In short
- Drones and tripods are strictly prohibited.
- Handheld cameras and smartphones are allowed.
- Professional gear requires advance commercial authorization.
In this article
Las Coloradas manages access tightly to protect the salt production facility and local ecosystem. If you plan to take photos, you must follow the official camera policies. Security guards and guides enforce these rules throughout the park.
Can I fly a drone at Las Coloradas?
No, flying a drone over the pink lakes is strictly prohibited for standard visitors.
You cannot launch or operate a drone anywhere inside Parque Turístico Las Coloradas. The airspace is restricted to protect wildlife and the active salt harvesting operations. If you bring a drone, you must leave it in your vehicle.
Are tripods allowed at the pink lagoons?
No, tripods are banned at the salt flats.
You must leave your tripods behind. The park forbids them to keep pathways clear. This prevents commercial-style shoots from disrupting other visitors. You can only bring handheld cameras or your smartphone.
What camera equipment requires a commercial permit?
Any professional video gear, large lenses, or commercial setups require advance authorization.
If you intend to shoot professional photography or video, you must contact park management ahead of time. Without prior commercial permits, guides will turn you away. They may also ask you to store your equipment at the entrance.
How can I take good photos within the rules?
Visit during the midday sun and use a good smartphone or basic handheld camera.
Plan your photography between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. During this time, the midday sun maximizes the pink hue. You must stay on designated sandy pathways and remain with your guide at all times.
Why are the photography rules so strict?
The pink lakes are part of an active industrial sea salt facility and a protected biosphere reserve.
Industria Salinera de Yucatan extracts roughly 750,000 tons of sea salt here every year. The strict rules protect the purity of the salt. They also protect the sensitive environment of the Ría Lagartos wetland.
Are there other rules I should know while taking photos?
You cannot touch the water or climb the salt pyramids.
While finding the perfect angle, you must stay on the authorized paths. Touching or wading into the pink water is totally banned. Climbing on the massive white salt pyramids is also prohibited.
Questions travellers ask
Can I bring a GoPro?
Yes, small handheld action cameras like GoPros are allowed. You just cannot mount them on large tripods or professional rigs.
Do I need a permit for smartphone photos?
No, standard smartphone photography for personal use is fully permitted. You do not need a special fee or permit for personal photos.
Can I fly a drone at the nearby Cancunito Beach?
The private salt park bans drones. Cancunito Beach is a public area 15 minutes away. However, it falls within the biosphere reserve, so standard local aviation laws apply.
