Celestún In Yucatán, Mexico

Celestún, Mexico is considered a birdwatchers’ paradise: home to over 300 unique species of birds, and the site of over 30,000 flamingos during nesting season!

Whether you’re an amateur ornithologist or just love beaches and lagoons, Celestún is a destination unlike any other. In this guide, Caravan’s travel experts will take you on a journey to explore one of Mexico’s most beautiful hidden gems.

Celestún, Mexico In Brief: Location, History, Culture, and Ecology

Location

Celestún is a coastal town of 8,400 people. It rests in the Northwest corner of Yucatán Mexico.

History

Prior to the Spanish colonial era, Mayans likely began living in the place now called Celestún in 1,800 BC. In Mayan Civilization, it was part of the kuchkabal (state or province) of Ah Canul.

Celestún was established as a town under Spanish Colonial rule in 1718.

In 1821, Yucatán declared its independence from Spain. In 1918, Celestún officially became its own municipality in Yucatán.

Culture

Culturally, Celestún is dominated by fishing, salt extraction work, and wildlife conservation. A few local dishes and traditions show Mayan influence, particularly concerning salt.

The two biggest holidays in Celestún, Mexico are The Feast of Immaculate Conception (in December) and Navy Day (in June).

Ecology

Celestún’s unique ecologies are globally significant, incredibly biodiverse, and well-sustained and protected.

Describing the region as a “sanctuary of biodiversity,” international environmentalists note that, despite the region’s small geographic size, it’s filled with many different habitats. Habitats include:

• Coastal dunes
• Mangroves
• Coastal saline lagoons
• Freshwater lagoons
• Marshlands
• Food meadows
• Low flood forests
• Low semi-deciduous forests
• A shallow marine continental shelf

Why Visit Celestún, Mexico?

Celestún, Yucatán Mexico is one of the most biodiverse, wildlife-rich places on Earth. Visit Celestún to experience some of the most extraordinary natural wonders on the planet.
Ria Celestún Biosphere Reserve (Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano)
Ría Celestún has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, and it remains a strong contender under consideration. Its unique ecology allows over 1,150 unique species of birds, mammals, and other wildlife to thrive, including endangered ocelot and sea turtle species.

The preserve is known for its sustainable conservation practices and ability to let people observe rare animals safely. Popular activities within the park and biosphere reserve include:

• Traveling by boat or kayak beneath mangroves
• Watching rare birds, crocodiles, or sea turtles on safe, guided eco-tours
• Tasting treats made with authentic pink sea salt from the Celestún salt flats
• Swimming in hidden freshwater springs in mangrove tree groves and lagoons

Nesting Celestún Flamingos

The flamingo nesting site in Celestún attracts the largest flock of flamingos in the world. Each year, approximately 25,000 - 35,000 flamingos migrate to Celestún from November through February, to nest in Rio Lagartos. Migration back up north begins in March.

Celestún’s North Beach (Playa Norte Celestún)

Celestún’s North Beach is known for tranquility, seashells, and fun beachside activities. Many visitors to Playa Norte Celestún enjoy:

• Collecting a diverse array of seashells
• Eating and drinking from the beach’s snack bars and breakfast nooks
• Admiring (and potentially sailing out to) Celestún’s famous “leaning lighthouse”
• Typical beach activities like surfing, swimming, suntanning, and sailing

Is Celestún, Mexico Safe In 2025?

Celestún, Mexico is a very safe place for travelers from the United States and Canada.

It is the safest region in Mexico.

Current, The U.S. Department of State has published a yellow “level two” advisory for travelers visiting Mexico as a whole. This means recommending that everyone “exercise increased caution,” particularly when visiting regions affected by Hurricane Milton.

However, Celestún, Mexico specifically is only listed at Level 1, the lowest level of precaution. There are no additional precautionary measures to take in Celestún, beyond standard safe travel tips.

Take Increased Precautions Due To Illnesses Spread By Hurricane Floods

According to local news reports, Celestún was affected by Hurricane Milton, but the town is fortunately making good progress with cleaning up the damage. The most significant increased risk due to the hurricane’s damage has been the heightened spread of leptospirosis from water contaminated by flooding. Chagas disease-carrying parasites and Zika-carrying mosquitos are also more prevalent in the region than they were prior to the hurricane.

The Centers for Disease Control offers a comprehensive guide to appropriate precautions to take to protect yourself from waterborne and mosquito-carried illnesses in Mexico.

Take Normal Precautions To Protect Yourself From Low-Crime States In Mexico, Like Yucatán

Regarding crime rate specifically, the Department of State describes Yucatán as essentially safe, requiring only “normal” (Level 1) precautions. There is no organized crime and very little violent crime in the Yucatán peninsula. Review the department’s description of reasonable precautions to take in Yucatán, including how to contact the U.S. Embassy or emergency services, here.

What’s The Best Way To Visit Celestún, Yucatán, Mexico?

There’s no single, best, one-size-fits-all way to visit Celestún. In a handy guide, our travel experts explore how adventure road trips are ideal for some, while guided, family-friendly tours are best for others.

Yet, we have to admit, it’s hard to beat visiting Celestún on Caravan’s 8-Day Rivera Maya Tour of Mexico. This all-inclusive, curated, pre-booked trip brings guests straight to the best of Mexico’s Maya Rivera. From the historic Valladolid, Izmal, and Merida to the lively beaches of Cancún, you won’t want to miss a single stop.

On Day 3, our guests experience a guided birdwatching cruise in the Ría Celestún Biosphere Preserve. Then, after spending some time touring Mérida’s historic center, guests are free to explore on their own. If they so choose, they can take a 90-minute shuttle or taxi from Mérida back to Celestún to enjoy more in a small group.

Experience The Natural Wonders Of Mexico With Caravan

At Caravan, we believe a trip should be a source of relaxation, discovery, and wonder—not stress. That’s why, since 1952, we’ve curated guided, all-inclusive tours. For every trip, we hand-select and book excellent transportation, lodging, meals, and activities for our guests, all at one affordable rate.

On a Caravan tour, all you have to do is book your spot, then sit back and enjoy.

If you want to experience the wildlife paradise of Celestún on our Puebla & Oaxaca Tour, you might have to act fast. Call our agents toll-free at 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot. Or, learn more by calling our information team at +1-312-321-9800.