Las Coloradas Tour! Boat Ride, Lunch & Rio Lagartos from Cancun

This comprehensive tour from Cancun promises a day filled with natural wonders, wildlife sightings, and authentic local flavors. Based on the details available, it’s a popular choice for travelers eager to see the famous pink lakes, explore mangrove-rich wetlands, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride—all in one day. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, the positive reviews and thorough itinerary suggest it offers genuine value and memorable moments.

One of the best things about this tour is how well it combines nature and culture. Not only will you marvel at the stunning Las Coloradas, with its otherworldly pink waters, but you’ll also get a taste of salt production and the chance to spot flamingos, crocodiles, pelicans, and countless other species in their natural habitat. Plus, the included lunch and mud bath are thoughtful touches that add depth to the experience.

A key consideration is the long travel time—about 3.5 hours each way—because Las Coloradas is located in the Yucatán Peninsula, away from Cancun’s hotel zone. This means a full day’s commitment, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with long transfers and early mornings. This tour is ideal for wildlife lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those wanting to add a splash of color and wilderness to their Cancun itinerary.

Key Points

• Unique Pink Lakes: See the naturally pink waters caused by halobacteria, a sight that’s unlike anything else in the world.
• Wildlife Viewing: Spot flamingos, pelicans, crocodiles, and more in the lush mangroves of Rio Lagartos.
• Boat Ride & Nature: Experience a scenic boat trip through the biosphere reserve, observing wildlife and mangroves up close.
• Authentic Cuisine & Relaxation: Enjoy a box lunch and a traditional Mexican dish, plus a Mayan mud bath for added fun.
• Educational Element: Learn about salt production, an industry that’s been part of the region’s history for centuries.
• Shared Transportation: Expect a group of up to 50 travelers, with convenient hotel pickups included.

The Full Experience: What to Expect and Why It Matters

The Journey Begins Early

Starting at 6:30 am from Cancun, this tour kicks off before dawn, which might seem early, but it’s a small price to pay for the day’s adventures. The long drive—around 3.5 hours—takes you through scenic Yucatán countryside. The tour includes pickup from most Cancun hotels, with travelers gathering in smaller vehicles before transferring to the main bus. You’ll likely spend some of this time relaxing, listening to music, or catching up on sleep.

Las Coloradas: Nature’s Pink Wonder

The first stop, Las Coloradas, is a must-see for anyone interested in unusual landscapes. The lakes owe their pink hue to halobacteria thriving in salt-saturated water. It’s a striking sight, especially when the sunlight hits the water, creating a vivid contrast against the blue sky.

Expect about 3 hours here, which allows ample time to walk the viewing platforms, take photos, and listen to your guide’s explanations about how the salt flats are formed and their economic significance. One reviewer expressed delight at the “worth visiting” nature of the lakes, noting the “unique landscape” and the chance to see flamingos, which often inhabit these waters.

Rio Lagartos: A Wildlife Sanctuary

After Las Coloradas, you’ll head to Rio Lagartos, a biosphere reserve recognized by the Ramsar Convention for its importance. This area’s mangroves and wetlands serve as habitat for diverse species, including the iconic flamingos, crocodiles, and pelicans. Expect around 2 hours at this stop, which includes a boat ride through the reserve.

The boat ride is a highlight, offering close-up views of wildlife in a tranquil setting. One guest described the experience as “relaxing”, emphasizing how the boat glides past mangroves filled with birdlife and crocodiles basking in the sun. The guide’s insights about the ecosystem add a layer of understanding to the beauty around you.

Learning About Salt & Enjoying a Mud Bath

A standout feature of this tour is the chance to learn how salt is produced—a process dating back centuries—and see the salt flats in action. This adds an educational aspect, making the day both fun and informative.

For a unique, tactile experience, the tour includes a Mayan mud bath. This natural treatment is reputed for its moisturizing properties and gives travelers a chance to unwind and indulge in an ancient tradition. Reviews mention that the lunch is authentic Mexican style, with some noting it as satisfying and flavorful.

Food & Refreshments

Included in the tour is a box meal—a sandwich, juice, and fruit—that provides a quick energy boost for the day. Then, at a local restaurant, you’ll choose a dish for lunch. While beverages at the restaurant are additional, the quality of the food and the chance to sample regional cuisine make this a worthwhile part of the day.

Practical Details & Considerations

The tour is priced at $120 per person, which, considering transportation, entrance fees, guided commentary, boat ride, and meals, offers solid value for a full day of sightseeing. However, there is a destination tax of $27 not included in the price, so budget accordingly.

In terms of group size, expect up to 50 travelers, which can be lively but might mean a bit less intimacy with the guide. Still, the guides are described as pleasant, friendly, and knowledgeable, making the experience more engaging.

Reviews and Real Traveler Feedback

The reviews largely praise the value for money, with one mentioning the “pleasant guides and great food”. Many appreciate the educational aspect and the spectacular landscape.

However, some travelers noted logistical hiccups, such as late pickups or confusion about departure times, mainly stemming from communication issues. One review highlighted the importance of understanding that long transfers are part of the experience, and patience is needed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour suits nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those eager to see a rare, colorful landscape. It’s perfect if you want an active day with plenty of photo opportunities and enjoy learning about local industries like salt production.

It’s also a good option for travelers interested in authentic Mexican food and relaxing experiences like the mud bath. Keep in mind that long travel times mean this isn’t ideal for those with limited patience or mobility issues.

The Sum Up

This Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos tour offers a rare glimpse into some of the Yucatán’s most captivating natural sights. From the pink lakes to the mangrove wetlands, each moment is designed to be visually stunning and educationally enriching. The boat ride and salt-making insights add authenticity, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

The included meals and mud bath are thoughtful touches that elevate the experience, making it feel well-rounded. While the long drive may be a hurdle for some, it’s a small trade-off for the chance to witness such extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.

Overall, if you’re after a value-packed day that combines nature, wildlife, culture, and regional cuisine, this tour deserves strong consideration—especially if you’re willing to start early and embrace the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Cancun to Las Coloradas?
It takes approximately 3.5 hours each way, so be prepared for a long day with a fair amount of travel.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, most Cancun hotels are served for pickup, with travelers gathering in smaller vehicles before transferring to the main bus.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes round-trip transportation, visits to Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos, a boat ride, a box lunch, an authentic restaurant dish, and a bilingual guide.

Are there additional fees?
Yes, there’s a government destination tax of $27 per person not included in the ticket price.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring swimsuits, towels, extra clothes, comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent for comfort and safety.

How many people typically join this tour?
The group size can be up to 50 travelers, which offers a lively atmosphere but might limit intimacy with guides.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long drive and walking involved. The mud bath and boat ride are generally suitable for older children and adults.

In essence, this tour offers a compelling mix of natural beauty and cultural insight, making it a rewarding day trip for those eager to explore beyond Cancun’s beaches.