Cathyn M.
Great tour! Ralf is an excellent guide. We got on the water early and saw flamingos, herons, spoonbills, cormorants, egrets, herons, frigate birds, crocodiles and fed the raccoons! Amazing day!
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Private tour in Merida Ralf H
Celestun Biosphere Private Tour
5.0
(5) reviews
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Ralf H.
5.0
Guide rating
79
Reviews
Tours delivered
6 hrs
Avg. response time
My tours are about bringing you into up-close and personal contact with all that makes the Yucatan so special. I try to avoid the cookie-cutter itineraries, usual-suspect attractions and anything - yawn - cliché. The unusual, the heart-wrenching, the melancholy and the joyful. Spontaneity and serendipity are our travel companions. I love to create memorable outings that are win-win-win. For you, for the people we meet, and yes, for me also! A Canadian Yucatecan (my Yucatecan wife and two daughters say I'm more Yucatecan than they are) who has lived in the Yucatan for almost 40 years. I am passionate about the area's colonial history, its' people, language and food. It is my special talent to act as the bridge between my guests from abroad and locals; from talented artisans to lovely ladies that will teach you how to properly make a corn tortilla by hand to enjoying a home-cooked meal in a small village. The experience will be one you won't soon forget. Thirty-plus-year Resident of the Yucatan Published Author - Yucatecan Spanish Dictionary BCIT Hotel Mgmt Program Serial Entrepreneur Tours at archaeological sites will be done by a professional guide hired on site for that purpose. A driver with a federal tourism drivers license will accompany us in a vehicle that has been properly plated for tourism as per local law.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ralf H.
An Amazing All Inclusive Birding Tour on the Water
Overview of your Merida tour
One of the highlights of a Yucatan visit is to explore the coast. Celestun is a protected nature reserve and the birds know it and are waiting for you to come and visit. They are up early, so we need to be up early as well and an early start is essential to have the optimal experience. I insist on it, in fact. This private tour will take you from Merida to the Celestun beach where you will take a 60-80 minute boat ride to see birds (hopefully flamingos when in season) followed by a visit to the beach to have a delicious fresh seafood breakfast oceanside (piña coladas at 9 AM: not a problem!) and the opportunity to swim (if you like) in the refreshing waters of the Gulf of Mexico while pelicans and frigate birds float overhead. Travel time between Celestun and Merida is about an hour or so, depending upon traffic; another reason to start early!
Recent Reviews
Michelle R.United States
We had an amazing day with Ralf in Celestún. He has a great sense of humor and it felt like we were hanging out with a friend. Ralf got a great boat driver who showed us some of the off-the-beaten-path places and got us great views of the flamingos. He took us to a place on the beach with an incredibly huge shrimp bowl that was delicious. We even got to feed some sweet dogs and raccoons! It was a great day thanks to Ralf.
Stephen S.United States
Great tour of the Celestún! It's worth getting there early to see the Flamingos coming in to feed for the day, and we were the 1st ones out! Ralf is the best guide for this and has relationships with the local businesses that make the experience all that much better. Highly recommend!!
Marion D.Canada
On the road before dawn. First boat on the water. The sight of so many neon-coloured flamingos feeding side-by-side in the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve has to be seen to be believed! Other highlights...eating the freshest shrimp, ever, for breakfast on the beach. Discovering homemade coconut popsicles (paletas). Procuring local pink salt (Flor de sal Rosa). Exploring the backroads. Catching a glimpse of day-to-day life in vibrant Yucatecan villages. An impromptu visit to a beautiful sunflower garden. A1
Hansi N.Canada
The early morning trip to Celestun was a good decision as is was not so hot yet, there were no crowds or loud boats around us and we saw lots of birds and other wildlife, even a crocodile on one of the walks in the mangroves. And the shrimp cocktail breakfast on the beach was fantastic. We had a wonderful day with you. Special thanks for the thermos with coffee and the delicious butter cookies to start the day.
Your Merida tour itinerary
- Very early (pre-dawn) pick up at your Merida location - Drive Merida to Celestun (60-70 minutes) - Boat ride (60-80 minutes) - Lunch and Beach Time (1-2 hours) - Drive back to Merida (60 - 70 minutes) - drop off at your Merida location All times are completely approximate and subject to change according to how much fun you are having. Keep in mind that the tour length is approximately 6 hours.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Crossover
Transportation is done in a late model, air-conditioned and insured vehicle. The boats at Celestun have a roof on them, so you won't roast on the water. Please note that the boat IS INCLUDED in the price.
What's included
Other: Transportation in a late model air-conditioned and insured sedan for 1-3 people.
Cooler with drinks of your choice on ice. Let me know what you enjoy!
Towels for your swim.
IMPORTANT: The cost of the boat! Many tour operators leave out this part; I have decided to INCLUDE it to make your experience seamless from start to finish.
Food! Your fresh seafood shrimp cocktail breakfast IS INCLUDED! Drinks, however, are not!
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Boat
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Shopping! You might see a carved coconut you want to bring back as a souvenir. Or some famously pink Celestun salt. Or you might need some toothpaste. :)
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Boat
Food And Drink
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
Tour reference number
1089711
Languages
English
SpanishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Mérida best suited for?
This private tour in Mérida is perfect for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to explore the Celestun Biosphere. It's also ideal for those who enjoy a relaxed day on the water with opportunities to see flamingos and other birds, enjoy a seafood breakfast by the beach, and swim in the Gulf of Mexico. Families with kids will find it suitable as it's kid-friendly, and travellers looking for a personalized experience with a local guide like Ralf H. will appreciate the insights and flexibility offered.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Mérida be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.