Mexico is a wonderland of biodiversity that offers nature lovers the opportunity to experience unique encounters with some of the most fascinating wildlife. From whale watching to birdwatching, and from exploring mangroves to hiking in vast reserves, Mexico’s wildlife tours are the adventure of a lifetime. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best wildlife tours in Mexico to experience up-close encounters with whales, sea turtles, monarch butterflies, countless birds, and many other remarkable creatures in their natural habitats while immersing yourself in Mexico’s immense natural beauty.
Whale Watching in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta
An exciting adventure awaits at these two locations during the winter. From November to March, the magnificent humpback whales make their way south and this is the perfect time to hop on a boat and see these fascinating creatures up close. We recommend finding a company that does responsible whale watching and has a marine biologist on board.
Diving or Snorkeling at the Underwater Museum of Art
Immerse yourself in a whimsical underwater world almost 30 feet deep at the unique Manchones Gallery, located in Isla Mujeres as part of the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA). This gallery allows diving or snorkeling to enjoy nearly 500 sculptures along with an abundance of fish and sea turtles. Designed to counteract the effects of climate change by minimizing the damage to the coral reef, this museum has become one of the most amazing underwater attractions in the world.
Bird Watching at Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Nature flows freely at the spectacular tropical scenery of the Botanical Garden just minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, the perfect spot in the heart of the forest for the ultimate wildlife tour. Walk around orchids and magnolias while spotting fascinating birds up in the trees. In this slice of heaven on earth, you can discover exotic flowers, birds, trees, and a refreshing river that come together to take your breath away.
Snorkeling at El Cielo, Cozumel
Immerse yourself in unbelievable crystal-clear waters and admire spectacular marine life and colorful reefs by snorkeling at the dreamy (and appropriately named) El Cielo, Spanish for “Heaven”. There are plenty of spots for exceptional snorkeling in Cozumel, but El Cielo Reef, which is very shallow and only accessible by boat, is just heavenly for swimming around beautiful fish, rays, sea turtles, and starfish. Most tours also visit El Cielito Beach “Small Heaven” which is a great place to relax on the powdery white sand.
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
You can witness Nature in all its glory by seeing the extraordinary Monarchs in their natural habitat. Millions of these beauties travel for an incredible period of three months, and their migration involves three nations: Canada, the United States of America, and Mexico. The sanctuary spreads across five different locations in the state of Michoacan and is open from November to March. Visitors are asked to avoid the use of flash and to keep quiet while enjoying the sanctuary.
Swim with Whale Sharks in Los Cabos
For an epic, once-in-a-lifetime experience during your stay in Los Cabos, immerse yourself in the blue waters of the idyllic La Paz, where you can swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat. These friendly creatures are gentle and move slowly, allowing you to collect precious memories to last a lifetime.
Axolotl Discovery
For one of the most unique wildlife tours in Mexico, and the world, head to the Lake of Xochimilco in Mexico City, as the enigmatic axolotl is an ancient amphibian salamander only found in this spot in the entire world. Explore the canals and floating gardens while you search for this charming creature, currently in danger of extinction.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
With an abundance of fascinating wildlife, this exceptional reserve located south of Cancun is the largest in the whole state of Quintana Roo. In this corner of the world, you can explore and discover mangroves, and fascinating fauna such as birds, manatees, jaguars, ocelots, pumas, crocodiles, dolphins, sea turtles, and fish, all flowing freely around you for an unforgettable full immersion in nature.
See Hanging Snakes in the Caves of Kantemó
This impressive cave of Kantemó near Cancun is home to non-poisonous snakes that hang spookily from the ceiling to hunt for the hundreds of bats that live there, and where crocodiles roam about the nearby lagoon. This unique wildlife tour is definitely not for the faint-hearted and absolutely perfect for reptile lovers while visiting Mexico.
See Flamingos in the Wild in Yucatan
Ria Lagartos and Celestún are two dazzling Yucatan spots where a breathtaking experience can be had: seeing thousands of flamingos in the wild, gathering in large pink clouds. The sleek pink birds congregate in these two spots year-round, and it is easy to find a boat tour to go see them. If flamingos are on your bucket list, don’t think twice and give yourself the wildlife experience of a lifetime.
We hope this glimpse into the natural wonders of Mexico inspires your next adventure and brings you closer to the breathtaking beauty of our planet’s wildlife. Remember, each tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime in Mexico’s vibrant ecosystems. Safe travels and happy wildlife watching!
