Celestún: Beyond the Famous Pink Flamingo
The Celestún Biosphere Reserve is a popular destination to get a close-up view of its most famous residents: pink flamingos. However, this part of the western coast of the Yucatán Peninsula offers much more than graceful pink species.
A Diverse Ecosystem
The reserve covers more than 200 hectares. It extends across the states of Yucatán and Campeche. The reserve contains a wide variety of habitats. Mangroves dominate the coastal landscape. The Ria Celestún is a coastal lagoon. This body of water is central to the ecosystem. UNESCO recognizes the reserve as part of the Man and the Biosphere Program.
The mangroves are home to many bird species that visitors can observe. Herons are common. Ducks and gulls also inhabit the reserve. The birdlife is abundant and diverse. Many migratory species use the reserve as a winter home.
The mangrove ecosystem is more than just birds. Many reptiles live among mangrove roots. Crocodiles inhabit the brackish waters. Alligators and turtles can be seen in the lagoons. Various snake species occur in drier areas. The mangrove roots provide shelter for many smaller creatures.
Mammals are also present in the reserve. Jaguars no longer roam Celestún, but smaller wild cats still survive in the area. Deer can be found in the coastal dunes. Other mammals include raccoons and anteaters. Many of these animals are rarely seen. The dense vegetation provides good cover.
Two species of crocodiles can be seen in Celestún, these being the Merlet’s Crocodiles, and the much larger American Crocodile that in extreme cases can grow to be 20 ft. long.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine
Termites may not be a welcome sight in the home, but in mangroves they are extremely important at keeping ecological balance.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine
The mangroves at Celestún are constantly buzzing with the sounds of critters small and large.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine
Various species of small-to-medium stingrays inhabit the shallow, warm, brackish waters of the ría (estuary), mangroves, and coastal beaches.
As tourism Celestún continues to grow, boosted by its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, the community faces tough questions on how to manage its development.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine
The town hall in Celestin displays Maya numerals on its clock, a nod to the civilization that once collected salt at this important port.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine
Often mistaken for flamingos from a distance due to their vivid plumage, the Roseate Spoonbill is actually a member of the ibis family.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine
The waters of the Ria are full of marine life. Fish use the mangroves as nurseries. The roots protect young fish from predators. Crustaceans are abundant in the muddy bottoms. Crabs and shrimp are common. Mollusks attach themselves to the roots. Sea cucumbers are also present in the area.
Local cooperatives have installed artificial reefs. These structures will increase the fish population. The project is located in the fishing refuge zone. It will also give fishermen another income source. They can take tourists to see the reefs.
The Importance of Mangroves and Coastal Dunes
The mangroves and coastal dunes are, simply put, crucial. These ecosystems protect the region from hurricanes. Mangroves’ dense roots absorb wave energy. They reduce the impact of storm surges. The vegetation also prevents coastal erosion. The dunes act as a natural barrier. They protect inland areas from flooding.
These ecosystems also filter the water. The mangroves trap sediments from the land. They remove pollutants from the water. This keeps the coastal waters clean. They also protect offshore coral reefs. The ecosystem’s health depends on this process.
Mangroves and coastal dunes aside, the beach at Celestún is among the most beautiful in Yucatán and is lined with small restaurants where visitors can enjoy fried fish, ceviche and shrimp cocktails, as well as dishes like guacamole and bean dip.
The Town of Celestún
Celestún is a traditional fishing community. Many families depend on the reserve. The local population has deep knowledge of the environment. They have fished these waters for generations. The community also works in ecotourism. Visitors come to see the flamingos. They take boat tours through the mangroves.
Celestún focuses on sustainable tourism. The cooperatives have received training. They learn about customer service and first aid. The goal is to provide a good experience. Protecting the environment is also important. The local government supports these efforts. They promote the reserve as a tourist destination.
However, there are challenges. Some studies show problems in the reserve. The local population feels excluded from the planning process. Federal programs do not always consider local knowledge. Some of these programs have not improved living conditions. Reports also describe illegal fishing. Sea cucumber fishing is an example. These problems threaten the reserve’s sustainability.
The reserve is a protected area. However, the town is also inside the protected area. This creates conflicts. People need to use these resources. This can lead to overdevelopment. The beaches attract tourists, which in turn encourages the building of hotels and threatens Celestún’s delicate ecological balance.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht, PhD, is a journalist, photographer, and expedition leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway. Most recently, he earned a doctorate in Heritage Studies in 2026.
