Playa del Carmen: Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas Tour

If you’re thinking about taking a day trip from Playa del Carmen to see the unique pink lakes of Las Coloradas and spot wildlife in the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, you’ve come to the right place. This tour promises a scenic boat ride, interesting salt-making insights, and a tasty seafood lunch, all packed into roughly 12 hours. While it offers some memorable sights, it’s not without its quirks and hiccups, so it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking.

What we really appreciate about this trip is the chance to see the vibrant pink ponds—a sight that’s hard to find elsewhere—and the chance to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Plus, the seafood lunch prepared by local villagers is a highlight for many travelers, offering authentic flavors and a nice touch of local life. However, it’s also important to be aware that transportation can be chaotic, and some visitors found the overall experience quite disorganized. If you’re someone who values smooth logistics and detailed guides, this might not be the ideal choice. That said, if you’re curious about these natural wonders and don’t mind a few rough edges, it could be worth a go.

This tour is best suited for travelers eager to see the unique salt ponds, enjoy a boat safari, and sample local cuisine—all in a single day. It’s a solid pick for those who want a good mix of nature, culture, and tasty food, but perhaps not the best option if you’re after a seamless, highly curated experience.

Key Points

• Stunning visuals of the pink lakes make this tour memorable.
• Wildlife spotting in Rio Lagartos offers a glimpse of flamingos, crocodiles, and more.
• The seafood lunch is fresh and authentic, a real reward after a long day.
• Transport issues have been a common complaint, with some guests experiencing chaos and breakdowns.
• Guides may vary in informativeness, with some travelers wishing for more detailed commentary.
• Duration is about 12 hours, so be prepared for a full day out.
• Pricing offers a decent value considering all included activities but be aware of extra costs like taxes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Pickup and Transportation

We start with a pickup from Playa del Carmen, which is usually smooth, depending on your hotel location. Once on the road, though, the experience can vary. Several reviews mention transport as a weak point—guests have described traveling in cramped vans or big buses with little to no legroom. One reviewer from Italy pointed out the transport was a “total disaster,” citing flat tires, broken jacks, and long waits. Another mentioned that the return journey was equally uncomfortable, with a small van breaking down mid-trip.

The value for money is decent considering the long drive and all the logistics covered, but don’t expect luxury or even pristine comfort. The tour is a full 12 hours, so a little patience with the travel is necessary—especially if your hotel’s far from Playa del Carmen.

Las Coloradas — The Pink Lakes

The first stop is at Las Coloradas, famous for its spectacular pink ponds. You’ll get about an hour here, enough to walk around and snap some photos. The salt ponds are striking, especially if the weather’s clear; the color really pops against the blue sky and green surroundings. The guide will explain the salt-making process and the reason behind the pink hue, which comes from algae and brine shrimp thriving in the salty water.

Some guests have mentioned that the area can get crowded, and there’s not much shade or facilities. Still, it’s a unique sight that makes your trip worthwhile. Be mindful of your timing, as sometimes the light makes a difference in how vibrant the ponds look.

Rio Lagartos — Wildlife and Boat Tour

Next, you’ll head into the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve for about three hours. This part is often the highlight. You’ll sail through mangroves and observe a rich variety of wildlife: flamingos, pelicans, herons, eagles, and crocodiles. We loved the way the boat trip allows you to see animals in their natural environment, rather than in a zoo.

An interesting note from a reviewer pointed out that the boat tour was quite beautiful, but the guide’s commentary could be more informative. One traveler said, “The guide was good at pointing things out but could have shared more about the animals and ecosystem.” Still, the sightings themselves tend to be impressive, especially if you’re lucky with the timing and weather.

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The Mayan Mud Bath and Refreshing Swim

Another special feature is the opportunity to take a Mayan mud bath. You’ll visit some mud mounds where you can moisturize your skin with natural clay. Afterwards, there’s a chance to swim in fresh water—refreshing after a hot day of exploring. These moments are simple but add a cultural and relaxing element to the trip.

The Seafood Lunch

After the boat ride, you’ll be treated to a local seafood lunch, prepared by villagers. Many reviewers mention the delicious flavors and fresh ingredients. One said the lunch was a “highlight,” especially appreciated after a long morning. You typically get to choose your dish, and the meal is served in a casual, friendly setting, giving you a taste of local life.

Some guests have noted that the lunch isn’t a buffet and that only one dish is served, which might feel limiting for some. Also, there’s an extra Preservation Tax of $27 USD per person, so factor that into your overall costs. Be aware that drinks are not included, so bring some cash if you want beverages.

The End of the Day and Return

After lunch and some free time, the tour wraps up with the return journey to Playa del Carmen. As one review pointed out, the trip back can be long and tiring, especially if traffic is heavy or the transport experiences issues. The total time can stretch beyond 12 hours, depending on your hotel location.

What the Reviews Say

With just five reviews, opinions are mixed. One traveler rated it 5 out of 5, praising the guide’s ability to coordinate and the overall experience, though they wished for more detailed information from the guide. Another, from Italy, gave it a 3 out of 5, criticizing the chaotic transport and mediocre lunch. The lowest ratings, 1 and 2 out of 5, focus heavily on poor transport, lack of guidance, and disappointing wildlife encounters.

It’s clear that while the sights are stunning, the experience can be marred by logistical issues and uneven guide quality. The boat tour itself, however, seems consistently appreciated for the chance to see animals in the wild.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a full day of nature, cultural insights, and delicious local food, and you’re okay with some rough edges, this tour could suit you. It’s especially appealing if you want to see the unique pink lakes and enjoy a boat safari without spending a fortune.

However, if you prefer smooth logistics, detailed guided commentary, or are sensitive to transport chaos, you might find the experience frustrating. It’s also not ideal if you’re looking for a luxury or very comfortable day, given the reported transport issues and long drive.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a good chance to witness some truly unusual scenery and spot wildlife in a natural setting. The pink lakes are worth seeing, and the seafood meal adds authenticity to the experience. Still, the transport and organization can be inconsistent, which may detract from the overall enjoyment.

It’s a decent option for curious travelers who are flexible and eager to explore less-touristy sights with an eye on adventure rather than perfection. If you’re prepared for some bumps along the way and eager to see a rare natural wonder, this trip can be a memorable part of your Yucatán adventures.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 12 hours, including pickups, travel, sightseeing, and meals. Be prepared for a full day of activity.

What’s included in the price?
Included are entrance fees to Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos, bottled water, a box lunch, transportation, and a seafood meal. Be aware of an extra $27 USD preservation tax.

Is transportation comfortable?
Not always. Some guests have experienced cramped vans or buses, and there have been reports of breakdowns and delays. Expect a long journey with some discomfort.

Can I see flamingos and crocodiles?
Yes, wildlife sightings are common, especially flamingos, pelicans, herons, eagles, and crocodiles, during the boat tour.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, camera, water, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, towels, and extra clothes.

Is the lunch buffet or a set meal?
It’s a set meal, with guests choosing one dish. The lunch is praised for its freshness but is not a buffet.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not specifically geared toward families or children, but older kids who enjoy wildlife and boat rides may find it interesting. Consider the long travel time.

This trip offers incredible sights and authentic experiences, but it’s best suited for travelers who are adaptable and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability. With the right mindset, it can be a rewarding day exploring one of Mexico’s most colorful and wildlife-rich areas.

You can check availability for your dates here: