Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos Biosphere! Transportation from Playa Del Carmen

Experience the magic of Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos Biosphere — a full-day adventure from Playa del Carmen that offers stunning scenery, wild encounters, and authentic flavors. This tour is designed for travelers eager to see nature’s palette and learn about local traditions. We particularly appreciate the chance to photograph the mesmerizing pink lake and to sail through mangroves teeming with wildlife. Plus, the inclusion of a local seafood lunch makes it feel genuine and satisfying.

However, a potential consideration is the long travel time — up to 15 hours round-trip depending on traffic — which might be a stretch for some. Still, if you’re craving an authentic look at the Yucatán’s natural beauty, this tour offers a rich experience without breaking the bank. It suits those who love nature, wildlife, and a taste of local life, especially travelers staying in Playa del Carmen looking for an affordable day trip.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: The iconic pink lake at Las Coloradas is a highlight, perfect for memorable photos.
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see flamingos, crocodiles, eagles, and other species in their natural habitats.
• Authentic Experience: Enjoy fresh seafood prepared by local villagers, adding a genuine touch.
• Educational Value: Learn about salt production and the ecological importance of Rio Lagartos.
• Full-Day Itinerary: With transportation, boat rides, and guided visits, it offers a comprehensive look at the area.
• Long but Rewarding: The tour is full-day, so come prepared for a 12-15 hour adventure.

Exploring the Tour: A Detailed Breakdown

Starting Early from Playa del Carmen

With a departure time of 6:30 am, this tour gets an early start — a good thing, because it’s a long day. The air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel, which is a real bonus after a night or morning of travel. The drive north to the Yucatán coast takes quite a bit of time, but the scenic views and anticipation make it manageable. Keep in mind, the total duration can stretch beyond 12 hours depending on traffic and your starting point, sometimes up to 14-15 hours.

Las Coloradas — The Pink Lake

The first stop is the famous pink lake in Las Coloradas, a place that looks like you’ve wandered into a dream. The lake’s vibrant hue is caused by natural salts and microorganisms, and it’s a visual spectacle. We loved the way the tour emphasizes learning the reasons behind its color, which adds educational value rather than just offering clickbait photo ops.

You’ll have the chance to take amazing photographs of the shimmering pink waters, which contrast beautifully with the blue sky and surrounding salt flats. The tour mentions “taking awesome pictures,” and it’s true — this is a highlight for any photographer or Instagram user.

Sailing Through the Mangroves at Rio Lagartos

Next, the journey continues to Rio Lagartos, a protected area filled with mangroves, lagoons, and estuaries. Here, a boat ride allows you to glide through the waterways, offering a front-row seat to the area’s biodiversity. Expect sightings of flamingos, pelicans, herons, eagles, and even crocodiles, as one review notes, “the diversity of wildlife in which we will see various species in their natural areas.”

The boat ride offers a gentle adventure, and the calm waters provide a relaxing way to observe these animals without disturbing them. The tour also includes a visit to the crocodile sanctuary, which explains the presence of these reptiles in the reserve and allows for some close-up views.

Learning about Salt Production and the Ecosystem

A notable feature of this tour is learning about the salt-making process. The salt flats at Las Coloradas are not just a beautiful backdrop but also an active industry. The tour provides insight into how salt is harvested and processed — a valuable piece of local industry that shapes the landscape and economy.

A Relaxing Mayan Mud Bath and Freshwater Swim

The tour incorporates a Mayans’ mud bath, which many find both fun and beneficial for the skin. You’ll visit the mounds of mud, slather yourself in the mineral-rich clay, then rinse off in freshwater. This ritual adds a cultural and wellness element to the day, making it more than just sightseeing.

Authentic Local Lunch

A real treat is the lunch in Rio Lagartos, featuring seafood prepared by local villagers. The dish is a highlight for many travelers, who enjoy the freshness of the seafood and the chance to taste traditional Yucatán flavors. The meal provides a welcome break and an opportunity to support local businesses, adding authenticity to the experience.

The Additional Cost and Logistics

One important note: there’s a $27 USD tax reservation fee in Rio Lagartos, which is not included in the base price of $49. This fee goes towards park access and conservation efforts. Be aware this is an extra expense, and it’s worth budgeting for.

Also, beverages are not included in the lunch, so bringing bottled water or other drinks is advised. The tour is designed to be inclusive, but some travelers might want to pack extra snacks or drinks for the trip.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Timing: The early start means an early wake-up, but it ensures you maximize your time at each site.
• What to Bring: Swimsuit, towels, extra clothes — especially for the mud bath or swimming in Rio Lagartos. Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to protect the environment.
• Comfort: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and boat rides.
• Long Day: Be prepared for a lengthy day of travel and sightseeing. If you’re not used to long tours, pace yourself.
• Group Size: Limited to 60 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded but still a sizable group, which can be fun or a bit rushed depending on your preferences.
• Price & Value: At $49 plus the optional $27 tax, this tour offers a lot of value considering transportation, boat ride, lunch, and guided visits are all included.

What the Reviews Say

Two reviews highlight the stunning visual appeal of the pink lake — “the great pink lake” truly captures the imagination. One reviewer mentioned that the tour includes a visit to a crocodile farm, which wasn’t clearly listed but is part of the reserve’s wildlife. They noted, “the crocodiles being there is only natural,” emphasizing the authenticity of the experience rather than a tourist trap.

Another reviewer pointed out a potential surprise: the crocodile farm visit wasn’t initially clear in the listing, which could be a consideration for those squeamish about animals or expecting only ecological viewing.

Who Should Go on This Tour?

This trip is best suited for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and curious travelers interested in seeing the natural beauty and wildlife of the Yucatán. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with a long day of travel and want an affordable way to visit iconic sites without renting a car. Families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager for adventure and authentic local experiences will find plenty to enjoy here.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a full immersion into the natural wonders of Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas, with enough variety — from stunning scenery and wildlife to local cuisine and cultural insights — to make it a memorable day. It’s especially good value given the included boat ride, lunch, and transportation.

While it demands a fair amount of time and energy, the sights and experiences promise a genuine taste of the Yucatán’s vibrant ecosystem and local life. If you’re after spectacular photo opportunities and a chance to see some of Mexico’s most colorful landscapes in person, this tour delivers.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Playa del Carmen in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s the start time?
The tour begins at 6:30 am, so be prepared for an early start.

How long is the total tour?
The full experience lasts around 12 hours, but depending on traffic, it could be up to 15 hours.

What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towels, extra clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.

Are meals included?
Lunch is included and you can choose your dish, with a focus on seafood. Bottled water is provided, but beverages at the restaurant are extra.

Is there an additional fee?
Yes, a $27 USD tax reservation fee for park access in Rio Lagartos is payable on-site.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the long day and physical activities like swimming and boat rides.

What’s the main highlight?
The pink lake at Las Coloradas is the standout feature — a visual spectacle worth the trip alone.

This tour from Playa del Carmen packs in natural beauty, wildlife, and local culture — perfect for travelers looking for an authentic and visually stunning experience of Yucatán’s coast.