Reserva Estatal El Palmar

El Palmar is a state nature reserve that covers the coast and wetlands southwest of Sisal, stretching toward Celestún. Behind the beach lies a maze of mangroves, shallow lagoons, petenes (islands of taller forest that grow around freshwater springs in the marsh) and ojos de agua, springs where fresh groundwater wells up into the salty swamp. The area is also listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention.

It is one of the best places on this coast for birds. Each year it holds more than 20,000 waterbirds, including American flamingos that come to feed, herons, egrets and many winter visitors that arrive along the Gulf migration route. Crocodiles also live in the channels.

From Sisal, local guides run boat trips into the mangroves, switching to small flat boats or kayaks where the water gets shallow, under tangled roots and dense vegetation. A favorite stop is a clear freshwater spring about 3 meters deep where you can swim and snorkel before heading back. Mornings are usually best for birds and calm water.