Discover the FABULOUS PINK WATERS at the Caribean (Las Coloradas+Río Lagartos)

If you’re considering a day trip from Cancun to see the famous Pink Lakes of Las Coloradas combined with a wildlife tour through Río Lagartos, you’ll find this experience offers some truly memorable moments—along with a few notable quirks. We’ve looked into what it involves, what you can expect, and how it stacks up against similar excursions.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its combination of vibrant scenery and wildlife encounters—it’s a great way to see a different side of the Yucatán beyond the beaches. The boat ride through mangroves is a highlight, allowing you to see flamingos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife. Plus, the inclusion of meals and transportation makes the day fairly smooth, especially for those new to the region.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the long travel times—around 5 hours each way—can be a stretch, especially if you’re not used to long bus rides. The seasonality of the salt lakes also affects what you see; during salt harvest season (July 19 to August 19, 2023), the lakes may not display their characteristic pink hue, which could be disappointing if you’re expecting that vibrant color.

In general, this tour will suit curious travelers eager to see unique natural landscapes and enjoy wildlife spotting, particularly if you’re okay with some long hours on the road. If your priority is a relaxed day at the beach, or you’re traveling with very young children, it might not be the best fit. But for those wanting a glimpse into the salt industry, stunning scenery, and local fauna, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Vivid Salt Lakes: The pink hue is striking, though it can vary based on season.
• Wildlife Encounters: Flamingos, crocodiles, and birdlife are abundant during the boat ride.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Hotel pickup, meals, and transportation are included, making it convenient.
• Long Travel Time: Expect around 10 hours of transportation, which can be tiring.
• Seasonal Variations: The lakes may not appear pink during salt harvest season.
• Mixed Reviews: Guides are praised for their knowledge, but some feedback highlights logistical frustrations.

An In-Depth Look at the Las Coloradas and Río Lagartos Tour

If you’re dreaming about those iconic pink lakes, this tour promises a full day of colorful scenery and wildlife viewing. It’s designed to give you a taste of the Yucatán’s natural beauty while offering some comfort and convenience with included meals and air-conditioned transport.

What the Tour Covers

The day kicks off early, with pickups around 7 am, so be prepared for an early start. The transport is air-conditioned, which is a relief after the heat of the Mexican Caribbean. Once you arrive at Las Coloradas, you get about an hour to enjoy the view—an ideal amount of time for photos, but don’t expect to explore the entire salt complex. The lakes are truly incredible, shimmering in shades from pale orange to deep fuchsia, depending on the season and salt harvesting methods.

A common theme in reviews is that the lakes’ pink color is less intense during salt harvest season (mid-July to mid-August), which can make the typical Instagram shot a bit less dramatic. Several travelers mentioned that during this period, the lakes appear more muted, and some then opt for a tour of the salt extraction process inside the complex (additional costs may apply). If vibrant pink photos are your goal, you might want to plan around the season.

The Río Lagartos Experience

After the lakes, your adventure continues with a boat ride through Río Lagartos’s mangrove reserve. This part of the trip is particularly popular, with flamingos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species often spotted. Multiple reviews highlight the boat ride as a highlight—”the boat ride was nice,” and “we saw a lot of birds, flamingos, and crocodiles,” being common sentiments.

The boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours, with many guests feeling it offers enough time to see the diverse wildlife up close. Plus, the chance to exfoliate with clay from the salt lake adds a fun, tactile element—some reviews mention the salt scrub as a memorable part of the experience.

Food and Rest Breaks

A well-reviewed aspect is the included meals: a breakfast box with sandwich, fruit, juice, and a cookie, plus a lunch at a local restaurant where you can choose regional dishes. Drinks aren’t included, but most travelers find the food satisfying—especially after a long morning of travel. One tip from reviews is to bring extra water and snacks, as a long day on the bus can leave you hungry or dehydrated.

The Downsides

While many reviews sing praises, there are some consistent complaints. Chief among them: the long, sometimes uncomfortable bus ride—approximately 5 hours each way. Some travelers felt the van was too cramped, with no air conditioning or breaks, and a review even recounts a painful incident involving a metal spike. Others found the wait times and multiple pickups tedious, with the overall day stretching past 12 hours.

Another point worth noting is the limited guide commentary. While guides are generally friendly and helpful, some reviews mention that they don’t provide enough background or explanations about what you’re seeing. If you’re someone who loves learning about local culture and landscape, you might find this aspect lacking.

Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Dress comfortably and bring layers, as bus rides can be chilly or hot.
• Bring your own water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
• If you’re traveling with children or prefer a less hectic schedule, this might be a long day. However, the experience is generally safe and well-organized.
• Season matters—expect less pink during salt harvest season, but the natural beauty and wildlife still make it worthwhile.
• Be prepared for the drive—not all vehicles or guides are alike, so check recent reviews if comfort is a priority.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers with a curiosity for natural landscapes and wildlife. If you’re comfortable with long bus rides and looking to capture stunning photos of pink lakes and flamingos, this tour offers real value. It’s also a good fit if you want a well-rounded day with meals included, as opposed to organizing separate activities.

It’s less ideal for those seeking a relaxed, scenic escape or traveling with very young children due to the lengthy journey and busy schedule. Also, if vibrant pink lakes are a must-see and you’re visiting during salt harvest season, be aware that the lakes might not look as picture-perfect as in other times of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered, making the early start and long day more manageable.

How long is the total tour?
Expect around 12 to 14 hours, including pick-up, travel, and transfers.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers air-conditioned transport, breakfast and lunch, guided tours, and the boat ride. Drinks at the restaurant are extra.

Can I see the pink lakes in full color year-round?
The lakes tend to be less pink during salt harvest season from July 19 to August 19, 2023, so the vibrant color may not always be visible.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, there’s a $27 USD federal tax for Las Coloradas and an optional viewpoint ticket at $8 USD.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While it’s suitable for most travelers, the long bus ride and busy schedule might be less enjoyable for very young children.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sun protection, water, snacks, and maybe a camera with good zoom for bird and flamingo spotting.

What’s the most memorable part of the tour?
The wildlife watching from the boat and the spectacular salt lakes are usually the highlights, as many reviews praise the stunning scenery and animal encounters.

Final Thoughts

This Cancun tour to Las Coloradas and Río Lagartos offers a compelling mix of spectacular visuals, wildlife encounters, and local culture. It’s an experience that appeals to those eager to see unique landscapes and don’t mind a long day on the road. Expect some logistical quirks and seasonal variability in the lakes’ color, but also enjoy the chance to see flamingos and crocodiles up close in their natural habitat.

If you’re someone who values organized, all-inclusive trips and is okay with the travel time, this could be a memorable addition to your Mexican Caribbean adventure. Just go with realistic expectations about comfort and timing, and you’ll likely come away with some incredible photos and new stories to tell.

Ready for your adventure? Just remember: pack light, bring patience, and soak in every colorful moment.