Private tour in Merida Cristina A

Celestún Biosphere Reserve Tour from Mérida — Private Guided Boat Excursion

5.0

(30) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 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
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 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

Cristina A.

4.9

Guide rating

226

Reviews

Tours delivered

7 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello! My name is Cristina, but most people call me Kitty. I was born and raised in Mérida, Yucatán, and I’ve been working as a professional tour guide for almost a decade — including 8 years of experience guiding with ToursByLocals. Guiding is not just my job; it’s something I genuinely love. Over the years, I’ve explored Yucatán deeply and from many angles, which allows each experience to be thoughtful, well-researched, flexible, and adapted to you and your interests. I work with small groups and private travelers, and I’m always happy to adjust the pace, focus, or structure of a tour depending on your interests. Many of my tours offer options within the itinerary, allowing you to choose how the day unfolds. I hold a National Tour Guide License issued by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR), and I have a Bachelor’s degree in Arts with a specialization in Music from the Yucatán State Arts University. Throughout my career, I’ve also participated in cultural and community-based projects and volunteer work, which have helped me gain a deeper, more grounded understanding of local life and perspectives. This background allows me to share history and culture in a way that feels natural, engaging, and easy to connect with, always keeping the experience clear, balanced, and enjoyable for travelers. My vehicle is fully insured for travelers, and I can also assist with custom itineraries, special interests, and larger groups when needed. Please feel free to explore the tours I’ve carefully designed, and don’t hesitate to message me if you’re looking for something more personalized — I’ll be happy to help you create the experience that fits you best.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Cristina A.

Overview of your Merida tour

Explore the natural wonders of Yucatán on this private full-day tour from Mérida to Celestún Biosphere Reserve. We’ll drive about 1.5 hours through scenic countryside to reach the reserve. Enjoy a private guided boat tour through the mangroves, where we will be able to see many birds, flamingos, herons, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Learn about the delicate ecosystem, local fishing traditions, and conservation efforts. After the boat ride, relax with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring fresh seafood and traditional Yucatecan dishes. The tour combines wildlife, culture, and gastronomy for a memorable day, with comfortable round-trip transportation and the expertise of a certified local guide, making it perfect for nature lovers.

Recent Reviews

Gal B.Israel
1 week ago

The tour itself is wonderful. Amazing, relaxing cruise with stops to watch the flamingos and a walk near the cenotes - followed by a detailed, patient explenations. Christina is amazing - knowledgeable, patient, communicative and flows with the family rythm. Perfect experience.

Eileen S.United States
April 2026

Cristina is a very knowledgable and interesting tour guide. She also took us to her favorite childhood seafood restaurant at the nearby beach - delicious and beautiful seaside experience!

Mary W.United States
March 2026

Great tour. Loved boat ride. Lunch choice very good. Cristina was accommodating. Including lunch cost would have been appreciated. We had a Viator tour that was hours longer at the same price where lunch was included.

Thomas W.United States
February 2026

We had a really great time on our Celestún tour with Cristina. She is very knowledgeable and very engaging, and has lots of good tips about other things to do in and around Mérida. At lunch in Celestún, be sure to get the whole fish, and some ceviche. Both were terrific!

Jim S.United States
February 2026

Christine (a.k.a. Kitty) provided us with a day that we will always hold dear to our hearts. She is a wonderful, knowledgeable guide and person, and happy to share what life is like for a local along with the featured experience of Celestun Biosphere and its magical flamingos (and more).

Dana D.United States
February 2026

We had a truly magical day! The flamingos were a highlight, but Christina really made the experience special. She paced the day perfectly to suit our needs and was a very knowledgeable. Her English is excellent, yet she was patient and encouraging when we practiced our Spanish. She is funny, engaging, and a joy to be around. We highly recommend her and the Celestun tour.

Your Merida tour itinerary

8:00 AM — Pickup in Mérida I’ll meet you at your hotel or a central location in Mérida. Depart in a comfortable vehicle for the scenic drive to Celestún. 9:30 AM — Drive to Celestún Approx. 1.5-hour drive through the Yucatán countryside. 11:00 AM — Celestún Biosphere Reserve Board a private boat for a guided tour through the mangroves. Spot flamingos, herons, pelicans, and other wildlife while learning about the ecosystem and conservation. (Boat ride included) 1:00 PM — Lunch at a Local Restaurant Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Yucatecan dishes at a local restaurant. (Lunch not included) 2:00 PM — Free time / Village stroll Optional walk along the beach or short exploration of Celestún village. 3:30 PM — Return to Mérida Arrive back at your hotel or central meeting point in Mérida, concluding a full day of wildlife, nature, and local culture.

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: Suv

Honda BR-V 2020

What's included
Other: Binoculars available, Bird guides
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Boat ride
What's not included
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
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Adventure
Day Trip
Bird Watching
Boat
Tour reference number
507115
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Mérida best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for nature lovers who want to explore the natural wonders of the Yucatán. It's also ideal for those interested in wildlife, culture, and gastronomy, as it combines all these elements into a memorable day. With a certified local guide, you'll gain deeper insights into the ecosystem and local traditions.

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

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 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
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 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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