Rio Lagartos, Coloradas & Cancunito Beach from Merida

Introducing the Ria Lagartos, Coloradas & Cancunito Beach Tour from Merida

If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula beyond the usual cenote and Mayan ruins, this day trip offers a fascinating mix of landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant vistas. Designed as a small-group experience, it promises plenty of personal attention and authentic moments with nature.

We love that this tour combines several iconic sights — from the strikingly pink Las Coloradas lagoons to the mangrove ecosystems of Ria Lagartos — offering a well-rounded day of scenery and wildlife. Plus, the chance to relax on Cancunito Beach and take a mud bath creates a fun, tactile experience for travelers eager to connect with nature.

One thing to consider is that the tour is not fully conducted in English, which has been a point of frustration for some travelers, especially those who don’t speak Spanish. Communication can be limited, but guides are generally knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate nature, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, and who are happy to spend a full day on the road. It’s especially appealing for those who want a balanced mix of activity, relaxation, and sightseeing without the crowds of larger tours.

Key Points

• Small-group setting creates a more personalized experience.
• Variety of landscapes: beaches, pink lagoons, mangroves, and mud baths.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of local flora and fauna.
• Includes boat tour and mud bath for an interactive experience.
• Value for money with transportation, lunch, and activities included.
• Some communication limitations for non-Spanish speakers.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

What’s Included and How the Day Unfolds

This tour from Mérida runs around 11 to 12 hours, making it a full but rewarding day. The cost is $120 per person, which covers transportation, a bilingual guide, a boat ride, and a traditional Mexican lunch. However, note that drinks at the restaurant are not included, and there’s a government fee of $27 per person to be paid on-site.

The journey begins early at 7:30 am at a designated meeting point in Mérida—specifically near the San Ildefonso Cathedral—so arriving on time is essential. After a comfortable bus ride, the first stop is Cancunito Beach, where you can relax, swim, or sunbathe in the warm waters of the Caribbean. Viewpoints here are lovely, and it’s a good place to stretch after the morning drive.

Cancunito Beach: A Quiet Coastal Retreat

This beach, located in the small fishing village of Las Coloradas, is a peaceful spot to start your day. Here, you’ll have about an hour to enjoy the scenery. While not a major swimming beach, it offers a chance to dip your toes in the warm waters and appreciate the quiet beauty of the Yucatán coast. Travelers often find this a calming beginning to a busy day.

Las Coloradas: The Pink Lagoon

Next, you’ll visit Las Coloradas, famous worldwide for its spectacular pink lagoons. The vibrant hue is caused by salt and algae, creating an almost surreal landscape that photographers flock to. Be prepared to spend around two hours exploring this area, which is so photogenic that it’s become a favorite for social media.

Most reviews highlight Las Coloradas as a highlight, with visitors marveling at the stunning views and the chance to see migratory birds, including flamingoes. The lagoons are not included in the admission fee, so plan your camera gear accordingly.

The Boat Tour through Ria Lagartos

The centerpiece of the day is a boat ride through the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve’s mangroves. This 2-hour exploration allows you to see an abundance of wildlife, including crocodiles, various bird species, and maybe even a frigate bird or two.

According to reviews, guides like Luis and Victor are skilled at pointing out local fauna and explaining the importance of this ecosystem. One reviewer mentioned how their guide was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, enhancing the experience.

The boat ride is an excellent way to see wildlife up close and understand the ecological importance of this protected area. You might even get close enough to spot crocodiles lounging in the sun or flamingoes wading through the shallow waters.

Mud Bath and Wildlife Encounters

A fun, tactile part of the tour is the mud bath in the lagoon. The mineral-rich mud is believed to have skin benefits and provides a unique photo opportunity. Several reviews praise this feature as a highlight, describing it as both fun and rejuvenating.

The tour also includes stops for birdwatching and casual wildlife viewing — so bring your binoculars if you have them. Several travelers appreciated the guided commentary, which helped them identify and appreciate the local species.

Lunch and Rest

A traditional Mexican lunch at a local restaurant is included, offering a good chance to relax and refuel after a busy morning. While drinks are not included, the food is generally appreciated for its authenticity and flavor. This break allows travelers to reflect on the morning’s sights before heading back to Mérida.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a mostly positive picture. Many travelers mention the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery as key highlights. One reviewer called the boat ride “excellent,” and praised the guides’ ability to spot wildlife and share insights.

Another mentioned the “delicious lunch,” emphasizing that the value extends beyond just the sights. The small-group nature of the tour means more personalized attention, which many found beneficial.

However, some reviews note the language barrier—the tour is not fully conducted in English. While guides can speak English, descriptions and commentary are mainly in Spanish, which can be frustrating if you don’t understand the language. This has been a common theme among less satisfied travelers.

The early start and full day may not appeal to everyone, but most find the experience well worth the time and cost, especially considering the inclusion of transport, boat ride, and lunch.

Practical Considerations

Transportation: Comfortable, round-trip transportation from Mérida is included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.

Group size: Limited to 20 travelers, enhancing interaction with guides and reducing the feeling of being lost in a crowd.

Timing: Starting early at 7:30 am ensures you cover all sites comfortably but requires punctuality.

What to Bring: Sunscreen, comfortable clothes, swimsuit, change of clothes, water, and cash for additional expenses.

Language: If you’re not fluent in Spanish, prepare for some language barriers. Guides are bilingual but may deliver most commentary in Spanish.

Price & Value: At $120 per person, considering the included activities, transportation, and meal, the price is reasonable. The experience offers a rich mixture of scenery, wildlife, and fun activities for a full day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers keen on nature and wildlife, especially birdwatchers and those interested in seeing flamingoes and crocodiles. It’s also great for families and groups of friends who want an active, engaging day without the hassle of planning.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, less crowded alternative to larger tours, the small-group format offers a more intimate connection with the landscape.

However, if language barriers are a concern, or if you prefer a more structured tour fully conducted in English, you might want to consider other options or prepare accordingly.

The Sum Up

The Rio Lagartos, Coloradas & Cancunito Beach tour offers a well-rounded day in the Yucatán, combining scenic beaches, vibrant lagoons, and wildlife encounters. The knowledgeable guides, boat rides, and mud baths provide memorable moments that stay with many travelers long after the day ends. The inclusion of transportation and a traditional meal makes it good value, especially for those eager to see the region’s natural highlights with minimal fuss.

This trip is best suited for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers eager for a full-day adventure that balances activity and relaxation. It’s also perfect for small groups who enjoy personalized attention and authentic experiences.

While language barriers may pose a challenge for some, most visitors find the sights and activities well worth the effort. If you’re prepared for an early start and a full day on the road, this tour promises a rewarding glimpse into the natural beauty of the Yucatán.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Mérida is included in the tour price, making logistics easy and comfortable.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
The tour starts early at 7:30 am to maximize daylight and allow ample time at each stop, especially for wildlife viewing and the boat ride.

Are drinks included at the restaurant?
No, drinks at the restaurant are not included, so consider bringing some cash for beverages or snacks.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Spanish?
Guides can speak English, but most of the commentary is in Spanish. This might be a drawback for non-Spanish speakers, although guides are generally knowledgeable.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a swimsuit, a change of clothes, water, and cash. A camera or phone for photos is also recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers with children enjoyed the experience, especially with activities like the boat ride and mud bath. Just ensure children are comfortable with a full day outdoors.