Las Coloradas, in the Yucatan Peninsula, is a distinctive paradisiacal place in Mexico. It is very common to find a photo of this place on any social network. In them, you will see a bright blue sky contrasted with a pink beach.
This makes many people wonder if you can swim in Las Coloradas, Yucatan. Who wouldn't want to dive into the pink lake of Las Coloradas?
But as beautiful as it may seem, some of nature's attractions—as is the case of this pink lake in Yucatan—can only be enjoyed by sight.
To answer this question, we will explain whether or not it is possible to swim in the pink waters of Las Coloradas, and we will tell you about other aspects of this particular tourist attraction in Yucatan.
Before we begin, we must clarify that Las Coloradas is not a beach, but a set of pools where the salinity is extremely high, and the salt used for daily consumption is extracted and handled from them.
Something you will notice when visiting Las Coloradas is that there are signs indicating that it is forbidden to go into the water. So, as we mentioned at the beginning, this place is only to be admired.
Although there are photographs on the internet and social networks of people in the water, this is not recommended, in addition to the fact that these people did it without the permission of the guides or the staff of the tourist park.
As tempting as it may seem, it is not recommended to enter the water, these are the main reasons why you should not do it:
Now that we know why you should not swim in the ponds, we will tell you why the water in Las Coloradas is pink.
The water acquires its pinkish tone due to the combination of three main factors, which explain this natural phenomenon:
It is important to mention that the shades are not uniform throughout the pool area. There is a combination of different colors that can be observed. In addition to the beautiful shade of pink, these range from brown to blue, green, or even red.
We advise you to schedule your visit in the seasons of the year and times when the pink tones of the water are best appreciated, that is, between the months of March and August at noon, when the sun is at its highest point. So you can perfectly visualize the wonder of this natural spectacle.
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Not everything is restricted. Our main objective is to be aware that we can enjoy the place, as long as we are respectful of the environment. There are different activities that can be done in Las Coloradas:
The main economic activity of the inhabitants of Las Coloradas is the production of sea salt for consumption, in addition to fishing and tourism.
Industria Salinera de Yucatán, S. A. de C. V. is the company that has been granted permission to produce salt, which belongs to Grupo Roche. This makes it the most important source of employment in the port.
It was founded in 1946 and in its beginnings, it harvested the mineral through traditional techniques. Over time, it incorporated advanced processes and machinery that managed to increase its production considerably, and above all, sustainably.
Fortunately, it is a company that has been committed to the environment since its inception, as it has accepted the role it plays in preserving the habitat and species of animals and plants.
On the other hand, together with the support of government institutions and individuals, this company grants sponsorship for the conservation of species in the area. It focuses mainly on the population of pink flamingos and sea turtles.
It supports reforestation programs in the biosphere in nearby cities and also promotes environmental education in the community.
Thanks to all this, not only is the number one salt in Mexico obtained: Sal Sol but the beautiful natural settings of Las Coloradas are maintained and work is being done on their constant protection and conservation.
A biosphere reserve —according to the legal framework in Mexico— is a representative biogeographic zone of an ecosystem not altered by human action. These areas need to be preserved or restored because they are home to endemic, threatened, or endangered species.
Las Coloradas belongs to the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. The Reserve category was granted by decree of the Official Gazette of the Federation on May 21, 1999, the most recent date.
It was designated internationally as a Ramsar site in the Wetlands Convention in 1986. It was the first Mexican wetland to obtain this designation.
On October 2, 2004, its addition to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which belongs to the UNESCO program known as Man and Biosphere (MAB – Man and Biosphere), was accepted.
All these programs and appointments make Las Coloradas in Yucatan a special place in Mexico. Efforts of public and private initiatives and international organizations are combined to work on improving the relationship between man and the natural environment.
This unique area is home to a significant number of species, among which we can mention:
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Throughout the year, unique natural phenomena take place in Las Coloradas that can be respectfully observed. It is worth mentioning that it is one of the main nesting areas for the pink flamingo.
It is also important to mention that, of the seven existing species of sea turtles (all in danger of extinction), four nests in Yucatan, and Las Coloradas is part of the nesting areas.
Among the species they inhabit, we can mention the hawksbill turtle, which is important for the balance of coral reefs. For this reason, Las Coloradas is called the Turtle Sanctuary.
From January to December, you can also see some types of migratory birds and crocodiles, which arrive at the reserve.
Because the area is an estuary, mangroves abound. These woody plant formations are essential elements for the balance of the ecosystem of the place. They are home to small crustaceans and mollusks. Also, they serve as a source of food and shelter for various species in the region.
Here are some tips to be more respectful of the environment during your visit:
Remember that we are going to visit a place where unique species in the world live. It is important to take care of their home to avoid its extinction.
If we are already aware of the importance of this little paradise, not only for the State of Yucatan but also nationally and internationally, we can be sure that we will not only have a pleasant time.
Also, we will witness several natural wonders concentrated in one place. Once again, it is pertinent to emphasize the importance of going with expert guides who share good practices.
They not only have to follow the rules to the letter but they must be encouraged to create the awareness that everyone must have to take care of the environment.
As we have mentioned, although you cannot swim in Las Coloradas, this beautiful tourist park has other interesting things to see and learn about, as well as the photos you can take of its pink landscapes, which make up for not being able to enter the water.
Your adventure can be a quick getaway to admire the landscapes of Las Coloradas or an excursion that includes nearby areas that complement everything that the Ría Lagartos Natural Park has to know.
Perhaps you can even encourage yourself to make a longer stay that allows you to plan a variety of activities. If you want to know more about how to get to Las Coloradas and everything you can see and do on the way, we recommend you read the article that we have prepared for you.
Combine relaxation and entertainment at the same time in this unique and special paradise. Book your next trip to Yucatan for a memorable experience.
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