Eco Tourism, Birdwatching & Photography in Rio Lagartos,Yucatan with Diego Nuñez and Rio Lagartos Adventures
Río Lagartos Adventures & Diego Nuñez
I’m Diego Nuñez, a certified nature and birding guide with over 25 years of experience in Río Lagartos. I’ve trained local guides, worked with many conservation groups and helped protect flamingos, turtles, and local wildlife.
Together with my family, we run Río Lagartos Adventures, offering authentic nature, birding, and photography tours that share the beauty and biodiversity of our region with visitors from around the world.
I’m a very fortunate man, born and raised surrounded by the incredible nature of Río Lagartos, Yucatán. This wilderness has given my family and me the privilege to share its wonders through birding and nature photography tours. With over 395 bird species and a resident flock of 40,000 flamingos, Río Lagartos offers one of Mexico’s richest ecosystems — a paradise for photographers and wildlife lovers. Every sunrise here brings new light, new colors, and new moments to capture.
Protecting What We Love
For nearly 25 years, I’ve worked as a birding guide and tarpon fly-fishing guide, proudly sharing the natural treasures of Río Lagartos with visitors from around the world. During this time, I’ve also worked to promote our region, helping to attract more birders, anglers, and nature lovers.
But with this growth have come challenges. As more visitors arrive, the pressure on our fragile ecosystem has increased. New hotels, restaurants, and tour operators have emerged — many without the training or understanding needed to protect this delicate environment.
The Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, with its limited resources, struggles to regulate these activities. Fast boat trips and careless behavior disturb nesting areas, wildlife, and the peaceful balance that makes this place so special.
We must act responsibly. Slow, respectful tours should be the rule, not the exception. New regulations and stronger conservation efforts are essential — otherwise, we risk becoming victims of our own success.We must act responsibly. Slow, respectful tours should be the rule, not the exception. New regulations and stronger conservation efforts are essential — otherwise, we risk becoming victims of our own success.
These fragile barrier islands protect not only our homes, but also the flamingos and countless species that depend on them. If they break, everything that makes Río Lagartos so unique could be lost.
Looking Ahead with Hope
There are many challenges ahead, but I remain optimistic. Real change is possible — if we can find the political will to act. It’s up to all of us to support and encourage our leaders to make the courageous decisions needed to protect what truly matters: our environment, our communities, and our shared future.
