Pink Lake Tour from Las Coloradas with lunch and boat ride

Exploring the Pink Lake of Las Coloradas on a full-day tour from Cancun offers a vivid splash of nature’s beauty combined with engaging activities. For $125 per person, this approximately 12-hour trip includes transportation, admission to Las Coloradas, a boat ride through the Ría Lagartos biosphere reserve, lunch, and a visit to a crocodile farm. This tour is popular, with bookings typically made 21 days in advance, and provides a practical way to see the region’s most iconic sights without the hassle of organizing transport or guides.

The tour reveals the magical pink hues of the lagoon, offers a scenic boat journey, and allows visitors to observe native flora and fauna, including flamingos and crocodiles. It’s particularly suited for those interested in natural landscapes and wildlife, though it requires a full day of travel and walking. While the salt flats’ pink color is most vibrant outside July to August, the tour still provides a memorable experience with plenty of photo opportunities and engaging activities.

Key Points

• Full-day tour from Cancun featuring the Pink Lake at Las Coloradas and the Ría Lagartos biosphere reserve
• Includes transport, admission fees, a boat ride, and lunch with options to choose from
• Wildlife viewing emphasizes flamingos, crocodiles, and mangroves
• Optional mud bath for exfoliation during the boat trip
• The tour departs early at 6:30 am and lasts approximately 12 hours
• Additional costs include a $27 reservation tax for the Ría Lagartos reserve

Visit Las Coloradas: The Pink Lagoons and Salt Flats

The tour starts with a visit to Las Coloradas, renowned for its vivid pink lagoons created by high salt concentrations. The salt flats here are historically significant, being among the most important in Mexico. A native guide explains the salt harvesting process and shares insights about the area’s history.

Photographers and nature lovers will appreciate the postcard-worthy views of the pink waters, though it’s worth noting that between July 19 and August 19, 2023, the pink hue diminishes due to salt harvest activity. Still, the landscape remains fascinating, and the guide helps visitors capture the environment’s beauty. The stop lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, with admission included.

Exploring Ría Lagartos: Mangroves, Birds, and Wildlife

The second highlight of the tour is a boat ride through the Ría Lagartos biosphere reserve. This Serene boat cruise takes visitors through mangrove forests, revealing a vibrant ecosystem full of birdlife, especially the famous flamingos. The guide points out notable flora and fauna, making this part of the trip both scenic and educational.

During the boat ride, there’s an opportunity to exfoliate your skin with natural mud, a fun and natural way to enhance your skin. Afterward, guests enjoy swimming on the beach of Rio Lagartos to rinse off the mud. The boat ride and reserve visit last about 3 hours and are free with admission, adding a delightful wildlife experience to the day.

Crocodile Farm Visit: Up Close with Reptiles

A visit to the local crocodile farm is included, where you get to observe these impressive reptiles. The farm provides insights into crocodile behavior and conservation efforts. This stop adds an educational element and offers some excellent photo opportunities with these awe-inspiring animals.

Lunch and Refreshments: Enjoying Local Flavors

A lunch box is provided during the trip, ensuring guests have energy for the day’s activities. The tour offers a main menu with various dishes at the restaurant after the boat trip, where participants can relax and enjoy local cuisine. A bottle of water is included to keep hydration up, but soda or pop drinks at the restaurant are available at extra cost.

Transportation and Logistical Details

The tour starts at 6:30 am with pickup from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. The transportation is air-conditioned, making the long journey more comfortable. Although the trip is long, reviews highlight the reliable and safe transport, with some travelers noting the driver’s attentiveness.

Travelers should prepare for a long day, with some review comments mentioning the 15-hour duration and a late return around 10 pm. Group sizes are limited to 40 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience, and the tour includes mobile tickets for convenience.

Pricing, Extras, and Booking Tips

The price of $125 per person covers the main activities, admission fees, lunch, and transportation. However, there is an additional fee of $27 for the reserve tax at Ría Lagartos. It is recommended to book at least 3 weeks in advance due to high demand.

It’s worth noting that cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour, with full refunds available if canceled early. Weather conditions can affect the experience, especially the visibility of the pink lagoons, so check the forecast if visiting during non-peak months.

The Experience: Highlights and Practical Considerations

This tour offers a comprehensive package that combines nature, wildlife, and cultural insights. The guide’s explanations are praised for being informative and friendly, adding value to the experience. The boat ride and opportunities to see flamingos and crocodiles make it particularly appealing for wildlife enthusiasts.

While the pink lagoons are the star attraction, the mud bath and crocodile farm provide engaging diversions. The long travel time is a consideration, especially for those with limited stamina or seeking a faster-paced day. The cost is reasonable given the inclusions, though travelers should be prepared for extra charges if they indulge in additional food or drinks.

Limitations and Honest Tips

Since the pink color of Las Coloradas can be less vibrant from July to August due to salt harvest activities, visitors should manage expectations about the photos. The long travel time can be tiring, so bring comfortable shoes and snacks for the trip.

Some reviews mention mixed experiences with communication, particularly regarding extra costs or language barriers, so it’s advisable to confirm details beforehand and clarify any uncertainties. The tour does not include dinner, so plan to have dinner after the return if needed.

Visiting the Pink Lake from Cancun: Is it Worth It?

This full-day adventure provides a well-rounded look at Las Coloradas and the Ría Lagartos biosphere, combining spectacular scenery, wildlife viewing, and local culture. The adventure appeals most to those who enjoy nature excursions and don’t mind a lengthy day.

The guided explanations and organized stops make the experience accessible even for first-time visitors. The lunch, boat ride, and wildlife encounters add real value, especially considering the cost.

However, travelers should be prepared for the long journey and variable pink lagoon colors, and be aware of additional fees like the reserve tax. This tour balances scenic beauty with educational activities, making it a compelling option for wildlife and nature lovers in the Mexican Caribbean.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Pink Lake Tour from Cancun?
It lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 6:30 am and returning late in the evening, around 10 pm.

What is included in the tour price?
The $125 fee covers transportation, admission to Las Coloradas, a boat ride through Ría Lagartos, lunch, a water bottle, and visit to the crocodile farm.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, there’s a $27 reserve tax for the Ría Lagartos biosphere. Additional soda or drinks at the restaurant are at extra cost.

Is the pink color of Las Coloradas still vivid year-round?
The pink hue is less vibrant from July 19 to August 19, 2023, due to salt harvest activities, but the landscape remains interesting and photogenic.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Flamingos, crocodiles, and various bird species are common sights during the boat ride and reserve visit.

How is the transportation arranged?
Travelers are picked up from Cancun or Playa del Carmen in air-conditioned vehicles, with reliable and safe drivers ensuring a comfortable journey.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are recommended, especially since the tour involves walking and outdoor activities.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
The tour involves long hours and some walking, so it’s best suited for healthy adults and older children comfortable with a full day outdoors.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with full refunds.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done through Viator, with the suggested lead time of about three weeks for availability.

What makes this tour unique compared to other excursions?
The combination of salt flats, wildlife, boat ride, and crocodile farm makes it a comprehensive experience of the Las Coloradas region, all accessible from Cancun with organized logistics.

This Pink Lake Tour from Las Coloradas offers a practical, scenic, and wildlife-rich day in the Yucatán region, perfect for those seeking a well-organized adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and nature encounters.