Special Biosphere Reserve Ría Celestún
Country: Mexico.

Ría de Clestún is located at 90 Km. (56 miles) west of Merida, Yucatan (route 281) and/or 216 Km. (134 miles) to the north of Campeche, Campeche (route 180) towards the western tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico.

On July 19th, 1979, the Federal Government decreed the Celestun Wildlife Refuge. Because of its importance as the main feeding area for the American Flamingo and countless species of waterfowl and shorebirds, its status was upgraded to that of a Special Biosphere Reserve in 1989.

Celestun means "painted stone". It is a picturesque coastal traffic port, with a revolving reflector lighthouse, 12 meters (39 feet) high, signaling 4 intermittent flashes. Its inhabitants, about 4,600, still preserve the traditions and folklore of the Mayan fisher folk.

Main wintering area for greater flamingos, nesting beaches for endangered sea turtles, endemic plants and birds in coastal dune scrubs; estuary "nurseries" for countless fish and marine species; highly productive mangrove communities; two endangered crocodile species; migrant and wintering waterbirds, shorebirds and songbirds.

Over 300 bird species can be found in Celestun's Special Biosphere Reserve. There are some endemic birds such as the Yucatan wren, the black-throated bobwhite and the Mexican sheartail hummingbird. But surely the most popular bird and the most sought after is the Pink Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber).

From the 8 species surviving in the world, 7 exist in Mexico and 4 nest in the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula: Green turtle (Chelonia mydas mydas), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).

There are two crocodile species in Mexico, the american crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and the moreleti crocodile (Crocodylus moreleti).

You can distinguish two large groups of vegetation in this zone: 1) the coastal or haliphilous dune vegetation that grows near the beach and is tolerant to extreme conditions such as high salinity, strong winds and tides, and 2) the spiny thicket that is less tolerant to sudden environmental changes and thus grows inland. In Celestun, you can find an interesting mixture of tropical savanna, low tropical subdeciduous forest and tular vegetation and find exotic species of palm trees, cactus, bromelias and orchids.

How to get there?

Organized tours are offered daily at most major hotels and travel agencies in Merida. Public buses leave on the hour every hour from the corner of Calle 50 and 67. If driving from Merida, head south to Uman and turn right at the plaza there, or head towards the west from Merida past Caucel to Hunucmá.

What to do at Celestún?

Boat rides: Take a boat trip out to the estuary or ría and admire the impressive waterbird populations. As many as 18,000 flamingos can be seen at once, offering an incredibly pink spectacle. Explore the mangrove swamps and plunge in one of the beautiful sweet water springs. A 90 minute boat trip costs about US $ 30.00. The Beach: Celestun boasts long stretches of pristine beaches. It is a superb place to avoid the crowds and enjoy the sun, sand and the warm emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Seafood: No stay in Celestun is complete without a visit to one of the sea front restaurants specializing in fresh, locally caught seafood. Birdwatching: "Birders" look for more than just flamingos at Celestun. Up to 320 species of birds have been recorded. A tour lasts six to seven hours. Part of the tour is by land and part by water. Fishing: You won't return to your hotel barehanded after this tour! The richness in zoo and phyto plancton of the Gulf of Mexico assures you a very good catch. Besides, the chef will be delighted to prepare your seizure to your taste. Night boat rides: This exciting tour allows you to see animals that you normally don't see during the day. They hunt at night while others sleep: crocodiles, boat-billed heron, yellow-crowned night heron, great-horned owl, etc. The boat ride lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours and covers about 30 Km. (18 miles) of the estuary.

Where to stay at Celestún?

In the town you will find small hotels on the beach with oceanfront lodging and simple comfort. Hotel María del Carmen, Hotel Gutiérrez and Casa Julio, among others.

If you want to enjoy more privacy in a lush setting, try the ecotourism resort 10 Km. (6.5 miles) to the north of the village, Hotel Eco Paraíso Xixim. Rates include breakfast, dinner, tips on included meals and taxes.

We thank Ruth Buerkli for this information and also Hotel Las Palapas, Playa del Carmen & Hotel Eco Paraiso, Celestun. We invite you to visit their website: www.ecoparaiso.com

Read about People's Experiences in Celestun

Ecotourism in Yucatan

Inspiration found in Xixim