While I was in Merida (Mexico), my friends Cristina and Leonor took me to the Celestún reserve. Polo, the crazy puppy, came with us and actually behaved. He was even cute sleeping in the car. Still, I remained vigilant. I had become a bit scared of what he could do after he ate my computer cable… But I am digressing. So, we went to this beautiful natural wetland, where birds live happily. Let me tell you a bit more about my experience.
About The Celestún Biosphere Reserve
Celestún is a small fishing town.
The Biosphere Reserve is quite special because it includes various environments such as mangroves, dunes and low rainforests. Celestún is the home of many animals, particularly birds. It is actually a resting place for a lot of migrating species. For example, there are about 23,000 flamingos that nest, feed and reproduce in the area.
In 2000, Ria Celestún was decreed as a Protected Natural Area. The wetland is considered of international importance and has been listed as a Ramsar site since 2004. The Celestún Biosphere Reserve is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and of the MAB Programme. The Man and Biosphere Programme aims to raise consciousness about our future and our interaction with our planet. The goal is to enhance the relationship between people and their environments in order to live in harmony within the biosphere.
Observing Flamingoes In Celestún
We took a boat with a guide. He drove us to see the flamingos. We remained a bit far away so as not to disturb them. I like that tourism is important for the area, but they remain very respectful of the fauna and flora. We looked at a group for a few minutes, and I took some pictures using my zoom.
I was quite happy, I don’t think I had ever seen that many flamingos at the same time in the wild. To be honest, I thought that that was it for our visit of Celestún Biosphere Reserve. But I was wrong. There is so much more in Celestún Biosphere Reserve than just flamingos…
A Secret World
I thought we were going back to the dock, but the boat suddenly turned right and we entered the mangrove. It looked like one of these secret passages in Indiana Jones. The trees were everywhere, even in the water as their roots dived in the soil and as their branches reflected in the dark waters. Birds were walking amongst the branches, camouflaging pretty well. Indeed, you had to look twice to notice them.
We walked around on a wooden walk while our guide was giving us some information about the mangrove and the animals living in it. Then, we boarded again the boat and went back to the dock. In the late afternoon sun, Polo’s ears were fluttering in the wind as he stood at the front of the boat.
The fun continues
We shared our boat with Luz, a friendly girl. After the trip, we decided to all go to the beach to watch the sunset and have dinner together. Piña Colada, ceviche and amazing colours on the beach. I was full, both physically and emotionally. Polo too had a really good time, people loved him on the beach and he was petted a lot. What a wonderful day!
To see more photos of Mexico, you can visit the gallery Mexico.
