Spanning two states and 146,000 acres, is the Celestun Biosphere, a protected reserve with mangrove forests, crocodiles, and more than 300 bird species. Celestun is a relatively undiscovered paradise of crystal blue and pink colors with a colony of flamingos that end their winter migration on its muddy salt flats.
The heart of the Celestun is a wide saltwater estuary that winds past small, shrubby islands on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Kingfishers, cormorants, hummingbirds, and pelicans are some of the birds that can be spotted along the sides of the estuary.
Not too long along the estuary, the horizon turns pink, and you encounter hundreds of squawking flamingos, hopping in and out of the water as they forage for food. You will also sight fish darting in and around the water and lots of tall mangrove roots.
Celestún is seen as one of the best-preserved natural reserves in the world, mostly because of the range of independent flora and fauna ecosystems. You will enjoy clear blue and turquoise waters and migrating pink flamingoes that are the emblem of the area. Other birds you can find are woodpeckers, hummingbirds, “pendulum birds,” ducks, tiger herons, and frigatebirds. There are also about two hundred and thirty-four different species of mammals, three species of turtles, and two species of crocodiles.
Things to Do in Celestún
A boat tour takes between two to four hours, and the guides who are available in English or Spanish will make your journey an enjoyable one. Here are some of the things you can do while in Celestun.
- Bird watching: Bird watching is known to be a therapeutic, relaxing, and creative activity. With the multitude of bird species in Celestun, tourists will have more than enough birds to watch. Your guides are familiar with them and are quick to point them out.
- Kayaking, canoeing, bicycle rides: You get to enjoy lots of outdoor activities like kayaking and bicycle rides. There is a swamp where you can enjoy these activities in a safe environment. You can get canoe trips, kayaks, and bicycles from a group of locals who work as a cooperative. You also get night trips where you can spot crocodiles too.
- Swimming and dining: The Celestún beach is ideal for sunbathing. Snorkeling and swimming are popular activities in the calm waters that surround the beach. It is also a great place to enjoy local seafood specialties like fish fillet “MeroXixim” style and octopus “Ceviche” style (among others). There are really loads of specialties to pick from because fishing is one of the main activities in the region.
- The water spring of “Baldiosera.” The “Baldiosera” is a beautiful freshwater spring that is an ideal place to stop for refreshment. It is home to various types of fish and is safe enough for you to swim in. It is a great spot to visit when you are in Celestun
Takeaway
The pink flamingoes of Celestun are a sight to behold. You are also sure to be enthralled by the beauty of the reserve. So book a trip as soon as you can.
Do you want to know what to do after visiting the flamingos in Celestun? You can read about other things to do in Yucatan on our blog. Yucatan Peninsula In Mexico
