Our guide book is either really outdated (2010) or Celestún has seriously gone downhill. I believe it’s the latter. The “quaint” little hotels described were even below our standards which are pretty basic. However we did find what we came for – flamingos!
An evening walk on the beach to find the palapa, a palm frond covered hut where tours are scheduled, found a family from Mexico City negotiating for a morning boat ride. The captain told us their’s was a private tour when I inquired as to the possibility of joining them. One thing Mexico teaches is patience. After a bit of friendly conversation and some whispering between them, we were invited to join their group. Who can resist the Torta charm?!
Visiting Celestun from Mexico City.
Off we went the following morning to the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestún.
Seeing these majestic birds is truly breathtaking. The majority were pale pink indicating young birds. Celestun and Rio Lagartos are breeding and nesting grounds and one of the few places flamingos can be seen in the wild.
Next we were off to the mangroves.
A ride through the mangrove tunnel.
We stopped to visit a fresh water spring.
Clear reflection.
You can see the water bubbling up in the middle of the photo.
Natural fresh water spring.
For those of you who know the avid swimmer I am, it didn’t take long to climb into the pool.
One way of swimming my way around the world.
The family from Mexico City, who didn’t appear to be the adventurous type, stood by in amazement as this gray-haired grandma reveled and played in the stunning water. They inquired politely about the presence of cocodrilos, crocodiles, and after some not too gentle intimidation from me, all got in the water. I’m quite certain if we hadn’t been there, they’d have returned home with a far less interesting story to tell. Haha.
Of course you can’t pass up the lovely sunset photo.
After an evening walk collecting shells, we packed our bags for an early retreat. It was sad in a way to find this dingy little town surrounded by so much natural beauty. Such is the enigma of Mexico. We were certainly glad to have stopped and if the opportunity arises to return, we will be better prepared and more wary of the expectations created by guide books.
the adventures of dos tortas 
What a great trip! You did it again: great post and lovely photos. Love the birds and never, ever, get tired of sunset photos. I LOVE the sign..!! Missing you…
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There may be better places to stay in Celestún, but we couldn’t find them. It is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, so the water is murkier. The birds were exquisite and so worth the trip.
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Oh, how I want to see flamingos one day! Thanks for the post.
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