Reserva de la Biósfera Ría Lagartos
This reserve which encompasses a long estuary, was developed with ecotourism in mind—although few of the crocodiles for which it and the village were named remain. The real spectacle is provided by birds. April through September, thousands of the bright pink, black-tipped flamingos—90% of the Western Hemisphere's entire flamingo population—come to here from their "summer homes" in Celestún, on the Yucatán's west coast, as well as from northern latitudes to mate, nest, and raise their chicks. The largest flock of bird-watching enthusiasts also descends on the reserve during this time.
Although the long-legged pink creatures are the most famous winged beasts found in Ría Lagartos, its red, white, black, and buttonwood mangrove swamps are also home to hundreds of other birds, including including snowy and red egrets, white ibis, great white herons, cormorants, pelicans, and peregrine falcons. Of the reserve's estimated 380 different species, one-third are winter-only residents. Twelve of the region's resident species are found nowhere else on Earth.
In addition, protected leatherback, hawksbill, and green turtles lay their eggs on the beaches at night. The fishing is good here, too. Mosquitoes can gather at dusk in unpleasantly large swarms in May, June, and July. Bring repellent to fend them off.
