Celestun is a charming fishing village of approximately 6000 people. Tricycle taxis tether people about the sand streets of the town from tiny vegetable shops, or meat store and then back home again. Town folk visit in the town square which is bordered by a market, the village church and a few restaurants. Old men and young mothers watch children play under the shade of the trees. The weekends bring activity to the usually quiet stretch of tranquil beach. There, families gather to enjoy the warm waters of the 'emerald sea', the brilliant sunshine, feast upon fresh fish, and savor the change of colors cast by the majestic sunset. Be sure to take a tour to see the flamingos and other amazing birds in the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Tours can be arranged from the beach or from the bridge.

A gift from the Mayan gods. A must for all visitors to Celestun is an excursion into the estuary of the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve to view the flamingos and other amazing birds. Not one or two, but literally hundreds of the amazing pink graceful flamingos will excite and entertain you. Along the shore on this tour interesting birds such as brown and white pelicans, double-crested cormorants, frigatebirds, herons, egrets, white ibis, osprey, sandpipers, gulls, terns, turkey vultures, and doves may be sighted. Tours can be arranged from the beach or from the bridge. The boat tours not only allow for close ups of the flamingoes and other birds, they also provide an excellent tour through the tunnels cut through the dense mangrove forest as it takes you deep into the silence and peace of nature with a stop at the fresh water springs Valdiosera and Venecia where the water is sweet, clear and guests can enjoy a refreshing swim. Another stop allows you to witness the petrified forest Tameten. As the guests are guided through the Ria, they may catch a glimpse of crocodiles. If a crocodile tour is of interest guests can venture into the night jungle with a guide to marvel in this memorable experience.

This Mangrove Canoe Eco Tour begins with a short stroll on a boardwalk into the Mangrove jungle. Then you relax for a 90 minute canoe ride(push-poled by your guide) into the heart of the mangrove to witness a multitude of vegetation and birdlife. As you travel along your guide will call many birds in to view. The canoe ride finishes on the riverbank where more variety of birds nest and feed throughout the day. Another walk brings you out to a covered palapa over the low-lying waters just half a kilometre from the river. Here, early in the morning, flamingoes awaken from their sleep and fly back to the river to feed during the day. Your walk will take you further through this preserved ecosystem where reforestation is occurring and a further abundance of birds make their home. The final 1.5 kilometres is by bicycle back to the starting point to reflect on and cherish the memories of a lifetime. The tour never goes through the same area twice, and the knowledgeable guide provides detailed information about the preserve, its vegetation (particularly the four types of mangroves) and the abundance of birds you will observe. This well designed, abundant birdwatching and completely eco-friendly tour is a memorable experience.

The Yucatan is every ornithologists dream come true. Because of the richness of bird species birdwatchers flock to the area. The Ria Celestun Biosphere in the Yucatan is an excellent location for bird watchers where many species can be spoted. Over 500 species have been recorded including 11 endemic. A recent guest on a 4 hour birdwatching tour with a local birding guide, returned to Celeste Vida delighted to have seen 56 species of birds in one outing and 23 he had not seen before, including a Ferruginous Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) and a Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius). Other species you may see include: Yucatan parrot (Amazona xantholora), Yucatan woodpecker (Melanherpes pygmaeus), Yucatan flycatcher (Myiarchus yucatanesis), Yucatan jay( Cyanocorax yucatanicus), Yucatan wren (Campylorhynchus yucatanicus), and Yucatan nightjar(Caprimulgus badius), and the Turquoise-Browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa), Rose-Throated Tanager (Piranga roseogularis) , Orange Oriole (Icterus auratus)and a wide variety of Hummingbirds. Other endemic species to the Yucatan include: the Black-Throated Bobwhite (Colinus nigrogularis), Ocellated Turkey(Agriocharis ocellate), Mexican Sheartail (Archiloschus colubris), Ridway's Rough-Winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis), and black catbird (Dumetella carolinensis). Throughout the year in the gardens of Celeste Vida guests are amazed that they are able to see so many species of birds.

Celestun is a traditional fishing village. Celestun is the second largest fishing port in the entire Yucatan State. The town exists as a result of thousands of fisherman conducting their daily activities to feed their family and sell the fish for export. Fishing trips with a local fisherman can easily be arranged at Celeste Vida. Picked up right at your door and guided to the best locations to catch an abundance of Gruper and Snapper, while enjoying the emerald green waters of the Gulf. Your catch will be filleted and brought to you in the afternoon for the freshest and tastiest fish you will ever eat. If you stay with us between August 1 and December 15, you can have an experience of a lifetime going out with a local octupus fisherman, helping him to bring in his catch for the day. You will witness and take part in a unique fishing experience and get to handle and study octopus eye to eye. And if you choose, you can dine on fresh octupus that evening. Boat tours to nearby islands and a lighthouse can also be arranged.

The natural wonders of the state of Yucatan are innumerable. Some of the most important and unusual are the cenotes and caves. The Yucatan boasts more than 3,000 cenotes.
Cuzama Cenotes - Climb on a narrow gauge, horse-drawn railcar for one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. As you travel through henequen (sisal) plantations you will be transported back to the 19th Century with every click and clack of the rails. Then, literally step back millions of years as you descend into each of the three cenotes(underground caves with water) along the seven kilometre route. Swim in the sacred waters of the Maya as you enter the refreshing depths of the first cenote, Chelentun, and look up to the ceiling roofed with stalactites. Carefully walk the staircase down to the Chansinic'che cenote where tree roots extend down nine meters from above to the cool, crystalline, turquoise blue waters at your feet. Lastly, desend the ladder leading into the Bolonchoojol cenote allowing your eyes to adjust to the magnificent rays of sunlight as they cascade through the nine holes in the vaulted ceiling 8 meters above. Don't miss this trip through the Yucatecan countryside and visit the aquatic underworld of the Maya!

Merida is known as the 'White City' of the Yucatan. Founded in 1542, Merida is a true colonial gem abundant in Yucatecan culture, rich history, and great shopping. Merida is home to the oldest cathedral in all of the Americas. Horse drawn carriages or calesas are for hire taking passengers on guided tours. Paseo Montejo, considered to be Merida's “Champ Elysees ” is an elegant, tree lined boulevard with stores, gorgeous colonial buildings and outdoor cafes. Merida is a colonial city, but at the same time, a very cosmopolitan one. You will find movie theatres, 4 universities, museums as well as such stores as Costco, Sam's Club, Home Depot, Sears, and the French supermarket Carrefour. The Yucatan is one of Mexico's most tranquil states. Merida is a must see!

Uxmal is the gateway of one of the most interesting routes in the history of the Yucatan: The Puuc route. (Puuc means 'hilly'). The route includes the sites of Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labna and the caves of Lol Tun. Uxmal the most known site means “That which was built three times” and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. It is located 78 kilometres south of Merida. This archaeological zone is surrounded by an ancient hill range. The buildings and their facades are beautifully decorated with stone filigree. The intricate stonework is truly incredible. The structures are a pure expression of Puuc architecture and unique in the Yucatan. We are fortunate that we are able to explore this incredible chapter in human history; the distinctive Maya culture, and embark on a journey that crosses cultures.

Lol Tun caves get their name from the Maya word for flower Lol and stone Tun. The underground caves or grutas of Lol-Tun are the largest on the Yucatan peninsula. You will be amazed by the vault, stalagmite formations, including the Cathedral, Ear of the Corn, the gigantic rocks forming the Canon, and the Musical Columns that say "loltun" when hit. Findings of ceramics give evidence of human contact here going back 7,000 years. The one kilometre route through the caves is an easy walk to observe the formations, as well as cave paintings of hands, animals and faces. These caves served as a refuge during the Caste War. Guided tours run throughout the day from 9:30am to 4:00pm.