Eco Reserves

The charming coastline, as well as being blessed with warm beaches, also boasts nature reserves which protect a variety of flora and fauna unique to this part of the world. It's a paradise for adventure tourism and ecotourism lovers. Here you can walk, take a bicycle ride, practice windsurfing and kayaking, compete in tournament fishing and enjoy the tasty dishes of the day: fresh and imaginatively garnished, and cooked to perfection. Here too, you'll feel the energy of a natural world that sleeps with the setting sun, where the song of thousands of birds from trees and mangroves welcomes the starry night.

Celestún

A port full of mystery, where some of the most exotic species of Yucatán exist side by side. Pink flamingos give a spectacular show as they fly just overhead. The estuary is their natural breeding ground after long flights along the eastern coast. Visitors can also beat the heat by taking a dip in the sweet, fresh-water coming up from the “ojos de agua,” literally eyes of water, hidden among the natural tunnels of the estuary formed among the mangroves. These can be reached by boats driven by the locals, whose trips are invariably embellished by stories as interwoven as their fishing nets.

Nothing surpasses the trip down the estuary to its spectacular rendezvous with the sea, but not before paying a visit to the “Tampetén” or Petrified Forest. In the heart of the town, a beach of unequalled beauty and an exquisite variety of fresh fish and shellfish are the perfect excuse for spending another day in Celestún.
The town can easily reached by bus and has nice apartments, hotels and restaurants.

Celestún is located 100 km from the city of Mérida.

El Palmar

One of the most important ecological reserves and home to a stunning array of flora and fauna, making it the ideal destination for ecotourism lovers. Another worthwhile attraction is the enormous lighthouse, thought to be the tallest in the state.

El Palmar lies to the north of Celestún and can be reached via a terraced coastal path.

Dzilam de Bravo

Another beautifully scenic place from which to admire the estuaries: the surrounding mangroves provide shelter for many aquatic birds. Arrange a trip in a boat and enjoy the “ojo de agua” in the middle of the ocean. Boats can be hired to tour the reserve.

Dzilam de Bravo is situated 105 km from the city of Mérida.

San Felipe

This quaint, picturesque fishing village is made up of rustic, wooden houses. Take a stroll on the promenade that runs the length of the estuary to admire the beauty of the vegetation.here you can also find hotels. If you enjoy ecotourism - this is a place for you to go.

San Felipe lies 226 km from the city of Mérida.

Rio Lagartos

Located almost at the end of the enchanting coastline, Rio Lagartos embraces the ports of El Cuyo and las Coloradas. Conserving the eminently natural character of the area, you can visit these protected natural reserves, where sweet rain water comes together with salty sea water to create this unique plant and animal habitat. White-tailed deer, alligators and pheasant are the delight of nature watchers. Rio Lagartos is especially a home of flamingo colonies, more than 300 different bird species, 50 mammals and about 100 reptilian species.

Without a doubt, the natural beauty and magic of Yucatán will captivate you, as you get back to nature with a gift for the eyes and the heart. Rio Lagartos is another ideal spot for ecotourism. It has hotel and seafood restaurant services as well as boat trips.

Rio Lagartos is located 222 km from Mérida.

In all the sites you'll find excursions to the main places of interest: visit the habitat of flamingos and migratory birds, or penetrate the mangroves to observe superb examples of crocodiles, falcons and raccoons, to name just a few. You might choose to go fishing during the day, or simply continue the adventure by kayak or bicycle.

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