The Ría Comes to Life
Sunrise on the water, coffee outdoors, silence, and the morning chorus of birds. The best time for birdwatching.
Private Nature Tour · Ría Lagartos, Yucatán
Experience tour by Jorge
A private tour of the ecosystems, history, and wildlife of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.
Private tour · 4 hours per tour · 1 to 6 people · Certified guide
This is not a conventional tour
The route is determined by nature, not a fixed itinerary
Each tour is designed based on Jorge’s direct recommendations, taking into account the weather, the tide, and the conditions on the day of the tour. That’s why we visit parts of the reserve that are rarely included in conventional tours.
A private and personalized experience: your boat, your pace, your day.
- Weather
- Tide
- Guide’s recommendation
The Experience
Four hours within the reserve
A boat tour through canals, points of interest, and diverse ecosystems, featuring environmental interpretation to help you understand the flora, fauna, culture, history, and the vibrant life within the Lagartos Estuary.
4 hours per tour
~60 km round trip
1–6 people
3 languages (ES·EN·IT)
Two ways to experience it
Sunrise or sunset. You choose the light.
From twilight to night
Sunset, twilight, and the onset of night. Nighttime wildlife viewing with flashlights.
Only 2 recommended departures per day, subject to change based on weather, tides, and season.
Ecosystems along the route
A mosaic of life across 60,347 hectares
A Biosphere Reserve since 1999 and Ramsar Site No. 332—Mexico’s first wetland of international importance. Home to more than 330 bird species and 554 vertebrate species.
- Estuary
- Petenes
- Freshwater Springs
- Coastal Dunes
- Mangroves
- Flooded lowland jungle
- Carrizales
- Sea Grape
- Channels and points of interest
Among its iconic wildlife: the greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), sea turtles, and crocodiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your questions answered before setting sail
How much does the Experience Tour by Jorge cost?
The tour costs $3,600 MXNper trip (private boat for 1 to 6 people). Two trips in one day cost double. A federal fee of $125 MXNper person is added to support the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.
How do I make a reservation?
Payment can be made via$500 MXN Mercado Pago, Stripe, or WhatsApp. The balance is paid at the beginning or end of the tour, in cash or by card.
What does the flexible itinerary include?
You choose: fishing, photography, bird and crocodile watching, mangroves, cenotes, or a Mayan bath. Jorge will customize the itinerary with you based on the tide and the day’s weather.
How long does it last, and what time does it depart?
Each tour lasts 4 hours, with 2 recommended departure times: 5:00 a.m. (sunrise) and 2:30 p.m. (sunset), subject to change based on weather and tide conditions. You can also experience both tours in one day (~8 hours).
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. Since this is a private, personalized tour, it’s suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends. Up to 6 people per boat.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We’ll reschedule at no cost to the next available date. Safety and water conditions are always our top priority.
Culture, Salt, and Territory
Las Coloradas: where the landscape turns pink
We’ll pass under the Las Coloradas Bridge to observe the natural process of salt formation and the pink hue that colors the evaporation ponds.
Jorge explains the history of the salt industry: how it provides for the community and, at the same time, the challenges of coexisting with a fragile environment—the pros and cons of living alongside it. Weather permitting, he also discusses Mayan heritage and local culinary traditions.
- Salt-making process
- Las Coloradas Bridge
- Mayan heritage
Activities
More than just seeing it: experience it
- Mayan clay bath: Optional, depending on the day.
- Gulf of Mexico Beach: Swim or relax on the shore.
- Freshwater shower: To rinse off the clay bath.
- Nature photography: Light, water, and wildlife at their best.
- Wildlife at sunset or at night: Viewing may be possible depending on the schedule.
What’s Included
Everything is designed so you can just enjoy yourself
Fully equipped boat
Comfortable seats, a canopy or shade, life jackets, a first-aid kit, and travel insurance.
Certified guide
Specializes in nature and family-friendly tours. Speaks Spanish, English, and Italian.
Environmental interpretation
Environmental education and awareness, with carefully scheduled tour times to prevent erosion and damage to the environment.
Birdwatching
Bird guide and binoculars included to make the most of every sighting.
Drinks on board
A cooler with coffee, water, or soda, depending on your departure time.
Travel with peace of mind
Small-group and private tours, with safety and minimal environmental impact.
Prices and Reservations
A private experience, a clear price
$3,600 MXN
4 hours · 1 to 6 people
$7,200 MXN
Full day · ~8 hours
$125 MXN
per person · booking support
$500 MXN
balance due at the beginning or at the end
Capacity: 1 to 6 people per boat. For larger groups, an additional boat is required.
Book your tour
Choose your time slot based on the weather, the tide, and the season
Write to us, and Jorge will help you choose the best time to experience the Lagartos Estuary. Your experience—private and at your own pace.
Federal tax of$125 MXNper person, earmarked for the preservation of the ecological reserve.
Experience tour by Jorge · Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yucatán