Quick Trip to Celestun

 Celestun

Celestun is located West of Merida and about an hour drive away. Many go here to see the migrating flamingos. We did too!

The flamingos migrate back and forth here every year and breed and feed on the brine shrimp that gives them their striking pink color.

There are several boats that can take you out but we recommend using Parador Turistico Celestun. It's on the left side as you are coming into the town. It is a little more expensive than other boat tours but this company is insured and takes care to preserve the safety of both it's passengers and the wildlife. We got an amazing guide, Henry. He said he was learning English but it was spot on. He was very knowledgeable and was telling us that he got to work for National Geographic a few times to film the flamingos. The boat cost $2000 pesos and you have to have at least 6 people. So when you divide that amongst your group it's not too bad! I wasn't able to get great pictures on my phone but in person it was amazing.

                

It's about an hour tour all together. Henry told us so many interesting facts about both the area and the flamingos. There's a place called Bird Island where Cormorants nest and rest.

The tour takes you to a little spot in the mangroves where you have the option to swim for a few and walk around. We chose not to swim this time but it was really pretty to see how clear the water was and see all the beautiful trees. They take you through the mangroves and again, Henry told us many tidbits of info!

            

We are going to take all of our visitors here because it's a great experience for everyone to try at least once. After the tour we drove about 5 minutes to our hotel. It's called Hotel Mangalares and is a quiet place right on the beach. The pandemic has been hard on businesses like these and a lot are trying to come back from it. Our friend is friends with the owner and he was telling us that the owner, little by little, is getting his place back up and running. He has a little restaurant too. The food was good and service was as well. The owner had a few setbacks with his restaurant being broken into and items stolen and the hotel itself suffered some damage from some bad storms a bit ago. The rooms were clean and simple and suited our needs for an overnight stay. There was no hot water but that didn't bother us. Being able to walk right down to the beach was so enjoyable and this beach was one of the nicest ones we've been to.

                                        

In the evening the water was nice and warm and the kids had fun finding some really beautiful shells, finding starfish and clams, and watching the fish skip along the surface! As the night progressed more and more, locals came out to enjoy the ocean and several were riding horses down the beach. It was so nice and quaint.

We ordered some salbutes that evening and ate at a little cafe, who's owner our friend knew. It was a Sunday night and every Sunday the main square comes alive with little fair rides for the kids, food carts, and music.

If you ever get a chance to visit Celestun, please do! It's worth experiencing this little piece of the Yucatan Penninsula.