Celestun Beach and Mangrove Boat Ride from Merida

Boat through the mangroves, then swim at Celestun's white-sand beach

A 10-hour tour from Merida combines a guided boat ride through the Celestun mangrove reserve with free time at Celestun beach. You'll spot migratory birds, flamingos, crocodiles, raccoons and fish as the guide points out the highlights, pass the point where the sea and river meet, then relax and swim at the beach before lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Round transport from Merida, a certified guide in English or Spanish, and one dish (fish or chicken) are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat ride and beach relaxation

• Boat ride through Celestun reserve
• Spot wildlife like birds and crocodiles
• Relax at Celestun beach
• Swim in the sea
• Have a meal at beach restaurant

The experience

The boat ride cuts through the Celestun mangrove reserve, where the guide identifies the wildlife that lives here: migratory birds, flamingos, crocodiles, raccoons and fish. You'll pass the point where the sea and the river meet, a natural boundary that shifts the water color and marks the reserve's most distinctive feature. The ride itself takes up the first part of the day. The rest is yours to spend at Celestun beach.

After the boat, you have free time at the beach to swim and relax on the white sand. A restaurant meal follows, where you choose between fish or chicken. Round-trip transport from Merida is included, though the supplier may assign the meeting point even if your hotel is listed. The full day runs 10 hours, with about 3 hours of that spent traveling to and from Merida.

What’s included

• Certified guide in English or Spanish.
• round-trip transport from Merida.
• boat ride through the Celestun mangrove reserve.
• free time at Celestun beach.
• one meal (fish or chicken) at the beachfront restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Altus Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day combining mangrove wildlife spotting by boat with beach swimming, starting from Merida with a 3-hour drive each way.

Traveler reviews

4.33★★★★★★★★★★

89 verified traveler reviews

5 ★58

4 ★15

3 ★8

2 ★3

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I see on the mangrove boat ride?

The Celestun reserve is home to migratory birds, flamingos, crocodiles, raccoons and fish. Your certified guide will point out where each species lives and what to watch for as you travel through the mangroves.

How much time do I get to swim and relax at Celestun beach?

You have free time at the beach after the boat ride ends. The exact length depends on the tour schedule, but it is built in as the main relaxation part of the day before the restaurant meal.

Is lunch included, and what are my options?

Yes, one dish is included at the beachfront restaurant. You choose between fish or chicken. Drinks are not included in the meal.

What is the meeting point, and does pickup from my hotel work?

Round transport from Merida is included. The supplier may assign the meeting point even if your hotel is listed, so confirm the exact location when you book.