I am quite surprised that there are no reviews about this delightful place, and only a small number of community members have explored this popular tourist spot that is easily accessible. Our visit coincided with our journey from another WHS, Campeche, to Merida. The main roads in Yucatan are modern and well-maintained. We covered two-thirds of the journey on the highway and the rest through picturesque villages, encountering only one police check. Such moments in Mexico can be nerve-wracking, given past experiences of being asked for bribes by the police for unknown and irrelevant reasons. Nevertheless, we reached the boat departure area, Parador Turístico Flamingos Boating Celestún, located just 5 minutes inland from the main beach, without any issues.

Here, the boat fee is per boat, not per person, accommodating up to 6 people despite having 8 seats. The recent increase in boat prices to 3000 pesos + tax from 2400 pesos is noteworthy. We observed groups of fewer than 4-5 people waiting by the ticket booth to form larger groups and reduce the cost per person. Joining forces with a couple from Houston, we formed a group of 4.5, including my 3-year-old daughter. We were informed of a swimming option at the end of the tour, prompting us to change into swimsuits. We even brought our daughter's floaties with us. The facility provides amenities such as toilets, showers, and a restaurant.

The 1.5-hour boat tour, including a short landing, began with sightings of crocodiles and pelicans. Surprisingly, we witnessed some locals fishing with half their bodies submerged, seemingly unbothered by the presence of crocodiles. When questioned, the captain assured us that the crocodiles here do not harm people unless provoked. Thanks but I am not buying it.

After 45 minutes, we reached an area teeming with hundreds of flamingos—a breathtaking spectacle of these elegant birds flying and frolicking in the water while hunting for food. Navigating through tunnels among mangroves became the highlight of the tour. We later disembarked onto a boardwalk, encountering interesting bird species unknown to us. Our exploration led us to a natural pool surrounded by mangroves, where our guide suggested swimming. Just as I was about to dive in, my wife's shout halted me: "Crocodile!" Astonishingly, two men were swimming nearby, seemingly unconcerned. Despite the tempting Instagram story opportunity, my wife, an anesthesiology and reanimation specialist, promptly ushered me back to the boat, explaining she didn't want to attempt resuscitating a foolish individual bitten by a crocodile. All horror movies start with such a stupidity, right? Anyway, we returned to our seats, setting sail back.

Post-tour, we headed to the beach for lunch, choosing "Boquinetes Celestún." We enjoyed the overall quality, sipping on beer-garitas while gazing at the sea, concluding our day with a sense of fulfillment. If cleanliness is a concern, check the kitchen after finishing your meal, as my wife, being sensitive to such matters, suggests. Otherwise, it's a perfect spot to call it a day.