Las Coloradas pink lakes & Rio Lagartos from Tulum: Boat tour

Flamingos, pink lagoons and salt marshes in a single day

This full-day eco tour from Tulum combines a guided boat ride through the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, a visit to the pink lagoons of Las Coloradas, a traditional Mexican lunch, and a stop at a community-run crocodile sanctuary. You travel by van from Tulum, spend the morning watching flamingos and crocodiles in the mangrove waterways, photograph the surreal pink waters created by salt production and microorganisms, and learn how local conservation efforts protect these ecosystems.

Step-by-step itinerary

Eco adventure to pink lakes and sanctuary

• Guided boat tour in Río Lagartos
• See flamingos, crocodiles, and birds
• Visit Las Coloradas pink lagoons
• Learn salt-harvesting process
• Enjoy traditional Mexican lunch
• Tour community-run crocodile sanctuary

The experience

The day starts with a van pickup from Tulum and heads north into the Yucatán's protected wetlands. Once at Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, you board a guided boat and cruise through winding mangroves and lagoons where flamingos, crocodiles and diverse birdlife live. Your bilingual guide explains how this ecosystem works and points out the species you pass. The boat moves at a pace that lets you watch and photograph without rushing.

From the reserve, the tour moves to Las Coloradas, where the lagoons shift from blue-green to a striking pink. The color comes from salt production and naturally occurring microorganisms in the water. You get free time to walk the salt flats, take photos and understand how the traditional salt-harvesting process shapes this landscape. Midday brings a light packed lunch during the drive, followed by a full meal at a local Mexican restaurant where one dish is included.

The final stop is a community-run crocodile sanctuary where local conservation work protects these ancient reptiles while supporting the surrounding villages. The tour wraps around 13 hours depending on traffic, and you return to your Tulum pickup point by evening. Bring a swimsuit, towels and biodegradable sunscreen. The itinerary can shift based on conditions or wildlife sightings.

What’s included

• Bottle of water.
• guided boat tour through Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.
• guided tour with free time at Las Coloradas pink lagoons.
• short visit to a crocodile sanctuary.
• round-trip van transportation from Tulum.
• light packed lunch during the drive.
• one meal at a Mexican restaurant.
• bilingual guide in English and Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (11 to 79 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 27

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cancun Smart Pass

Is this one for you?This is a shared group tour with a set itinerary and fixed stops, so you move with the group's pace and schedule. Choose it if you want a guide who knows the ecosystems and wildlife, and prefer not to navigate the reserve or arrange transport yourself. The 13-hour day suits travelers with a full schedule who want to see multiple northern Yucatán highlights in one trip.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): 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 Rio Lagartos boat tour?

The Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is home to flamingos, crocodiles and a range of bird species. Your guide points them out as the boat winds through the mangroves and lagoons, though sightings depend on the season and time of day.

Why are the Las Coloradas lagoons pink?

Las Coloradas lagoons get their pink color from salt production and naturally occurring microorganisms in the water. You'll see the salt flats where the traditional harvesting process takes place and have time to photograph the surreal landscape.

How long is this tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs around 13 hours total, including van travel from Tulum. Pickup happens from the Super Aki store in Tulum City. Your operator will confirm the exact departure time when you book.

What meals are included?

You get a light packed lunch (ham sandwich, juice and fruit) during the van ride, plus one dish at a traditional Mexican restaurant where the tour stops midday. Drinks at the restaurant are not included.

Is swimming allowed at Las Coloradas or Rio Lagartos?

The tour includes guided viewing and free time at Las Coloradas for photos and exploration. Bring your swimsuit and towels in case swimming is possible. Your guide will let you know what is permitted at each stop.