Flamingos

Celestun

is the main courtship area for Greater Pink Flamingos during the fall and winter, although you can see them on the Celestun ria here pretty much year-round.  In the Yucatan, there are no true rivers above ground, only formations called "rias" which are canals coming inland from the ocean with abundant aquatic vegetation called mangroves.

Although there are flamingo tour motor boats that hold about six people that leave from the bridge area as you enter Celestun, and also from the beach area in the town, we prefer smaller, quieter, less intrusive boats or canoes that the guide poles through the water.  Flamingos need to eat about 12 hours per day and if the boats are too noisy, or get too close, their feeding can be disturbed.  They can also break a wing or their necks if they are scared into an abrupt flight.  As the canoe only holds three people, and only your own group, it is a private tour experience and he will go where you want and stay long enough in any area for you to get the photos you want.   Alex Dzib, an English-speaking ornithologist born and raised in Celestun, is who you call to arrange the canoe tour.  916-2643.  He also personally does an incredible, day-long bird-watching tour although I haven't done that one myself.   

Adrienne, Chris, and our guide Orlando.