Wondering what things to do in Celestun Yucatan Peninsula?
Are you craving a unique and unforgettable adventure? Look no further than Celestun, a hidden gem nestled on the stunning Yucatan Peninsula. This picturesque coastal town offers an array of activities and attractions that will leave you awe-inspired. From exploring the mesmerizing Celestun Biosphere Reserve to lounging on pristine beaches, there is something for everyone in this charming destination. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, beach lover, or history buff, prepare to be enchanted by the endless possibilities that await you in Celestun.
Celestun is considered more of a ‘back to nature’ tourist attraction with the pink flamingos as the ‘star’ attraction. What a star attraction they are!
(Editor Update 2024)
Our Celestun guide covers:
- Celestun Mexican flamingos (flamingos de celestun) and a visit to the Mangroves
- Celestun tips on the boat tour to see the flamingos
- Celestun Mexican Accommodation
- Visiting Celestun – transport options
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A good 5-star hotel to base yourself in the Yucatan Peninsula in nearby Merida is the Wyndham Hotel. Merida is located 90 km away with an average driving time of 1.5 hours. Merida is a good base to visit Chichen Itza, Izamal, Uxmal and other Mayan sites.
We would recommend staying one night in Celestun and then making a base in Merida. We have included Celestun hotels in the article as an option for you.
Wyndham Hotel Merida – you can read our hotel review here.
Check availability here for Wyndham MeridaAccommodation in Celestun
Check out the latest availability here on accommodation in Celestun:
Things to do in Celestun Yucatan Peninsula
Celestun (the correct spelling is Celestun and not Celestone which is an injectable cortisone) means ‘painted stone’ in Mayan and receives over 25,000 visitors a year. It is a small fishing village with a small harbour, great seafood restaurants and a local beach.
The Celestun Biosphere Reserve (Biosphera Ria Celestun)
The Celestun Biosphere Reserve where the flamingos live part of the year is located in the northwestern part of the Yucatan Peninsula on 146,000 acres.
Facts about the Celestun Flamingos
What graceful elegant birds they are! They belong to the waterfowl group and are the tallest birds in this group reaching to a height of 1.5m for males and can weigh up to 4kg. They can live up to 20 or 30 years of age. They have been known to congregate in groups of up to 500 in numbers. Their long legs, long necks, and graceful movements are so wonderful to watch and when they fly off information it is an amazing sight to witness. They are noisy, really noisy but you forgive them because of their beauty.
We were lucky to see so many in one location. They formed little groups squawking away at one another like groups of school kids in the schoolyard.
Where are flamingos from?
Flamingos can be found in South America, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Mexico and India.
When they are born their feathers are grey in colour and their bills are straight. By the time they reach the age of 3 their pink colour has emerged due to their natural diet which contains high levels of beta-carotene found in brine shrimp and algae. They feed with their heads in the water.
Unfortunately, numbers have reduced over the years due to periodic flooding of their nesting environment, lead poisoning due to overhead aircraft and global warming which reduces the amount of water in the lagoons and lakes. With the lack of sufficient freshwater they cannot survive, they would have to find new locations and this, in turn, affects their mating.
Celestun Flamingo Season
We were fortunate to visit during the month of February, as we had been told that the best time to see the flamingos is between November and March when they are courting. They move further north to Rio Lagartos in the summer for nesting and birthing. There were thousands on the day we visited.
We were not disappointed! Celestun Mexico is the place to see them! Read here what other travellers have said about Celestun.
Private Tour from Merida or a DIY Tour – What is the Best?
Option One: Tour from Merida to Celestun
See pink flamingos in the wild on a trip to the beautiful Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve where you can also swim at Celestun Biosphere Reserve and at Celestun Beach. Benefit from pick-up and drop off at your hotel in Mérida. Lunch is included.
Check availability here for the Celestun Tour
Option Two: Hire a Car from Merida and DIY
For the latest deals on rental cars click here
It is an easy drive from Merida – allow 1.5 hours to travel the 90 km.
When you arrive at Celestun there are launches available to take you on the 2-hour boat ride to see the flamingos feeding as well as a tour through the mangroves.
Good to know: you may have to wait till others turn up for the boat trip otherwise you may have to pay a higher price if you want the boat to yourself. Our boat driver only spoke Spanish but with hand gestures etc we were able to understand most of what he was saying.
The cost of the boat tour:
The current cost of the boat tour is MXN 2000 approximately USD100 as at the end of 2021.
Good to know:
- Ensure that your boat driver keeps a safe distance away from the flamingos
- Refrain from loud noises which might scare the birds from feeding
Pros: Your time is your own from the time of leaving your hotel and returning
The Mangroves of Celestun
After spending some time watching and floating around the flamingos we headed towards the mangroves. It was so peaceful cruising through the mangroves after the noisy flamingos!
Along the way, we saw many types of other birds in their natural habitats such as the grey and white pelicans and cormorants.
In the freshwater springs of the Mangrove, our guide stated we may see a crocodile or two but we were out of luck on this trip. The Mangroves and surrounding jungle are also home to herons, kingfishers, woodpeckers, jaguars, ocelots, white-tailed deer and spider monkey. There are 4 types of turtles to be found in the Celestun Biosphere Reserve; Hawksbill, Green, Loggerhead and Leatherback.
Mangroves are tidal habitats comprising of a variety of trees and shrubs. Here in Celestun, the tree species are Gum, Chac’a, the Alamo, Sabal and Mahogany trees many growing to heights of between 15m-18m.
The colours of the water and the reflection of the trees in the mangroves as we sailed through gave us a feeling of peace and calm, there was no one else around just us. We could have just sat in the launch for hours enjoying the wildlife and the peacefulness.
A Mexico Travel Guide
You may want to check out our e-book A Mexico Travel Guide to assist you in planning your adventures in Mexico.
Our Mexico Travel Guide highlights all the places we visited during our 9 months travel around Mexico. Our tips and tricks will let you know what to do, where to go and what to see, where to eat and where to stay.
If you enjoyed our article on things to do in Celestun, Yucatan Peninsula why not PIN it for later:
General Visit Information for Visiting Celestun
Where is the Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula is located in the southeast region of Mexico. The Mexican Yucatan Peninsula lies in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
The Yucatan Peninsula Map
How to travel to Celestun
By Plane
Merida is the closest airport, 91km away. Alternatives are flying into Cancun or Mexico City with bus connections.
Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner.
By Bus
There are hourly departures in a 2nd class bus from Merida Bus Station which is located on Calle 67 between Calles 50 and 52.
You can book your bus tickets around Mexico with Busbud – the global bus ticketing website. We travelled 6 months in Mexico via ADO Buses and can highly recommend their services.
By Car
There are car rental companies available in Merida to travel around the Yucatan Peninsula. The journey takes between 1.5 hours and 2 hours depending on traffic.
Check the latest deals hereDo you need an International Drivers License? You can obtain one online here in minutes.
Yucatan Weather
When is the best time to visit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula?
The best time to visit the Yucatan is during the months of November through to April in the dry season.
The busiest tourist season is from mid-December through to mid-January and Easter.
An ideal time to visit is mid-November through to early December.
Check availability here for the tour to CelestunWhat to do in Celestun and surrounding areas
If you are looking to stay around Celestun and want to visit a Mayan Temple (the main tourist attraction of this region of Mexico) you will need to consider travelling to either Chichen Itza (214 km away) or Uxmal (120 km away).
We would recommend that you make Merida a base to visit all that the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer.
Celestun Beach
After your 2-hour boat ride, you can enjoy a few hours on the long stretch of Celestun Beach.
Rio Lagartos Yucatan
Rio Largartos is the summer nesting and birthing place for the Celestun Flamingos after spending the winter in Celestun. It is a 2.5-hour drive from Merida to the northern part of the peninsula where Rio Largartos is located. It is a small town with a boardwalk which is famous for its pink sunsets.
If you are visiting the Yucatan Peninsular during Summer we would recommend travelling to Rio Lagartos instead of Celestun to see the flamingos.
Where To Eat in Celestun
There are at least 13 restaurants to choose from in and around Celestun, their specialities are seafood and local Mexican cuisine.
Merida Hotel
We enjoyed our stay at the Wyndham Merida Hotel, which was in a good location in Merida for sightseeing around the Yucatan Peninsula. Comfortable luxurious beds, well-sized bathroom with views over the swimming pool.
Address: Avenida Colon Colonia Garcia Gineres Merida Mexico
Latest guest review:
The staff was amazing, very helpful and polite. We had to extend our stay two times and the front desk staff (especially Julianna) was patient and gave us the flexibility to confirm our stay extension to the last minute. The rooms are comfortable, clean and have toiletries. We had breakfast at Wyndham Merida restaurant and it was delicious. Added bonus: there is a Starbucks inside. The hotel is a renovated old mansion so it is beautiful. The location was excellent, only a few minutes from Centro Historico and Paseo Montejo. I would go back to this hotel.
Where to stay in Merida Mexico
Related reading: Best Places to Stay In Cancun
Our Experience in Visiting the Celestun Peninsula
We highly recommend a visit to Celestun and the pink flamingos as part of your itinerary in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a great day out. Apart from Celestun, a visit to Merida should be high on your list as well to see and experience:
- the colonial architecture and Merida Plaza
- the restaurants
- nighttime music festivities
- a base for visiting the Mayan Temples
If you have any questions or would like some advice we would love to hear from you. You can reach us via our Facebook page or email us here.
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More articles to inspire you to visit the Yucatan Peninsula
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Things to do in Uxmal Yucatan Mexico
Luxury Accommodation in Cancun
Other areas of Mexico to visit are:
Do You Need a Visa For Mexico:
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You may also enjoy our 30-second video of boating through the mangroves of Celestun.
We would like to thank the Yucatan Travel, and Visit Mexicofor their assistance for our 4 days in Merida and the Yucatan. In our visit to Celestun, our transport to and from Merida was sponsored as well as our boat ride. Our accommodation at the Wyndham Hotel in Merida was sponsored for our stay, we thank the management and staff for taking good care of us. We thank George our driver and Maria from Yucatan Travel for looking after us so well. As always, our opinions are our own.
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In conclusion, Celestun offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula. From its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage, this small fishing village has something to offer everyone. Whether it’s exploring the awe-inspiring flamingo sanctuary, cruising along the mangrove-lined estuary, or simply relaxing on pristine beaches, Celestun is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. So next time you find yourself in the Yucatan Peninsula, don’t miss out on all that Celestun has to offer – it will surely leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
This site is well informative, it gives details of all things you can do as a tourist in Celestun Yucatan peninsula, including lovely pink flamingos,boat trips and many more.
Thank you for your comments, we are glad that you enjoyed our post.
You beat me to Celestun. We wanted to go the last time we visited the Yucatan Peninsula, but didn’t have time. I’d love to go back and follow your itinerary. The Biosphere Reserve looks like a photographer’s dream.
Hi Anda
Thanks for your comments. You would love it there.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I just love how rich in biodiversity Celestun is! It seems like my type of place to travel!
Hi Cecilia
Thanks for your comments.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Reading this brought back so many fond memories of Yucatan! I never made it to Celestun peninsula, and what a shame. The flamingoes are beautiful and I’ve never seen any in real life, just photos. It’s great you also got to visit in mating season! I love your photos too!
Hi Lisa
Thank you for your comments. They are gorgeous arent they?
Cheers Jane and Duncan
What a thorough and well-authored guide. I haven’t been (yet) to the Yucatan Peninsula but would love to go there as it seems to be my type of destination. I will make sure to follow your itinerary!
Hi Ann
Thank you for your comments. Hope you can make it there.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
This is a great post about the flamingos! You offer so many great tips and tricks to see them that I think many blog posts are seriously lacking — thank you for that. I think you are right in saying that Celestun Yucatan Peninsula is definitely a natural getaway. It looks divine. Definitely looking forward to visiting there one day.
Hi Martha
Thank you for your comments. We hope you can make it there.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
OMG those flamingos are so beautiful and its real! So guests are allowed to take photos with them or just afar? Hope their habitats are now being disturbed by the flows of tourism in the region. They are so beautiful to be bothered.
Hi Blair
There was a distance we had to adhere to. They did not seem to bother about us too much. So pretty to look at – you should hear their chatter.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Mexico seems so far away from where I live but I really want to make it there someday. I’ve read several posts about Yucatan Peninsula, enough to be sure that it has to be included my itinerary. This is an informative and detailed post about how to get to Celestun, the flamingos look amazing and I’ll make sure that I travel during the November – March season to be able to see them in their natural habitat!
Hi Medha
Thank you for your comments. Celestun was amazing.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Wow! Pink flamingos – very cool. I’ve only seen a couple at the Singapore zoo before.
Hi Kathy
Thanks for your comments. It was such an experience seeing them in the wild.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
HI
It was a wonderful blog .. Every picture you have posted in your blog that Tells a story.
Looking forward to read your other wonderful travel experience.
Hi Ruma
Thanks for your comments. The Celestun adventure was definitely a great travel experience.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Flamingos are such beautiful pink. I would love to see them when they are small, grey babies. Mexico has so much to offer, I am amazed at something new every time we visit.
Hi Jen
I love flamingos – they seem so delicate. It was such an experience visiting them in Celestun.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I’m in Mexico City now for a few weeks and thinking about traveling to some other areas of Mexico afterwards. The Yucatan peninsula is definitely at the top of my list. I didn’t really know anything about Celestun. After being in the busy city for so long, go somewhere with a more “back to nature feel” sounds perfect. It sounds like I might be cutting it close with the end of the season though. The fresh seafood restaurants sound really good too.
Hi Elizabeth
Thanks for your comments. I hope you get to the Yucatan Peninsula and Celestun. The restaurants are very good as well. Enjoy Mexico.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
The flamingos and the mangroves are absolutely stunning. I have seen many pictures of pink flamingos but I have thought that it’s possible to see them only if you work for National Geographic. It seems I was wrong and you really proved to me that it is possible. The Celestun Yucatan Peninsula has so many things to offer and I can’t wait to explore it one day.
Hi Luliana
The flamingos as worth a visit when you travel in the Yucatan Peninsula. The whole region has so much to see and do make sure you plan at least a week.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I had no idea that there were flamingos in Mexico. I think I’ve only ever seen them in Africa. It would be really fun to see them nesting, and I had no idea that they could live up to 30 years. What a fun thing to do and your photos of the flamingos are so colorful!
Hi Jennifer
Thanks for your comments. We loved visiting the flamingos in a natural habitat, they were so noisy LOL as I mentioned just like school kids in the playground.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Your first image of the beautiful flamingos convinced me that we need to visit the Celestun Yucatan Peninsula. I can’t imagine catching a group of 500 congregating! I am sure that visiting in the fall when they are courting would be an amusing sight. And a trip through the mangroves looks quite relaxing too. A tour from Merida sounds like a good way to enjoy this treat.
Hi Linda
Thanks for your comments. We hope you can make a visit, it is such a spectacular and such a lovely nature tour to enjoy.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
What beautiful nature! Wow, I might have guessed that global warming had something to do with flamingos getting pushed out of their home, but I had NO idea about lead poisoning from planes and air crafts. That is insane. I wonder why this is never discussed when we talk about our environmental impact of travel! So glad I learned something new from reading this!
Hi Stephanie
Thanks for your comments. I guess we are going to see more and more environmental impact on our wildlife over the years.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I got to see flamingos in a bird sanctuary in Rio and it was a really great experience. They are so beautiful in person! I would love to see them in the wild too. The boat tour sounds like a great way to get close and observe them.
Hi Summer
Thanks for your comments.So glad to hear that you have seen them in Rio. They are beautiful and graceful. Maybe one day you will get to see them in Mexico too!
Cheers Jane and Duncan
With so many flamingoes, its just so fascinating and I’d love to visit this place. Though I have seen flamingoes, I’m yet to see so many together in 1 place, in wild. A gentle sail through the mangroves sounds divine! Good to know Merida is a good base to visit the Mayan temples from!
Hi
Thanks for your comments. The Yucatan has so much to offer the traveller, flamingos, temples, great food and more. It is one of our favourite places in Mexico.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
You had me with the first photo! I love flamingos, I would love to be surrounded by so many! The mangroves are beautiful. One of my dreams is also seeing the Mayan Temples, so this would be the perfect place for me!
Hi Melissa
Thanks for your comments. The Yucatan Peninsula has so much to offer the visitor and the highlights are the flamingos and the Mayan Temples and the food.
Hope you get to visit.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Celestun seems a very interesting place. I would love to visit it soon
Yes, it was a highlight of our visit to the Yucatan Peninsula
A good article with wonderful Explanation, Great Post, Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help. This is very Informative and helpful article.
Great article and I was looking at visiting Celestun Yucatan Peninsula with my friends later this year.