet comprehensive look at the region’s birdlife and landscapes. It includes visits to the mangrove estuary, the crocodile zone, and the flamingo habitat, along with a stroll through the Las Coloradas lagoons. You’ll also enjoy a visit to the salt factory and a swim at a pristine beach. The tour offers birdwatching opportunities and a chance to see pink flamingos and crocodiles in their natural environment.
Rated 4.9/5 from 15 reviews, travelers love the short duration combined with rich wildlife viewing. The clay bath and mangrove walk add unique touches, making it a well-rounded experience. For just a small fee of $11 per person, it’s an excellent introduction to the region.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers short on time but eager to see flamingos, crocodiles, and the vivid pink waters all in a compact outing.
5. Las Coloradas: Pink Lakes Safari Tour
This 2-hour tour is a straightforward, off-road adventure into the pink lakes of Las Coloradas. It includes a ride on an off-road vehicle along the lakes, giving you a close-up view of the spectacular pink waters and a visit to an active sea salt production plant. You’ll learn about the biodiversity of the Rio Lagartos biosphere reserve and how the lakes are formed.
The tour is rated 4.4/5 from 23 reviews, with travelers appreciating the unique photo opportunities and educational insights. The price of $38 per person makes it an affordable choice for those wanting a quick, scenic glimpse of the lakes without extensive touring.
Bottom Line: Perfect for photographers and nature lovers wanting a focused visit to Las Coloradas’ iconic lakes.
6. Tulum: Pink Lake, Rio Lagartos, Crocodile Flamingo Adventure
At number 6, this Tulum-based tour offers a day of varied natural sights, including Las Coloradas’ pink lakes, Rio Lagartos’s wildlife, and flamingos. It’s priced at $133 per person, making it a slightly more premium option for travelers who want a comprehensive day from Tulum.
The tour emphasizes wildlife photography, with opportunities to capture flamingos in flight and explore the vivid pink waters. While it’s one of the more expensive options, it’s suited for those who want a full-day, varied experience with a focus on natural beauty and wildlife.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers based in Tulum seeking an all-encompassing wildlife and scenery day trip.
7. Las Coloradas and Ría Lagartos
This 12-hour tour is designed for those wanting a deep dive into the region’s biodiversity. It covers pink lagoons, a visit to a wildlife sanctuary, and a detailed exploration of the Ría Lagartos biosphere. It provides a full day to observe wildlife, learn about salt production, and enjoy scenic landscapes.
Rated without reviews, but the focus on diverse ecosystems and ecosystems makes it appealing for nature enthusiasts. The long duration makes it more suitable for adventure travelers with a whole day free.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting an extensive exploration of the region’s wildlife and landscapes.
$93 per person
8. Tulum: Rio Lagartos Biosphere & Coloradas Pink Lake! Guided
Finally, this guided tour from Tulum combines visits to Las Coloradas’ pink lakes and Rio Lagartos’s biosphere reserve. Although the review count is not specified, the focus on guided exploration makes it suitable for those who want a structured, educational experience.
It’s a good way for Tulum-based travelers to visit these highlights without worrying about logistics, providing a day full of nature and photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Strong choice for travelers based in Tulum wanting a guided, organized day exploring the region’s natural wonders.
$125 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, available time, and interest level. If you want a comprehensive day with lunch and wildlife, the first option from Cancún offers great value. For a shorter, intimate experience, the EcoSafari Flamingo Luxury is excellent. Budget travelers may prefer the $11 small-group tours focusing on wildlife, while those in Tulum might want a full-day guided adventure like the Tulum tour.
Think about your fitness level and mobility—some tours involve boat rides, walking, or swimming—so pick an option matching your comfort. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours rated highly like the Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Day Trip.
Final Thoughts
Las Coloradas offers a wide range of tours that showcase the region’s pink lakes, abundant birdlife, and stunning wetlands. For a full experience, the Cancún day trip is hard to beat, while the EcoSafari and small-group wildlife tours provide more intimate encounters. Whether you’re eager to photograph flamingos, learn about salt production, or relax on pristine beaches, there’s a tour tailored to your interests. Book early to secure your spot—these tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
This guide should help you find a Las Coloradas tour that matches your interests and schedule. Enjoy the trip and take plenty of pictures—you’ll want to remember the vibrant pink waters and lively wildlife for years to come.