Private Las Coloradas and Ria Lagartos Tour

On the northern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, past the fishing town of Rio Lagartos, a shallow lagoon glows shades of pink that most visitors only see in photographs. This private, full-day tour takes you to Las Coloradas and the Ria Lagartos biosphere reserve, pairing the color of the salt flats with the wildlife of one of the region's most protected wetlands. Because the tour is private, you set your own pickup time, and the day unfolds at a pace built around a small group rather than a packed bus.

The first stop is the salt works themselves, run on private land that belongs to Industria Salinera de Yucatan, part of Grupo Roche, the company behind Sal Sol and the leading sea salt producer in Mexico. A guide walks you through how the salt is harvested from these evaporation ponds, an operation that has also long supported jobs in the surrounding communities. This is where the tour earns its name: the water here turns a striking pink from the concentration of minerals and microorganisms, and you get time to photograph the ponds before moving on.

From the salt flats, the day shifts into the Ria Lagartos Natural Park, a wildlife reserve that opens off the quiet fishing village of Rio Lagartos. Locals consider it something of a hidden corner of the peninsula, and the pace here is unhurried by design. Inside the reserve you have the chance to spot flamingos wading through the shallows alongside pelicans, seagulls, and other seabirds that nest in the extensive mangrove stands lining the water. Crocodiles also inhabit these waters, and the guide points out the different species and habitats as you move through the reserve. There is also an opportunity to swim in the nearby Caribbean waters, a refreshing break between the salt flats and the mangroves. The day winds down with a meal enjoyed in the open surroundings of the reserve, timed to let you take in the sunset before heading back.

This tour suits travelers who want a slower, nature-focused day away from the resort corridor, ideally paired with an interest in birdwatching, photography, or simply seeing a landscape unlike the beaches of the Riviera Maya. Because it runs as a private excursion rather than a shared group tour, it works well for couples, families, or small parties who prefer to move at their own pace and choose their own start time. The itinerary calls for at least a moderate level of physical fitness, and it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, so keep that in mind when deciding if the day is a good fit.

Since this is a private tour, logistics are handled directly with you: you choose your preferred pickup time, and the operator confirms it by email, text, or WhatsApp ahead of the day. Transportation is private and air-conditioned for the drive between the salt flats and the reserve. Unlimited water is provided on board, kept cool in a cooler, along with a la carte food during the day. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and gratuities and souvenirs are left to your discretion and are not part of the tour price.

Given the mix of walking around the salt ponds, boat time in the reserve, and swimming, comfortable footwear that can get wet, sun protection, and a swimsuit are worth packing. A camera or phone with plenty of storage is also useful, since both the pink lagoon and the mangrove wildlife make for a day heavy on photo opportunities. With roughly nine hours between the salt works and the reserve, pacing yourself and staying hydrated with the provided water helps you get the most out of both stops.