Natural reserves in the Yucatán Peninsula: wildlife, mangroves and eco-tourism

Ría Celestún is famous for its pink flamingos and thriving mangrove ecosystems. It spans over 146,000 acres and shelters hundreds of bird species, freshwater springs, and lagoons, making the reserve ideal for wildlife lovers and keen photographers alike.

Celestún is on the western coast of Yucatán, about 95 km from Mérida. It faces the Gulf of Mexico and is surrounded by small fishing villages. Its mix of wetlands and coastal dunes makes it one of the most important ecological and scenic zones in Mexico.

What to do and see? The main attraction is the flamingo colony, visible from November to March. Boat tours take visitors through mangroves, bird islands, and freshwater springs. You can also swim at quiet beaches or enjoy fresh seafood in Celestún town.

A day trip is enough to explore the highlights, but staying overnight lets you enjoy beautiful sunsets and peaceful beaches. Birdwatchers often prefer early mornings or late afternoons, when wildlife activity is at its peak and photo opportunities are best.

How to get there? From Mérida, buses and colectivos run daily to Celestún, or you can rent a car for the approximately 1.5-hour drive. Guided tours are available and often include transportation, boat rides, and a meal in the village, making the visit very convenient.

Ría Lagartos is a vast wetland area on Yucatán’s northern coast. Known for its flamingos, crocodiles, and salt flats, the reserve protects mangroves, dunes, and lagoons. It is also part of a UNESCO-recognized wetland ecosystem, highlighting its global ecological importance.

The reserve lies near the small fishing village of Río Lagartos, about 230 km from Mérida and 250 km from Cancún. Its location along the Gulf coast creates a unique mix of salt lagoons, rivers, and coastal habitats, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers.

Visitors can take guided boat tours to see flamingos, crocodiles, and nesting birds. The nearby pink salt flats of Las Coloradas offer stunning photo opportunities. Birdwatching and nature photography are among the top activities for visitors of all ages.

Half a day is sufficient for a boat trip and a walk around the village. To fully explore the reserve, including the Las Coloradas salt flats, plan a full day. Staying overnight is ideal for photographers who want to capture sunrise or sunset in the most beautiful light.

Driving is the easiest option, with car rentals available from Mérida or Cancún. Public transport is limited, but colectivos may reach Río Lagartos from Tizimín. Guided tours are also available and often combine Ría Lagartos with a visit to the nearby Las Coloradas.

Sian Ka’an, meaning “Origin of the Sky” in Mayan, is one of Mexico’s largest and most impressive reserves. Covering over 1.3 million acres, it protects tropical forests, wetlands, and a portion of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, making it a vital sanctuary for biodiversity.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is located in Quintana Roo, south of Tulum. It stretches along the Caribbean coast and includes both marine and land ecosystems. Its remote and largely untouched areas make it a paradise for eco-travelers and adventurous explorers.

Activities include boat tours through mangroves, snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, and exploring lagoons. The reserve is home to manatees, dolphins, turtles, and hundreds of bird species. Some tours also include visits to Mayan ruins within the protected area.

A full-day visit is recommended to enjoy boat tours and snorkeling. Multi-day stays in eco-lodges allow for deeper exploration, stargazing, and jungle hikes. Because of its immense size, Sian Ka’an can offer new and memorable experiences every day.

Access points are near Tulum and Muyil. From Tulum, guided tours and eco-friendly transport options are available. Driving inside the reserve requires a 4×4 vehicle. Tours often include transportation, meals, and expert guides for a complete experience.

Calakmul is a vast and remarkable reserve in Campeche that combines dense jungle with the ancient Mayan city of Calakmul. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site for both culture and nature, protecting jaguars, monkeys, and priceless archaeological treasures.

The reserve is deep in southern Campeche, near the border with Guatemala. Its remote and pristine setting makes it one of Mexico’s most untouched natural areas. The city of Xpujil serves as the main base for travelers exploring the region.

What to do and see? Highlights include the Calakmul ruins, with towering pyramids hidden amidst the jungle. Wildlife spotting opportunities abound, from howler monkeys and toucans to elusive jaguars. Walking trails, birdwatching, and guided archaeology tours are popular activities.

Exploring the Calakmul ruins alone takes about half a day, but fully experiencing the reserve’s nature trails requires at least two days. Overnight stays in eco-lodges near Xpujil are recommended for travelers seeking a complete jungle adventure.

How to get there? Calakmul is roughly 300 km from Campeche City. Visitors usually arrive via Chetumal or Campeche and then drive to Xpujil. From there, guided tours or taxis take you to the reserve entrance, as public transport options are very limited.

Yum Balam is a protected area, widely recognized for safeguarding Isla Holbox along with its surrounding delicate ecosystems. It spans coastal lagoons, dense mangroves, and scattered islands, serving as a crucial refuge for whale sharks, flamingos, and endangered sea turtles.

The reserve is located in northern Quintana Roo, and Holbox remains its most visited destination. This ecological zone marks the meeting point of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, providing stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique habitats that attract nature lovers.

Swimming with whale sharks is the main highlight here, with tours available from June to September. Kayaking through winding mangrove channels, spotting exotic birds, or simply relaxing on Holbox’s pristine beaches, offering visitors a serene nature experience.

A two-day stay is ideal to enjoy both whale shark tours and Holbox. Many travelers extend their visit to soak in the island’s peaceful atmosphere. While day trips are possible, they do not allow for the full experience of the reserve, its wildlife, or the relaxing island lifestyle.

Visitors can reach Holbox by taking a ferry from Chiquilá, accessible via bus or car from Cancún. Once on the island, organized tours into the Yum Balam reserve are widely available, allowing easy exploration of its lagoons, mangroves, islands, and the abundant wildlife.

Los Petenes is a coastal reserve in Campeche, celebrated for its small islets of dense vegetation rising from flooded plains. This sanctuary provides crucial habitat for manatees, numerous migratory birds, and thriving mangrove ecosystems along the Gulf coast.

The reserve lies along the Gulf Coast, just north of Campeche City. Its extensive wetlands stretch into remote and less-visited areas, creating a peaceful, hidden gem for nature lovers, where wildlife flourishes and visitors can enjoy untouched scenery far from crowds.

Visitors can enjoy boat tours exploring winding mangrove channels, scattered petenes, and wildlife-rich lagoons. Manatees, herons, ospreys, and other species are often spotted. Kayaking, fishing, and eco-tourism activities with experienced local guides are also popular.

A half-day visit is sufficient to take boat tours and see the main wildlife highlights, but a full day allows kayaking and more birdwatching. Staying in Campeche gives easy access while also offering visitors the chance to enjoy colonial architecture and cultural attractions nearby.

Los Petenes is located about 30 km from Campeche City. Tours can be arranged with local operators, while renting a car provides flexibility. Public buses reach nearby towns, but private transport is more convenient for exploring the reserve thoroughly and at your own pace.