The Legacy of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve :
The Rio Lagartos Adventures Team
Founded and led by Don Diego A. Nuñez Martinez, one of the first formally trained and certified guides in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, our team represents the gold standard of eco-tourism in the Yucatan.
Why Expertise Matters: Our Commitment to the Ría
“In a world of part-time boatmen, Rio Lagartos Adventures stands apart through a lifelong commitment to professional excellence. Our foundation is built on more than three decades of formal scientific training, international certifications, and a deep-rooted responsibility to the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.
When you choose to explore with us, you are guided by a team that:
Pioneered Ecotourism: Don Diego was among the first recognized ecotourism specialists in the Reserve, beginning his formal journey in 1996.
Educated the Next Generation: In 1998, Don Diego served as an official Lead Instructor, training the very first generation of naturalist guides in the region.
Meets International Standards: Our training includes over 700 hours of intensive bilingual instruction in natural history and safety, certified by RARE International and the Houston Audubon Society.
Prioritizes Quality: We are proud holders of the Distintivo M, a federal recognition for the highest standards in tourism management and customer service.
Formal scientific training in local bird life, ensuring accurate and educational sightings on every tour.
1998
Rural Resources & Tourism (RARE Center for Tropical Conservation)
Advanced training in managing tourism that supports local communities and protects nature.
1998
First Generation Instructor (SEMARNAP/Ría Lagartos)
Diego served as a Lead Instructor for the very first training course for Naturalist Guides in the region.
1999
Bilingual Naturalist Guide (RARE International)
Completed over 700 hours of intensive training in English and Natural History with one of the highest marks in the group.
2003
Environmental Interpretation Guide (SECTUR)
Certified to provide professional narration and deep environmental context for every ecosystem encounter.
2009
Moderniza Quality Seal (Distintivo M) (SECTUR / UADY)
A federal recognition for the highest standards in business management and customer service excellence.
2011
Environmental Educator (Houston Audubon Society / Niños y Crías)
Specialized training in partnership with international ornithological leaders to promote bird conservation.
“Since 1995, we have served as voluntary guardians of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Our commitment to the ecosystem goes beyond tourism; it is a lifelong duty to the species that call this estuary home.”
Official CONANP Partners: For three decades, we have worked hand-in-hand with CONANP on the front lines of habitat protection.
Flamingo Banding & Monitoring: We are active participants in the official flamingo banding programs, helping scientists track and protect the health of the colony.
Scientific Reporting: Our team regularly monitors and reports flamingo bands, providing critical data to international conservation databases.
WWF Collaboration: We are proud to support the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in their volunteer initiatives to preserve the biodiversity of the Yucatán.
“Nature is not our business; it is our life.”
The Mentors Section
“Our Foundation in Science”:
“We are honored to have been shaped by the leaders of Mexican conservation. Don Diego’s expertise was forged through the mentorship of Barbara MacKinnon, the foremost authority on Yucatan birds, and Rodrigo Migoya von Bertrab, a leader in regional habitat protection. This high-level training ensures that every tour we lead is scientifically accurate and environmentally responsible.”
“Continuing the legacy of our mentors in conservation.”
Barbara McKinnon & Don Diego
“From left to right: Don Diego, Laura N. , Andrea Nuñez, and Rodrigo Migoya von Bertrab “
Our Vision:
Excellence Through Training
Unlike others who may alternate between commercial fishing and tourism, the members of the Rio Lagartos Adventures team are full-time professionals.
Every guide has been personally mentored and trained by Don Diego to ensure they share his unwavering vision:
Total Protection:
A commitment to the ecosystem that goes beyond a boat ride.
Reputation of Trust:
Every tour is an investment in our future and yours. We treat every visitor, scientist, and photographer with the highest level of professional care.
True Expertise:
Our knowledge isn’t copied from a book or a website; it is lived every day. We specialize deeply in Birding, Wildlife Photography, and specialized Sport Fishing (Catch & Release).
“Why the Original Matters: Choosing the Right Expert.”
In recent years, many have tried to imitate our name and copy our words. But experience cannot be copied. * We are Specialists, not Generalists: We do not engage in commercial fishing or other extractive activities.
Our entire livelihood is dedicated to the preservation and professional guiding of the Reserve.
The Next Generation: Don Diego’s mission is to ensure that the same passion and ethical standards he started years ago are carried forward. When you book with us, you are supporting a legacy of conservation that will protect Rio Lagartos for generations to come.
A Proven Track Record: While new services appear every day with modern facilities, our #1 Ranking on TripAdvisor is the result of decades of consistent, high-quality service and real traveler trust.
Feature
Rio Lagartos Adventures (The Original)
Generic / “Copycat” Tours
Experience
Since 1995. Pioneered nature guiding in the Reserve.
Usually 1–3 years or recently started.
Guide Status
100% Full-Time Professionals. Dedicated only to nature.
“Part-time” (often commercial fishermen on off-days).
Training
Personally trained by Don Diego Nuñez (First certified guide).
Self-taught or basic boat license only.
Wildlife Ethics
“Nature First.” Strict distances to protect nesting/feeding.
Often get too close or disturb animals for “selfies.”
Specialization
Experts in Birding, Photography, & Catch-and-Release.
Basic “sightseeing” with limited species knowledge.
Tour Type
Strictly Private. Your pace, your interests, your silence.
Often “collective” or rushed to fit more groups in.
Reputation
#1 on TripAdvisor with decades of verified history.
Unverified reviews or using similar names to confuse guests.
Official certification from Rare (Arlington, USA) confirming the professional training and high capabilities of Don Diego Nuñez.”
The Gold Standard: 700 Hours of Professional Training
While many operators in the region are self-taught or hold basic permits, the Rio Lagartos Adventures standard is built on a foundation of elite international education. Our founder, Don Diego Nuñez, was selected and trained by Rare (a global leader in conservation) in an intensive program that remains the benchmark for ecological guiding in the Yucatan.
What 700 hours of training means for your experience:
Scientific Knowledge: Deep instruction in the natural and cultural history of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Safety & Logistics: 70 days of immersion training, including professional first aid and group management.
Environmental Integrity: A proven methodology for “Environmental Interpretation” designed specifically to minimize impact on the Reserve’s fragile ecosystem.
Top-Tier Performance: Don Diego completed this rigorous 10-week program with one of the highest academic marks in his group.
When you book with us, you are not just hiring a boat; you are hiring a lifetime of certified expertise.
Official Recognition from RARE (Arlington, USA)
Date: March 6, 2009
To whom it may concern:
This letter serves to certify that Mr. Diego Antonio Núñez Martinez, a resident of Río Lagartos, Yucatán, successfully completed the Bilingual Naturalist Guide Training Program implemented by Rare during the 1998-1999 period. In fact, Diego finished the intensive 10-week program with one of the highest marks in the group. Furthermore, Rare grants him this recommendation as a bilingual guide with high capabilities in managing groups in a safe environment that minimizes environmental impacts.
The Bilingual Naturalist Guide Training Course provides more than 700 hours of formal instruction in:
English for naturalist guides
Natural and cultural history of the Yucatán Peninsula
Environmental interpretation
First aid
The guides studied for 10 hours a day, with a group of 7 instructors, for a period of 70 days in an immersion environment. All classes consisted of field practice components.
It is our understanding that the diploma originally awarded to Diego upon completion of the course was lost during a hurricane. With this letter, Rare certifies the capabilities acquired by Diego Núñez during this course.
Sincerely,Cynthia Brown MayoralDirector of the Fisheries Fellows Program, RareFormer Manager of the Naturalist Guide Training Program.
“Don Diego during the intensive 70-day RARE training program, 1998.”
“Field practice in environmental interpretation and birding, 1998.”
The Foundation of an Expert: Training with Rare (1988-1989)
“My journey did not begin with a boat; it began with a commitment to the earth. In 1988, I was selected to participate in an intensive, pioneering program led by Rare, an international conservation organization dedicated to protecting the world’s most threatened ecosystems.
As part of the first generation of formally trained ecological guides in the Yucatan Peninsula, I didn’t just learn how to identify birds; I learned the science of conservation and the responsibility of being a ‘Naturalist.’ This training transformed my vision of the Ría Lagartos. It taught me that a guide is a bridge between nature and humanity—a guardian whose job is to protect the habitat while educating the visitor.
While many today call themselves guides, my foundation was built by international experts over 35 years ago. This heritage is what I pass down to my team today.”
Founder & Pioneer Naturalist
A Message from Don Diego A. Nuñez Martinez
“I founded Rio Lagartos Adventures with a strict philosophy: Guiding is a profession, not a hobby. In recent years, many have entered this Reserve offering tours. However, there is a profound difference between a commercial fisherman who takes tourists out on his ‘day off’ and a specialized naturalist who has dedicated his life to the Ría.
At Rio Lagartos Adventures, my team and I are 100% full-time professionals. We do not alternate our time with commercial fishing or other activities. This is not a side business for us; it is our life’s work. When you book with an amateur, you risk more than just a bad tour—you risk the safety of the wildlife and the quality of your experience.
I have personally trained every member of my team to meet my own rigorous standards.
I have taught them that:
True expertise cannot be ‘copied and pasted’ from a website. It is earned through decades of observation and thousands of hours in the field.
Reputation is everything. We do not cut corners, we do not disturb the nesting grounds for a ‘cheap thrill,’ and we do not compromise on the quality of our equipment or our knowledge.
Excellence is non-negotiable. We are proud to be the #1 rated service on TripAdvisor because we offer a level of precision in Birding, Photography, and Fly-Fishing that part-time operators simply cannot match.
When you choose Rio Lagartos Adventures, you are choosing the original authority. You are choosing a team that lives for this Reserve, protects its future, and respects your investment as a traveler. Do not settle for an imitation—trust the legacy we have built since 1995.”
Diego Nuñez Marfil Jr. | Lead Expedition Guide
Specialties:Fly Fishing (Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit), Specialized Birding, and Offshore Expeditions.
“Continuing a lifelong family legacy, Diego Jr. represents the next generation of professional guiding in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere. Having grown up in the heart of the reserve, his expertise is not just learned—it is lived.
Personally mentored by his father, Don Diego, Diego Jr. has mastered the delicate balance between high-performance guiding and strict conservation ethics. He is the lead specialist for our high-end fly fishing expeditions and technical birding tours, known for his precision in spotting elusive species and his deep understanding of marine ecology.
Beyond the Ría, Diego Jr. leads our premier expeditions to the Alacranes Reef, where his technical navigation skills and knowledge of offshore habitats provide guests with a world-class, safe, and elite sporting experience.
Certified and committed, Diego Jr. ensures that the Rio Lagartos Adventures standard of excellence remains the benchmark for the years to come.“
Andrea Nuñez | Master Naturalist & Birding Specialist The First Certified Female Guide in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
Specialties: Advanced Birdwatching, Ecosystem Interpretation, and Environmental Education.
“A true pioneer in the region, Andrea Nuñez holds the historic distinction of being the first woman to become a certified professional guide in both the town of Río Lagartos and the Biosphere Reserve. As a cornerstone of the new generation at Rio Lagartos Adventures, her expertise combines deep scientific observation with the legacy of a lifelong passion for nature.
Mentored directly by her father, Don Diego, Andrea has been forged under a philosophy of strict conservation ethics and professional rigor. She specializes in the most technical and demanding aspects of nature guiding: Specialized Birdwatching and Natural Interpretation. Her precision in identifying elusive species and her ability to explain the complex ecological relationships of the wetlands make her an invaluable leader for professional birders, photographers, and scientific researchers.
Andrea excels in navigating the most sensitive habitats of the reserve, transforming every expedition into an immersive educational experience. By breaking barriers and setting the gold standard for female professionals in Yucatán’s ecotourism, she ensures that our family’s legacy of excellence and protection remains stronger than ever.
With Andrea, you are not just exploring the Ría; you are being guided by a historic pioneer and a master of environmental interpretation.”
Ángel Navarro Nuñez | Certified Specialist & Professional Captain
The New Generation of Excellence
Specialties:High-Precision Navigation, Wildlife Tracking, and Safety Logistics.
“Ángel Navarro Nuñez represents the vibrant future of Rio Lagartos Adventures. As the youngest certified guide in our team—and in the region—Ángel is the perfect example of how traditional legacy meets modern professional standards.
Despite his youth, Ángel holds every official certification required for elite ecotourism, having been trained from an early age under the rigorous philosophy of his uncle, Don Diego Nuñez. His energy and sharp eye for wildlife spotting make him a favorite for photographers and active adventurers.
Ángel specializes in high-precision navigation through the intricate mangrove channels, always prioritizing the safety of his guests and the integrity of the ecosystem. His presence in our team ensures that the Nuñez family’s ‘Gold Standard’ of guiding will continue to lead the Ría Lagartos Biosphere for decades to come.
Certified, professional, and full of passion—Ángel is a Master-level guide in the making.“
The Nuñez Family: A Legacy of Conservation
Three Generations. One Vision. Total Protection.
In Ría Lagartos, the name Nuñez is synonymous with the birth of ecotourism. What began over 30 years ago with Don Diego’s pioneering vision has evolved into a family institution dedicated to the professional defense of our ecosystem.
We are not a group of independent boatmen; we are a synchronized team of specialists bound by the same DNA of excellence and the same ethical code.
Meet the Masters of the Ría:
Don Diego Nuñez (The Founder): The pioneer who set the gold standard and mentored a generation of naturalist guides.
Andrea Nuñez (The Pioneer): The first woman certified in the region, bringing a master-level perspective to birding and interpretation.
Diego Nuñez Jr. (The Specialist): The lead for high-performance fly fishing and technical offshore expeditions.
Ángel Navarro Nuñez (The Future): The youngest fully-certified professional, representing the energy and precision of the new era.
“When you book with us, you are not just hiring a guide; you are becoming part of a legacy that has protected this water, these birds, and this town since 1995. We don’t just know the Ría—we are the Ría.”
CODIGO DE EXCELENCIA / CODE OF EXCELLENCE.
Rio Lagartos Adventures
1. Trato Personalizado / Personalized Service
“Dirígete siempre al visitante por su nombre con el mayor respeto.”
“Always address every guest by their name with the utmost respect.”
2. Contacto Visual / Eye Contact
“Establece confianza desde el primer encuentro.”
“Establish trust from the very first encounter.”
3. Identidad Especialista / Specialist Identity
“Preséntate como un guía experto y especialista de la Reserva.”
“Introduce yourself as an expert and specialist of the Reserve.”
4. Pulcritud y Presencia / Appearance & Presence
“Refleja tu profesionalismo con un uniforme limpio y una imagen impecable.”
“Reflect your professionalism with a clean uniform and an impeccable image.”
5. Puntualidad / Punctuality
“Valora el tiempo del visitante iniciando cada expedición con precisión.”
“Value the guest’s time by starting every expedition with precision.”
6. Empatía y Confort / Empathy & Comfort
“Anticipa y cuida cada necesidad de tus invitados.”
“Anticipate and care for every need of your guests.”
7. Respeto e Inclusión / Respect & Inclusion
“Reconoce el valor de cada persona, sea colega o visitante.”
“Recognize the value of every person, whether colleague or guest.”
8. Calidez Humana / Genuine Hospitality
“Se un anfitrion de clase mundial, genuina y profesional.”
“Provide world-class hospitality, both genuine and professional.”
9. Conocimiento Ético / Expert Knowledge
“Comparte tu conocimiento con maestría y respeta el espacio de otros.”
“Share your knowledge with mastery and respect the space of others.”
10. Despedida Memorable / Memorable Farewell
“Asegura una despedida que inspire un recuerdo eterno.”
“Ensure a farewell that inspires a lasting memory.”
11. Ética de Campo / Field Ethics
“Protege el hábitat y mantén una distancia ética de la fauna.”
“Protect the habitat and maintain an ethical distance from wildlife.”
12. Seguridad y Maestría / Safety & Mastery
“Mantente siempre listo, preparado y con maestría profesional.”
“Always remain ready, prepared, and with professional mastery.”
Sencillez, Generosidad y Asombro
Los sellos distintivos de un guía experto: ser accesible y apreciado, compartir décadas de conocimiento sin reservas y mantener la pasión para tratar cada avistamiento como si fuera el primero.
Simplicity, Generosity, and Wonder
The hallmarks of an expert guide: being accessible and beloved, sharing decades of knowledge without reservation, and maintaining the passion to treat every sighting as if it were the first.
