Las Coloradas Tour! Boat Ride, Lunch & Rio Lagartos from Cancun

If you’re thinking about booking a tour to Las Coloradas and Ría Lagartos from Cancun, you’re probably curious about what to expect. This particular experience offers a full day filled with natural wonders, wildlife spotting, and some relaxing moments—all wrapped into a well-organized package. Based on what we’ve seen from reviews and the tour details, this trip seems to strike a good balance between adventure and comfort, especially if you’re someone who appreciates learning as much as sightseeing.

What we really like about this tour is how comprehensive it is. You’re not just whisked to the pink lakes; you’re also riding a boat through mangroves, learning about salt production, and even taking a traditional Mayan mud bath. Plus, the inclusion of meals and round-trip transportation makes it feel like a good value for the price, especially considering the long drive from Cancun. On the flip side, the trip’s length and the early start might be a challenge for some—so it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for before booking. This excursion would suit travelers who want a deep dive into natural sights and are happy to spend a good chunk of the day on the road.

Key Points

• Full-day experience with multiple stops and activities
• Includes transportation, meals, and guides for convenience
• Long drive from Cancun (about 3.5 hours each way) requiring patience
• Wildlife spotting including flamingos, crocodiles, pelicans in their habitats
• Educational aspects like salt production and local traditions
• Mixed reviews about guide explanations and organization, but overall positive

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Our focus here is on what makes this tour appealing. It offers a unique opportunity to see the pink lakes of Las Coloradas, which are truly striking. The lakes owe their color to microorganisms called halobacteria that produce a natural pigment—definitely a sight to see in person. You’ll also get to ride a boat through Ría Lagartos, a biosphere reserve teeming with mangroves and wildlife. If you’re into bird-watching, particularly flamingos, this habitat is perfect for spotting them in their natural environment.

Another feature worth mentioning is the insight into salt-making traditions. It’s interesting to see how salt is produced in these salt flats—an age-old process that adds a unique educational layer to the trip. Afterward, there’s an option to indulge in a Mayan mud bath, which many reviews mention as a moisturizing, fun experience.

Transportation and Duration

The tour runs about 12 hours, starting early (around 6:30 am), which means you’ll be leaving Cancun before most people have even finished breakfast. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours each way, so expect some long stretches on the bus. It’s worth noting that most travelers seem to prefer this because it maximizes their time at the stops, but it might be tiring if you’re not a fan of long car rides.

Transportation is included, with pickups from most Cancun hotels, and the group size is capped at 50, which helps keep things manageable. The ride is shared, so you’ll be traveling with other like-minded explorers, which can be fun or a bit crowded depending on your preference.

The Itinerary in Detail

First Stop: Las Coloradas

This is the highlight for many, and rightly so. The pink lakes are truly mesmerizing, with their hues shifting with the sunlight. The tour includes admission, so you won’t have to worry about extra costs here. You’ll get plenty of time—around three hours—to take photos, walk around, and learn from your guide about why the lakes are pink.

Some reviews mention that guides are knowledgeable and pleasant, often sharing insights about the microorganisms and salt production processes. Others point out that explanations can be limited, but overall, the experience is visually stunning enough to make up for it. The real draw is the vibrant color and the chance to see flamingos in their natural habitat, which many travelers say is a privilege.

Second Stop: Ría Lagartos

Next, you’ll venture to Ría Lagartos, a biodiversity hotspot that’s recognized as a biosphere reserve. Here, the focus is on observing wildlife—birds, crocodiles, and more. The tour offers about two hours at this site, giving you plenty of time for boat rides and wildlife viewing.

In the reviews, some mention that guides don’t always give extensive explanations at this stop, but it’s still an opportunity to see wildlife in a natural setting. Watching flamingos wade through the shallow waters is a highlight, especially if you catch them in the right light. This part of the tour feels less structured but offers authentic encounters with nature.

Food and Rest Stops

Food is a definite plus here. You’ll enjoy a box lunch consisting of a sandwich, juice, and fruit—something simple but filling after a busy morning. Later, there’s an option for an authentic local restaurant dish, which is appreciated by travelers looking to taste genuine flavors.

A highlight for many is the Mayan mud bath—a fun, exfoliating experience that’s often described as refreshing and moisturising. Several travelers mention that this makes the day feel more like a full cultural experience, not just sightseeing.

Practical Tips and Considerations

While the tour offers a lot, keep in mind that the long drive means you’ll need patience and a good playlist or movie to pass the time. The early start means missing out on a relaxing morning, but it’s the trade-off for maximizing time at the attractions.

Bring swimsuits, towels, and extra clothes if you want to participate in the mud bath or swim in the lagoons. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Also, don’t forget biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent—the tour emphasizes eco-friendliness and safety.

Keep in mind that government fees (around $27 per person) are not included in the price, so budget accordingly. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but those who dislike long bus rides might find it less appealing. The reviews also note that guides’ explanations can vary, so if you’re a history buff or want detailed info, it might be worth asking questions during the trip.

The Overall Value and Who It’s Best For

This tour, costing $120 per person, offers a solid mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural insights. Many reviewers appreciate the good value for money, especially given the included transport, meals, and guides. The experience is perfect for adventurous travelers craving an immersive day outside Cancun’s hotel zone. It’s also well-suited for those who don’t mind spending hours on a bus and are eager to see some of Mexico’s more unique landscapes.

However, it’s less ideal if you prefer a shorter, more relaxing outing or if you’re not comfortable with long travel times. Families with older children who enjoy wildlife and nature could find this a memorable day, but younger kids might find the trip lengthy and tiring.

To sum it up, if you want a day trip that combines striking scenery, wildlife encounters, and cultural activities with convenience, this tour fits the bill. Just be prepared for an early wake-up and a day packed with exploration.

FAQs

How long is the drive from Cancun to Las Coloradas?
The drive takes about 3.5 hours each way, so plan for a total travel time of around 7 hours, including stops. The early start helps maximize your time at the attractions.

What’s included in the tour?
Round-trip transportation from most Cancun hotels, visits to Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos, a box lunch, an authentic restaurant dish, and a bilingual guide.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, government fees of approximately $27 per person are not included in the ticket price and need to be paid on the day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the long drive. Bring extra clothes and be prepared for a full day of activity.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, towels, extra clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera.

Can I buy drinks at the restaurant?
Beverages are not included, so you’ll need to purchase drinks separately if you want to stay hydrated or enjoy a cold soda or water.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How crowded is the tour?
With a maximum of 50 travelers, it’s a relatively manageable group size, balancing social interaction with comfort.

If you’re craving a full day of natural beauty, wildlife, and local culture with the convenience of organized transport and meals, this tour might be just the thing. It’s a chance to step outside Cancun’s beaches and explore some truly unique sights—just remember to pack your patience and sense of adventure.