Tour to Las Coloradas Pink Waters and Boat Ride in Rio Lagartos with Lunch.

An Authentic Day Exploring Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos

If you’re heading to Cancun and craving a taste of the Yucatán’s natural beauty, this day trip to Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos offers an engaging glimpse into some of the region’s most captivating sights. For around $125 per person, you’ll spend approximately 12 to 15 hours exploring spectacular pink lagoons, cruising through mangrove-filled canals, and spotting wildlife like flamingos and crocodiles. The tour includes hotel pickup, a delicious breakfast, a boat ride, and a lunch, making it a comprehensive experience that promises both picture-perfect moments and a good dose of nature.

Two things we especially appreciate are the easy transportation logistics — no fuss getting to the sites — and the guided commentary, which enhances your understanding of the salt industry, ecosystems, and local wildlife. The boat ride in Rio Lagartos is a highlight, offering close-up views that are difficult to see on your own. However, if you’re expecting the lakes to be vibrantly pink year-round, note that Las Coloradas’ hue can vary, especially from July to August when salt harvesting is active, and the characteristic pink may be less noticeable.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife, and striking scenery with a structured day that balances adventure with comfort. It’s also a good choice for those who don’t want the hassle of organizing transportation or entry tickets themselves, as those details are taken care of. However, keep in mind that some reviews mention disorganization and concerns about personal belongings, so travelers should stay alert and keep valuables secure.

Key Points

• Comfortable logistics: Hotel pickup and included transportation make the day stress-free.
• Wildlife and photography: Plenty of opportunities to see flamingos, herons, and crocodiles, plus time for photos.
• Guided experience: Informative commentary enriches the visits, especially at Las Coloradas and the salt industry.
• Culinary inclusion: Breakfast and lunch are included, with quality dishes prepared to high standards.
• Variable scenery: Expect the pink lakes to be more subdued during salt harvesting season (July-August).
• Group size: Max 40 travelers, maintaining a manageable and lively group setting.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Las Coloradas: The Pink Lakes

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cancun, which can take approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on your location. Once you arrive at Las Coloradas, you’ll be greeted by the sight of one of the Yucatán’s most Instagram-worthy landscapes — huge salt flats and lagoons tinted a delicate pink hue. It’s an extraordinary view, but it’s important to note that the intensity of the pink color varies throughout the year. During salt harvest season (roughly July to August), the lakes’ color diminishes as salt production ramps up.

Our guide will explain the history of salt extraction here, which is the second-largest salt industry in Mexico. As you walk along the salt flats, you’ll see salt harvesting in action — rows of white crystals and workers at work — offering a real-life insight into local industry. Expect plenty of opportunities for photos and to observe the vibrant birdlife, especially flamingos. One reviewer noted, “The pink waters were fun to see,” but also pointed out that the scenery can be less vibrant during certain seasons.

Rio Lagartos: Wildlife and Boat Ride

Next, you’ll board a covered boat to explore the canals and lagoons of Rio Lagartos, a protected natural area teeming with birdlife. This part of the tour is where you’ll get up close and personal with flamingos, herons, pelicans, and possibly some crocodiles — if luck’s on your side. As one reviewer mentioned, “We saw only one crocodile, but the boat ride was still enjoyable.” The boat guides are knowledgeable, and the cruising through mangroves and lagoons offers a peaceful but lively atmosphere.

A highlight is the wildlife observation and bird-watching that the tour facilitates. You’ll be encouraged to keep your camera ready, especially for flamingos, which are a standout sight here. The boat ride lasts about 3 hours, giving you ample time to soak in the scenery and spot various species.

Rest and Relaxation on the Beach

After exploring the lagoons, you’ll have a chance to relax on a beautiful beach — an ideal spot to unwind after the boat ride. The tour includes a visit to an open-air Mayan spa, where your skin can benefit from natural treatments amid the lush vegetation. It’s a nice touch that adds a bit of local flavor and relaxation to your day.

Lunch and Additional Highlights

A restaurant stop offers a delicious lunch with a choice of dishes, all prepared to high standards. The included breakfast box contains a sandwich, fruit, juice, and a cookie — a simple but satisfying start to your day. The lunch menu features quality dishes, which are a definite value for the price, especially considering the full-day itinerary.

You’ll also visit a crocodile farm, rounding out your wildlife observations. While the tour is well-rounded, some travelers noted that they only saw one crocodile during their visit, and additional time for observing free-ranging crocodiles might have improved the experience.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Timing: The tour starts early at 7:00 am, so be ready for a full day. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a long day of touring.
• Seasonal Changes: Keep in mind that from July 19 to August 19, 2023, the pink color of Las Coloradas is less pronounced due to salt harvesting. If vibrant pink scenery is a priority, plan your visit outside this window.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour feels lively but not overcrowded, allowing for better interaction and more personalized attention.
• Personal Items: Some reviews have raised concerns about belongings going missing, so travelers should keep valuables secure at all times.
• Value for Money: Considering the transportation, guided commentary, boat ride, breakfast, and lunch, the price offers a good balance of convenience and experiences. However, optional extras like the viewpoint (additional $8 USD) or port taxes ($27 USD) aren’t included.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This trip is perfect for nature lovers and photographers eager to capture stunning landscapes and birdlife without the hassle of planning. It suits those curious about salt harvesting and wanting an authentic look at local industry. Families and groups who appreciate guided tours with included meals will find this a practical option. However, travelers expecting pristine, intensely pink lakes year-round should be aware of seasonal variations.

Those with limited mobility or a tight schedule might find the long travel time a bit demanding but will appreciate the all-in-one convenience. If wildlife viewing and scenic photography appeal to you, and you’re okay with a structured day, this tour offers solid value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from Cancun, making it convenient for travelers staying in the city.

How long is the entire tour?
Expect about 12 to 15 hours, including transportation, visits, and meals.

What does the boat ride in Rio Lagartos involve?
It’s a guided boat tour through canals and lagoons, with wildlife observation opportunities, especially birds and possibly crocodiles.

Are the pink lakes always pink?
Not necessarily. The pink hue depends on the time of year, weather, and salt harvesting activities. During certain months, the coloration can be subdued.

What is included in the price?
Round transportation, breakfast box, guided visits to Las Coloradas, boat tour, bottled water, lunch, and a crocodile farm visit.

Are drinks available during the tour?
No, drinks at the restaurant are not included, and you should bring your own water or purchase drinks separately.

How much is the port fee or optional viewpoint?
The Las Coloradas port fee is $27 USD per person, and the optional viewpoint costs about $8 USD.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long hours and transportation involved.

What should I wear?
Light, comfortable clothing, sun protection, and sturdy shoes for walking are recommended.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll get a full refund or an alternative date.

Final Thoughts

This Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the unique landscapes and wildlife of the Yucatán Peninsula. Its combination of spectacular scenery, wildlife spotting, and local industry insight makes it a memorable choice for those keen on natural beauty and authentic experiences. While it can be a long day with some logistical challenges, the convenience of guided transport and included meals helps make it manageable.

If vibrant pink lakes, birdwatching, and boat rides sound appealing, and you’re comfortable with a full-day adventure, this tour provides good value and a chance to see some of Mexico’s most distinctive environments. Just remember to plan for seasonal variations and keep your belongings secure to maximize your enjoyment.

Enjoy your trip, and get ready for some truly unforgettable sights in the heart of the Yucatán.