Magical Tour Las Coloradas Natural Pink Lagoon from Riviera Maya

If you’re exploring the Riviera Maya and craving a mix of stunning nature, cultural insights, and a touch of relaxation, the Las Coloradas Pink Lagoon tour offers just that. With a full-day itinerary that combines the famous pink waters, lush mangrove boat rides, and rejuvenating Mayan mud baths, it promises a memorable adventure. While the trip is packed with interesting stops and local flavors, it does demand a long day of travel—perfect for those eager to explore beyond the usual beaches.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its ability to blend nature, wildlife, and authentic local cuisine into one seamless experience. You’ll love how each stop offers something unique—whether it’s the mesmerizing pink lagoon, birdwatching in Rio Lagartos, or the soothing mud bath. The inclusion of a box lunch and seafood dish adds delicious value, and the boat ride through mangroves is both scenic and educational. That said, it’s worth noting the 12-hour+ duration might be a stretch for some travelers, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who love nature, photography, and local culture. If you’re curious about salt production, enjoy spotting flamingos, or simply want to escape the more crowded tourist spots for a day, this experience is well worth considering. It’s also a good fit for those who don’t mind early mornings and long travel times, as the start time is at 6:30 am.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Combines wildlife, salt production, and local cuisine for a well-rounded day.
• Scenic Boat Ride: Offers a peaceful cruise through mangroves with chances to see flamingos and crocodiles.
• Relaxing Mud Bath: Includes a traditional Mayan exfoliation treatment for unwinding.
• Delicious Food: Features a box lunch, local seafood, and the potential for tasty, fresh tapas.
• Long Day: Expect around 12 hours, including travel time and multiple stops.
• All-Inclusive Value: Pickup, boat ride, food, and mud bath are included, with optional extra government fees.

The Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Las Coloradas: The Pink Lagoon

Your day begins bright and early with pickup from Riviera Maya around 6:30 am. The highlight here is the famous pink lagoon, renowned for its surreal hue caused by salt concentrations and microorganisms. The water’s particular shade varies depending on sunlight, so don’t be surprised if it looks different during your visit—morning light tends to produce softer pinks, while sunset can deepen the color.

The lagoon is a photographer’s dream, with reflective waters and vibrant colors. It’s also an intriguing window into salt production, with some guides explaining the process and the ecological importance of this salt flats area. Visitors often comment on the quiet beauty of this spot and the chance to snap some truly memorable photos.

Rio Lagartos: Mangroves and Wildlife

Next, the tour moves to Rio Lagartos, where you’ll hop on a boat to explore its biodiverse biosphere reserve. The boat ride, lasting approximately two and a half hours, is a major highlight, especially for bird lovers. You might see flamingos, herons, and other coastal birds—some reviewers mention that guides are quite knowledgeable about local wildlife, making spotting and identification easier.

The boat also takes you through the mangrove forests, offering close-up views of crocodiles basking on the banks. This part of the tour balances educational insights with the chance to simply relax and enjoy nature’s quiet brilliance. A key benefit here is the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat, which adds depth to the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Mayan Mud Bath and Exfoliation

After the boat ride, you’ll enjoy a traditional Mayan exfoliation—a mud bath meant to moisturize and relax the skin. Reviewers describe it as a soothing, revitalizing experience, with many noting how smooth their skin felt afterward. It’s a chance to unwind after a morning of travel and exploration, and the mud’s mineral-rich properties are believed to have healing benefits.

Seafood and Local Cuisine

Included in the tour is a delicious seafood dish, prepared by local cooks. Many guests praise the quality and freshness of the food, often describing it as flavorful and authentic. The box lunch, which includes a sandwich, juice, and an apple, is simple but satisfying, providing enough energy for the day’s activities.

Additional Tips for Travelers

Be prepared for a full schedule. The tour requires comfortable clothing and shoes, as well as extra clothes, swimsuits, and towels for the mud bath and swimming opportunities. Also, don’t forget biodegradable sunscreen and sunglasses to shield against the sun while on the boat and at the lagoon.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from Riviera Maya, making logistics straightforward. The group size is limited to a maximum of 60 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate enough for personalized attention but large enough to feel lively. Expect the trip to last around 12 hours, considering traffic and the various stops, so it’s a good idea to prepare for an early start.

Price and Value

At $115 per person, the tour offers good value, considering the included boat ride, mud bath, food, and transportation. The additional government fee of $27 applies at the end, which you should budget for. Many reviews highlight that the experience is worth the cost, especially for wildlife enthusiasts and those craving authentic local flavors.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour is perfect if you want a full-day adventure that balances nature, culture, and relaxation. You’ll leave with photos of stunning pink waters, a new appreciation for salt production, and a refreshed feeling after the mud bath. The inclusion of a tasty seafood meal makes it a satisfying experience on all fronts.

However, if you’re sensitive to long days or have limited time in the area, keep in mind the 12+ hour duration. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure, wildlife spotting, or simply want to see a different side of the Yucatán beyond beaches and cenotes.

In sum, this trip offers a well-curated glimpse into the ecological and cultural richness of the region, wrapped in a comfortable, all-inclusive package. Whether you’re a nature lover, avid photographer, or curious traveler, you’ll find plenty to love here.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including travel time, with early pickup at 6:30 am and return later in the day.

What’s included in the price?
Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, boat ride in Rio Lagartos, the visit to Las Coloradas, a Mayan exfoliation mud bath, a box lunch, and a bottle of water.

Are there any extra fees?
Yes, there is a government preservation fee of $27 per person, payable at the end of the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with long days and outdoor activities.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, extra clothes, swimsuits, towels, biodegradable sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Can I buy additional drinks at the restaurant?
Yes, beverages in the restaurant are not included, so you can purchase them separately.

What is the best time to see the pink lagoon?
The shade varies with sunlight, so mornings and late afternoons tend to produce the most striking pinks, but the lagoon looks beautiful throughout the day.

This tour offers a genuine chance to connect with the natural beauty and local culture of the Yucatán. For those interested in wildlife, photography, or simply a different kind of adventure, it’s a worthwhile option that combines sightseeing with relaxation and flavor.