Private, Guided Nature Tours in Nature In the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve , Yucatan, Mexico.

Rio Lagartos Adventures since 1995

“Birding, Photography & FlyFishing for True Nature Lovers”

 

🌿 Rio Lagartos Adventures – Private Nature Tours Since 1995

 

Discover the wild beauty of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, where the land meets the sea in a world of flamingos, crocodiles, and endless mangroves.
Located on Mexico’s Yucatán coast, this Protected reserve is home to over 395 bird species — including 40,000+ resident flamingos.

Since 1995, we’ve been guiding travelers through this extraordinary ecosystem with private, guided nature tours designed for nature lovers, photographers, and peaceful explorers.
Each tour is led by an experienced local guide who helps you experience wildlife up close — responsibly and respectfully.

💚 Why We Offer Mainly Private Tours

We believe nature is best experienced in small, quiet groups, with time to listen, observe, and connect.
Our tours are private — for couples, families, or groups of up to six people — to ensure quality, safety, and a low environmental impact.

By choosing a private tour experience, you’re supporting responsible tourism and local families who care for this special place 💚

All our tours are private, with space for up to 6 people per boat.
This allows us to offer a more personal, peaceful, and respectful experience with nature.

Thank you for helping us protect this special place through responsible tourism.

✨ Reservations are required to ensure a personalized, low-impact experience.

If you’re unable to book online, don’t worry! You can also visit our office directly once you arrive in town — we’ll be happy to check availability and help you arrange your tour in person.

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Thank you for being part of responsible tourism 💚

We’re proud to have been recommended by many trusted travel guides over the years — including Lonely Planet, Moon Guide, Let’s Go Mexico, Yucatán Today, and others who’ve shared our love for nature and authentic experiences in Río Lagartos.

Reservations are required to ensure a personalized, low-impact experience !

Ready to connect with nature?
Just tap the button at the bottom Rigth to open our tour menu and book your adventure !

🦩 Our Private Nature Tours

Over many years of guiding travelers, we’ve refined these tours based on our guests’ comments, preferences, and experiences — creating unique, meaningful ways to explore the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.

The same costs apply whether there are 2 or 6 guests — this ensures fair pay for our local guides and helps us maintain safe, well-kept boats while protecting the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.

🚤 Please note that our tours do not visit the pink water. These striking ponds are part of the private salt company area and cannot be reached by boat.

1.- Nature Lovers Private Tour (4 Hours)

For those who wish to explore deeper, this journey reveals the heart of the biosphere — its mangroves, salt flats, and hidden wildlife.
Guided by one of our most experienced naturalists, you’ll learn about the ecosystems, the local culture, and the fragile balance that keeps this paradise alive. Optional stop at the natural mud baths and beach.

Rate: MXN $4,000 (≈ USD $240) per boat (up to 6 people)
PLUS Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ( $7.00usd ).

2.- Sunrise Nature Lovers Private Tour (4 Hours)

When the first light touches the water, the estuary comes alive.
This is the most peaceful time of day. See flamingos feeding in soft morning light, listen to the calls of awakening herons, and enjoy coffee and sweet bread on board before breakfast back at Ría Maya Restaurant.

Rate: MXN $ 4,250.00 (≈ USD $240) per boat (up to 6 people)
PLUS Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ( $ 7.00USD ).

3.- Flamingo Lovers Private Tour (3 Hours)

Sail through the peaceful estuary of Ría Lagartos to witness the flamingos’ graceful dances and vivid pink reflections.
Along the way, your guide will help you spot herons, pelicans, hawks, and maybe even a crocodile basking on the shore.
You’ll stop to learn about the salt flats and can enjoy a traditional Mayan mud bath — a natural clay used by the Maya for skin care — before washing off in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Rate: MXN $3,000 (≈ USD $175) per boat (up to 6 people)
PLUS Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ($7.00USD ).

Book Now

4.- Sunset Flamingo Lovers Private Tour (3 Hours)

Experience the estuary in its most beautiful light — as the sun sinks behind the mangroves and the flamingos glow pink in the golden hour.
This tour focuses on photography and quiet observation. Bring your favorite drink or let us prepare a fresh ceviche to enjoy on board.

Rate: MXN $ 3,250.00(≈ USD $175) per boat (up to 6 people)
PLUS Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ( $7.00USD ).

5.- Crocodile Watching Private Tour (2 Hours)

A thrilling yet respectful encounter with one of the reserve’s oldest residents — the crocodile.
Our guides know where to find them, both basking under the midday sun and gliding silently through the night waters.
We never feed or disturb them — we only observe, learning about their vital role in the ecosystem.

Rate: MXN $2,000 (≈ USD $120) per boat (up to 6 people)
PLUS Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ($7.00USD ).

6.- Birdwatching Private Boat Tour (4 Hours)

Designed for passionate birders and photographers, this tour moves slower and deeper into the mangroves. Your guide will help you find specific species and position the boat for the perfect shot without disturbing wildlife.

Rate: MXN $4,250 (≈ USD $250) per boat (up to 6 people)
PLUS Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ($7.00USD ).

Book Now

7.- Birdwaching Land Private Tour (4 Hours)

Explore the untouched landscapes around Ría Lagartos — from dry forests to coastal dunes — with a local birder who knows where to find Yucatán’s most elusive species, including some of the Yucatán’s endemic birds.
You’ll enjoy a peaceful morning surrounded by birdsong and incredible biodiversity, with breakfast and water included.

The Land birding are done by Diego personally includes ground transportation.

Rate: MXN $4,250 (≈ USD $250) per vehicle (up to 6 people).

PLUS Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ($7.00USD ).

8.- All-Day Nature Lovers “PRIVATE” Boat Tour (8Hours)

A Private Wildlife Adventure Like No Other

Explore the breathtaking Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve on this full-day private boat tour designed for passionate nature lovers. Ideal For: Bird watchers, wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts. With two dedicated wildlife viewing sessions—a 4hr early morning and 4hr late afternoon—you’ll avoid the midday heat and crowds, ensuring the best chance to see and photograph the area’s incredible biodiversity.

Led by expert English-speaking naturalist guides, this immersive experience brings you up close to wild flamingos, a wide variety of bird species, crocodiles, and more.

✅ Tour Includes:

• Private boat tour with flexible pacing (max 6 passengers)
• Expert English-speaking guide with deep ecological knowledge
• Split: 4hr Early morning & 4hr late afternoon outings for best wildlife sightings
• Cooler with ice & purified water (bring your favorite drinks and snacks)
• Optional Mayan mud bath + island beach swim to rinse off
• Breakfast & lunch available at Ría Maya Restaurant during the midday break
• Birding, photography & Nature observation focused

🐦 What You’ll See:

• Majestic flamingo flocks in their natural habitat
• Countless bird species: herons, egrets, spoonbills, hawks, and more
• Elusive crocodiles and other wetland wildlife
• Lush mangroves, pristine beaches, and estuaries

🌞 Why This Tour?

• Avoids the hot, crowded midday hours
• Optimized for birdwatching and photography
• Designed for true nature lovers and conservation-minded travelers

Book your private all-day nature tour now and experience the wild magic of Ría Lagartos—away from the crowds, up close with nature.

Rate: MXN $7,000 (≈ USD $420) per vehicle (up to 6 people).

PLUS Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ($7.00USD).

9.- Photography Nature Lover Private Boat Tour (4 Hour)

Photography trips are designed especially for Nature Photographers.
They are slower, longer and penetrate deeper into the mangroves. The guides are skilled at finding the species of birds you are looking for and getting close enough for a chance at making a good shot.
Not disturbing the wildlife is an important part of this.
The launches we use are a stable platform for photographing, even with long lenses. The launches make it possible to safely reach places that would be otherwise impossible. The trips are 4 hours long and can be designed to find the species you are looking for.

The Bird List of the Bio Reserve can be used to
to make a wish list for photography here. We will do our best to help you find them.

Rate: MXN $4,250 (≈ USD $250) per boat (up to 6 people)
Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ( $7.00 USD )

10.-PHOTOGRAPHY FOR NATURE LOVER LAND TOUR

Our land photography tours are designed especially for nature photographers who want to capture the incredible diversity of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.
These tours move at a slower, more deliberate pace — allowing time to compose the perfect shot and observe wildlife without disturbance.

Your expert local guide knows the best areas to find the species you’re looking for and how to approach them safely and respectfully.
The 4-hour itinerary can be customized based on your photographic interests — from Yucatán endemics to the rich variety of migratory and resident birds that inhabit this region.

You can use the reserve’s official bird list to create your own photo “wish list,” and we’ll do our best to help you check off each species.
Every outing is guided with care to ensure minimal impact on wildlife and their natural habitats.

The Land birding are done by Diego personally includes ground transportation.

Rate: MXN $4,250 (≈ USD $250) per boat (up to 6 people)
PLUS Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ($ 7.00USD)

11.- Sigthseeing Flamingo & Crocodiles Private Boat Tour (2 Hour).

The fastest & popular sightseeing private boat ride up the estuary to view flamingos & Crocodiles, other birds along the mangroves & with an option to do the “Mayan mud bath” & a bath along the beach on the Gulf of Mexico.Please note: our 2-hour sightseeing boat tour does not include an English-speaking guide, as it’s a short trip focused on seeing the main sights quickly.
If you have time, we recommend one of our longer nature tours — they allow your guide to share more insights about the wildlife, the mangroves, and the reserve, making for a much richer experience.

Rate: MXN $2,000 (≈ USD $120) per boat (up to 6 people)
PLUS Entrance Fee: MXN $120 per person ($ 7.00USD).

🚤 Please note that our tours do not visit the pink water. These striking ponds are part of the private salt company area and cannot be reached by boat.

🌎 Responsible Ecotourism Since 1995

We’ve been sharing the wonders of Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve for nearly 30 years.
Our mission has never changed: to protect this fragile paradise while giving travelers an authentic experience guided by heart, knowledge, and respect.

When you travel with us, you support :

Fair income for local families, Sustainable, low-impact tourism, Conservation of wildlife and habitats.

⭐ Travelers’ Choice 2025 Award

We’re proud to be among the Top 10% of Experiences in the World, recognized by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award 2025 — thanks to your reviews, trust, and love for nature.
This honor belongs to you as much as to us.

“Every review, every visit, every smile reminds us why we do this.”
— Diego Núñez & the Rio Lagartos Adventures Family

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2025 Thank you for making this possible!
Dear customers and friends,
We are delighted to share some very special news with you: We have been recognized with the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2025 award!

Flamingos: Life After the Meteorite – Seattle International Film Festival 2025 Trailer

List of birds

The Yucatan’s Endemic Species

Yucatan Wren (Campylorhynchus yucatanicus)
Mexican Sheartail(Doricha eliza)
Yucatan Flycatcher(Myiarchus yucatanensis)
Orange Orioles (Icterus auratus)
Yucatan Jay (Cyanocorax yucatanicus)
Yucatán Black-throated Bobwhite (Colinus nigrogularis)
Yucatan Woodpecker or Red-vented Woodpecker( Melanerpes pygmaeus)

The following are commonly seen on our land birding trips

White-lored Gnatcatcher (Polioptila albiloris)
Lesser Roadrunner (Geococcyx velox)
Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa)
Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota)
Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita)
Canivet’s Emerald or Fork-tailed Emerald (Chlorostilbon canivetii)
Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina splendens)
Gray-crowned Yellowthroats (Geothlypis poliocephala)
Rufous necked Wood-rail (Aramides axillaris).
Grey necked wood rail (Aramides cajaneus)
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture also known as the Savannah Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus)
King Vulture(Sarcoramphus papa) monotypic New World Vultures (Cathartidae)
Zone-tailed (Buteo albonotatus)
Crane Hawk (Geranospiza caerulescens)
Laughing Falcon also called the Snake Hawk (Herpetotheres cachinnans),
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria cinnamomea/solitaia)
American Pygmy-Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea)
jabirú o tuyuyu (Jabiru mycteria)
Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina)
Yellow Warblers (Setophaga petechia, formerly Dendroica petechia)
Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus)
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca)
Yellow-throated Vireo – Vireo flavifrons
Rufous-browed Peppershrike – Cyclarhis gujanensis (+insularis)
Northern Parula – Parula americana
Yellow Warbler – Dendroica petechia (bryanti)
Magnolia Warbler – Dendroica magnolia
Palm Warbler – Dendroica palmarum
Black-and-white Warbler – Mniotilta varia
Rose-breasted Grosbeak – Pheucticus ludovicianus
Indigo Bunting – Passerina cyanea
Painted Bunting – Passerina ciris
White-collared Seedeater – Sporophila torqueola morelleti
Eastern Meadowlark – Sturnella magna
Great-tailed Grackle – Quiscalus mexicanus
Hooded Oriole – Icterus cucullatus
Tennessee Warblers. Oreothlypis peregrina
Mangrove Vireo. (Vireo pallens)
Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor)
Cinnamon Hummingbird (Amazilia rutila)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia).
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
Vermillion Flycatchers (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
Northern Waterthrush, (Parkesia noveboracensis)
Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica erythrogaster
Green Jay – Cyanocorax incas
Ladder-backed Woodpecker – Picoides scalaris
Least Flycatcher – Empidonax minimus
Great Kiskadee – Pitangus sulfuratus
Social Flycatcher – Myiozetetes similis
Tropical Kingbird – Tyrannus melancholicus
Other notable birds included :
White-winged Dove – Zenaida asiatica
Common Ground-Dove – Columbina passerina
Ruddy Ground-Dove – Columbina talpacoti
Aztec Parakeet – Aratinga astec
Groove-billed Ani – Crotophaga sulcirostris
Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula)
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
Mangrove Swallows (Tachycineta albilinea).
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius),
Common Ground-dove (Columbina passerina pallescens)
Rudy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti)
Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana termophila),
Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus melanocephalus)
White-tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus)
Gray Hawk (Buteo nitidus or plagiatus)
Northern Caracara, or Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway)
Great Black Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga)
Roadside Hawk (Buteo magnirostris)
Hook-billed Kite, Chondrohierax uncinatus
Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus fuliginosus)
Lesser Nighthawks (Chordeiles acutipennis micromeris),
Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinali yucatanicus)
Ferruginous Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum
Snowy (Egretta thula brewsteri),
Great Egrets(Ardea alba egretta)
White Ibises (Eudocimus albus)
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus cachinnans)