Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos Tour: Pink Lake Boat Ride

Twelve and a half hours across three ecosystems, from salt flats to mangrove channels

A full-day tour from Merida visits Las Coloradas pink salt lake, Cancunito Beach and Rio Lagartos Biosphere with a certified bilingual guide, round transportation, boat ride, entrance fees and gourmet lunch at a local restaurant. The guide teaches about salt production and local ecology while you photograph and swim. Boats hold six people each for the biosphere exploration.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Pink Lake, Beach, Biosphere, and Meal

• Learn about salt process at Pink Lake
• Take photos at Pink Lake lookout
• Visit Cancunito virgin beach
• Enjoy boat ride at Rio Lagartos Biosphere
• See local flora and fauna on boat
• Eat Mexican meal at gourmet restaurant
• Relax and shower before return

The experience

The day starts at Las Coloradas, where the guide explains how salt is harvested and leaves you free to photograph the pink water and mineral deposits. A lookout spot offers the clearest views for pictures. From there, the route moves to Cancunito Beach, a quiet stretch of white sand where swimming and exploring the surrounding flora and fauna fill the next stop. The journey between locations covers the remaining time by land.

At Rio Lagartos Biosphere, you board a boat built for six passengers to navigate the mangrove channels and shallow waters. The guide points out multiple bird species, reptiles and plant life as you move through the reserve. Binoculars are on board. Flamingos and dolphins appear occasionally, though sightings depend on the day. The boat ride ends at El Maleconcito, a gourmet restaurant overlooking Rio Lagartos where you choose one dish from the menu, shower and use the pool before the return to Merida.

Round transportation departs from Merida and includes a Mayan mud bath at one of the stops. The certified guide speaks English and Spanish. Drinks at the restaurant are available as an add-on at checkout.

What’s included

• Certified bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• round transportation from Merida.
• entrance to Las Coloradas.
• Mayan mud bath.
• boat ride at Rio Lagartos Biosphere with binoculars.
• one gourmet dish at El Maleconcito restaurant.
• shower and pool access at the restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

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 14 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 shared boat tour if you want a guided route through three ecosystems (pink lake, beach, and mangrove biosphere) with a group of up to six, moving on set times rather than at your own pace.

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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 exactly is the pink color at Las Coloradas?

Las Coloradas is a salt flat where mineral-rich water creates the pink hue. The guide teaches the salt harvesting process during the stop, and you have free time to photograph the water and the mineral deposits up close.

Can I swim at Cancunito Beach?

Yes, Cancunito Beach is a virgin beach with white sand where swimming is part of the stop. It's a quiet place surrounded by flora and fauna, designed for both swimming and exploring the natural surroundings.

What wildlife might I see on the Rio Lagartos boat ride?

The biosphere holds multiple bird species, reptiles and abundant plant life. Flamingos and dolphins sometimes appear, though sightings vary by day. Binoculars are provided on board to spot wildlife in the mangrove channels.

Is lunch included, and what are my options?

Lunch is included at El Maleconcito, a gourmet restaurant next to Rio Lagartos, where you choose one dish from the menu. The restaurant has showers and a pool available after the meal. Drinks are optional and can be added at checkout.

What is the Mayan mud bath, and when does it happen?

A Mayan mud bath is included in the tour at one of the stops along the route. The exact timing is part of the day's itinerary as you travel between Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Rio Lagartos.