Coloradas, Ria Lagartos Boat Trip & One Natural Beach from Merida

Planning a day trip from Mérida that covers nature, wildlife, and stunning scenery? This tour, offered by Mystic Travel Mérida, promises a comprehensive experience of Yucatán’s treasures—covering Las Coloradas’s famous pink lagoons, the wildlife-rich Ría Lagartos, and a peaceful natural beach at Cancunito. It’s a full-day adventure that aims to show visitors the best of the region’s natural beauty, all in one go.

We like that this trip combines multiple highlights—each with its own unique appeal—into a manageable itinerary. The visit to Cancunito offers a tranquil escape from crowds, while Ría Lagartos introduces you to vibrant flamingos and lush wetlands. And of course, Las Coloradas’s pink lagoons are a visual feast. The trip’s well-organized nature, including transportation with air-conditioning and a bilingual guide, makes it a good value for those seeking an authentic Yucatán experience.

A possible consideration is the tour’s length—around 11 to 12 hours—which can be tiring if you prefer a more relaxed pace or shorter excursions. Also, there’s a government fee of $27 per person and an additional conservation tax of $25 USD, so it’s worth factoring those into your budget. Overall, it suits travelers who love wildlife, photography, and natural scenery, especially those eager to explore beyond Merida’s city streets.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines visits to Cancunito, Las Coloradas, and Ría Lagartos in a single day.
• Wildlife & Photography: Opportunities to see flamingos and vibrant pink lagoons—great for nature lovers and shutterbugs.
• Comfort & Convenience: Round-trip transportation with air conditioning from Merida and a bilingual guide.
• Authentic Vibe: Visits to untouched beaches and natural reserves, avoiding overly touristy spots.
• Cost Breakdown: $120 per person plus government and conservation fees, offering good value considering the full day’s activities.
• Flexibility & Practicality: Includes lunch and boat ride, but requires participants to arrive at the meeting point on their own.

The Itinerary: From Secluded Beaches to Pink Lagoons

Cancunito: A Quiet Beach Escape

Our adventure begins at Cancunito, a lesser-known stretch of shoreline just near Las Coloradas. It’s a scenic spot with soft white sands and clear waters, perfect for a quick swim or just sitting back to enjoy the breeze. The tour allocates about an hour here, giving you just enough time to relax without feeling rushed.

Travelers have appreciated this stop, noting it’s a virgin beach, free from crowds, ideal for those craving a peaceful break. One review highlights, “Discover Cancunito, a secluded beach near the famous pink lagoons of Las Coloradas,” emphasizing its untouched charm. Expect a quiet, natural space where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the sound of waves—an authentic Yucatán moment away from commercial tourism.

Las Coloradas: The Pink Lagoon Wonder

Next, the tour heads to Las Coloradas, the star attraction for many visitors. These vivid pink lagoons are striking, with their vibrant hues caused by natural mineral content. You’ll have about two hours here—enough time to walk around, take photos, and marvel at this unusual sight.

Our sources agree that this is a must-see. One traveler comments, “This extraordinary excursion takes you to Las Coloradas, where a series of vibrant pink lagoons create a surreal landscape.” The guide will explain why the lakes are pink and share other fascinating facts, adding educational value to the visual spectacle.

For photographers, Las Coloradas offers incredible opportunities—especially when the light hits the water just right, making the pinks pop. However, it’s worth noting that the scene can be crowded during peak times, so early morning visits might be preferable if you want more solitude. The tour includes an admission ticket, ensuring a smooth experience.

Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve: Wildlife & Boat Adventure

The final stop is Ría Lagartos, a protected wetlands area home to flamingos, herons, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife. A boat ride here offers an up-close look at the ecosystem—an activity included in the tour. Expect approximately two hours exploring the canals and lagoons, where the guide will point out wildlife and share insights about the reserve’s ecological importance.

Many reviews praise this part, noting how majestic the pink flamingos are as they wade through the waters. “Keep your eyes peeled for majestic pink flamingos wading through,” a typical comment. The boat ride not only offers great photo opportunities but also a chance to learn about conservation efforts in the reserve.

The boat is comfortable, and the guide’s bilingual commentary helps make the experience accessible. The boat ride adds a dynamic element to the trip, contrasting the stillness of the lagoons with the lively wildlife activity.

Practical Details: What You Should Know

Transportation & Group Size

The tour provides round transportation from Mérida, with air-conditioning, which is a significant plus considering the long day. The group is capped at 40 travelers, balancing social atmosphere and comfort. The meeting point is conveniently located near the San Ildefonso Cathedral, with instructions to arrive on your own if hotel pickup isn’t available—most travelers find this manageable.

Duration & Pacing

With an expected 11 to 12 hours, the tour is quite full. It starts at 8:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point. This means a long day in the sun, so packing sunscreen, water, and a hat is essential. The itinerary can shift slightly based on guide discretion, traffic, or capacity at each site, but the schedule is generally reliable.

Cost & Fees

The ticket price is $120 per person, which includes transportation, a bilingual guide, the boat ride, and lunch. It’s a reasonable fee considering the full-day experience and multiple highlights. However, there are additional costs—namely, a government fee of $27 and a conservation tax of $25 USD—that travelers should prepare for.

What’s Not Included

Drinks at the restaurant are extra, so bringing cash for beverages is recommended. Also, note that hotel pickups aren’t guaranteed, so you’ll need to arrive at the designated meeting point independently. For those who prefer a more flexible or private experience, this setup might be less ideal.

Weather & Cancellation Policy

The tour requires good weather—rain or storms might lead to cancellations, with options for rescheduling or full refunds. Cancelations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, providing some peace of mind.

Authentic Experiences & Traveler Insights

Though no reviews are available yet, the consistent praise for the landscapes suggests this is a visually stunning trip. The combination of quiet beaches, vibrant pink lagoons, and wildlife-rich wetlands offers a well-rounded natural experience.

One important element is the chance to see flamingos—an iconic Yucatán sight—which many travelers find surreal. The boat ride in Ría Lagartos is often highlighted as a highlight, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. The natural beaches also provide an authentic escape, far from crowded tourist spots, making it ideal for nature lovers.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits travelers who appreciate nature, wildlife, and photography. It’s ideal for those who want to see the most visually striking sights of Yucatán in one day without multiple separate bookings. The tour also fits well for independent travelers arriving in Mérida who are comfortable arriving at the meeting point on their own.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or shorter outings, the full-day schedule might be tiring. Those seeking a private or customized experience may find the group format less flexible. Still, for those eager to see flamingos, capture pink lagoons, and enjoy unspoiled beaches, this offers a well-rounded introduction to Yucatán’s natural side.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid balance of adventure, education, and stunning scenery. You’ll love the views of the vibrant lagoons and the chance to spot flamingos in their natural habitat. The boat ride adds an interactive dimension, allowing you to get closer to the wildlife.

The value is fair considering the comprehensive itinerary, included transportation, lunch, and boat ride. It’s particularly suited for visitors who want a full-day immersion in Yucatán’s natural beauty—without the hassle of organizing all the logistics themselves.

While it’s a long day, the variety of landscapes and the chance to experience untouched beaches and wetlands make it worthwhile. It’s a great choice for travelers with a curiosity for nature and a camera ready to capture the region’s surreal sights.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round transportation from Mérida with air conditioning, a bilingual guide, the boat ride at Ría Lagartos, and lunch. Admission tickets for Las Coloradas and the boat ride are included.

Are hotel pickups available?
Most travelers need to arrive at the meeting point on their own, as hotel pickups are not guaranteed in some cases. The meeting point is near the San Ildefonso Cathedral in Mérida.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning to Mérida around late afternoon or early evening.

What fees should I be prepared for?
Along With the $120 ticket, there’s a government fee of $27 and a conservation tax of $25 USD per person. Drinks at the restaurant are not included, so bring cash if you wish to purchase beverages.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a swimsuit and change of clothes, water, and cash. Prioritize sun protection and hydration for the full-day outdoor adventure.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but the long hours and outdoor nature of the trip mean it’s best suited for those in reasonable health and with an interest in nature. Always check with the tour provider if you have specific concerns.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; in case of cancellations due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This full-day journey from Mérida offers a captivating mix of scenery, wildlife, and authentic Yucatán landscapes. It’s a perfect way to see some of the region’s most photogenic and natural sights, especially if you’re eager to enjoy the region’s wildlife and untouched beaches in one convenient trip.