Nature Reserve Experience in a Kayak- Off-the-Beaten-Track Private tour from Merida

This was the final tour of 8 that I took with Raúl and it was the perfect cap to an amazing two weeks. It is a beautiful, relaxing excursion with a boat ride along the coast and then into the serene bay, where you switch to kayaks and make your way across the bay. Eventually, you arrive at a mangrove forest and follow a narrow stream to arrive eventually at a pristine natural spring for a swim. The spring creates a fairly healthy current to work against on your way in, but then it makes the way out a little easier. By the time you kayak across the bay back to the boat, the captain has been fishing and prepares a fresh ceviche. As I stood in the crystal clear water eating my scrumptious ceviche while facing a group of flamingos, I felt like I was in a movie. And then getting a chance to swim as well in the Gulf of Mexico (which was actually a bit warmer than the spring!) was the icing on the cake. Picture perfect, like all of my tours with Raúl. Let him be your guide in Mérida as well - you won't be disappointed. Thanks again, Raúl!

Raul is an amazing guide. He connected with us right away and quickly understood our interests. He’s very flexible, friendly, and accommodating. When I mentioned that I had never seen a raccoon in real life before, he even took us to a place where we could see many of them — such a thoughtful touch! The tour itself was incredible and truly one of the highlights of our trip to Mérida. Even though it’s the low season, we were lucky to see several groups of flamingos, a crocodile, and so many beautiful birds. Raul also took us to a quiet beach for a delicious seafood lunch. Helping us choose the right food for our preference. I highly recommend Raul’s service. it’s a wonderful experience from start to finish. He is passionate about his work and want to make sure we enjoy the tour. He is also a licence guide.

Raúl was a fantastic guide! He was super patient, attentive to every request, and helped us craft a truly memorable three-day trip in Yucatán. His deep knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality made all the difference, and it’s clear he has a wealth of experience. For our visit to the Celestún nature reserve, Raúl picked us up right on time at our hotel in a very comfortable car, setting the tone for a smooth day. He organized a private boat tour through the reserve, sharing fascinating insights about the ecosystem, wildlife, and conservation while guiding us with enthusiasm as we spotted flamingos and other birds. Afterward, he took us to a beautiful beachside spot for lunch, the perfect way to relax and enjoy the coast. It was a truly unforgettable experience thanks to him!

Our favourite day of our trip! This was our second day with Raul. When we asked Raul about his trips he said that he only does trips where he feels he can add value I.e. you could go to Celestún and do a similar tour but in his view he would not be needed as you can pick up a boat and a guide there yourself. And add value he certainly does. This was an off the beaten track trip and we didn’t see any other tourists from the minute we stepped into the boat until our return. The whole trip was so peaceful and beautiful - we particularly enjoyed kayaking through the narrow channels of the mangroves to reach an amazing fresh water spring. The cerviche lunch prepared by Fabian our boat man was delicious too. Don’t miss this one if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a wonderful natural environment. Thanks Raul!

We had the pleasure of having Raul as our tour guide in Mérida, and I cannot recommend him enough! From the very beginning, he was incredibly helpful in planning where to go and how to maximize our time. When the weather forced us to change our plans, Raul didn’t miss a beat and quickly suggested an excellent alternative that turned out to be a highlight of our trip. His knowledge of Mérida and its surroundings is exceptional—he truly knows the area like the back of his hand. Whether it’s historical details, hidden gems, or local recommendations, Raul has it all covered. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, resourceful, and accommodating guide in Mérida, Raul is the one to choose! Thank you, Raul, for making our visit so memorable!

Amazing tourguide, we travelled around Yukatan with Raul for 6 days. We can't recommend him enough, he knows so much (and speaks excellent English), is very professional, kind and an excellent driver. We did a variety of tours which we all really enjoyed as a family and we learned so much about Mexico.