Where to See Flamingos in Mexico
Is seeing the pink flamingos something you want to tick off your Mexico bucket list? Great news! I prepared for you a list of best places to see flamingos in Mexico.
These long-legged pink birds are usually found on the Yucatan Peninsula, a beautiful coastal region filled with palm-fringed beaches, spectacular wildlife, cenotes, Maya villages and well-restored archaeological masterpieces.
Flamingos live in colonies to protect each other and the young ones. Having a chance to see a large flock of flamingos in their natural habitat was one of the most unforgettable experiences of your holiday.
Some of you can be a little disappointed about the fact that flamingos in Mexico can be seen only in the distance. You cannot touch and feed them. Remember that flamingos are really shy birds, so be quiet and keep distance to get the best views. In order to see them a bit closer, I recommend to take your binoculars or super-zoom camera with you. Here is a list of 5 places to see flamingos in Mexico.
1. Rio Lagartos
Río Lagartos is a fishing village with a laid back vibe located just 2,5 h drive from Merida. It is probably the best spot to observe flamingos in Mexico. Situated within the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Lagartos, it provides a wide range of different activities, from bird photography tour, fishing to night crocodile tour.
The season to see flamingos in Rio Lagartos lasts all year long, so you don’t have to worry to miss them!
2. Los Coloradas
Los Coloradas is the Yucatan is home to cotton-candy lagoon that gets its unique color from plankton and brine shrimps. You can also spot pink flamingos hanging out in the pink waters! Did you know that they get their vibrant pink color from eating the creatures from the pink lake?
Just a couple of years go, you could swim in this pink paradise and get a bit closer to the flamingos, but today these lakes are protected by security and it is not allowed to explore it by yourself, only with a guide. The best moment of the day to see pink lakes and flamingos is around noon, when everything turns bright pink.
3. Isla Holbox
Another place to see flamingos in Mexico is Isla Holbox, the small island located 20 minutes ferry ride from Cancun. Isla Holbox is often called Yucatan’s kept secret. If offers laid-back vibes, turquoise waters and white sand stretch fringed by palms and incredible sunsets. But perhaps, what most people love the most about the Isla Holbox are pink wild flamingos! The best spot to see them in their natural habitat is Punta Mosquito. It is said that the most exciting time to spot flamingos in Isla Holbox is from April to October.
4. Celestun
Celestun also has the densest concentration of pink flamingos in Mexico! Between November and April it’s the best time to visit flamingos in Celestun. This place is also home to 300 species of birds, crocodiles and mangrove forests. You need to book a tour to see the flamingos in Celestun as since are best viewed by boat. The tour price is per boat, not per person, so you will need to find a group to get the best price or wait till the boat is full.
5. Progreso
One of the most attractive day trips from Merida is a trip to Progreso. There are two main attractions that draw tourists to this places such as flamingos and pink salt waters. Of all the locations mentioned above, Progreso is the least popular destination to see flamingos in Mexico, as this is still a new location for them.