In short
- Swimming and wading are completely banned under all circumstances.
- The water salinity is up to four times higher than the ocean.
- Touching the water can contaminate the harvested sea salt.
In this article
Las Coloradas is not a public swimming beach. It is an active sea salt production facility that extracts roughly 750,000 tons of salt annually. The intense pink color comes from specific microalgae and bacteria living in the highly salty water.
Is swimming allowed in Las Coloradas?
No. You cannot swim, wade, or even dip your hands into the pink lakes.
All visitors must stay on the designated sandy pathways. You must remain with your official tour guide at all times. The park strictly enforces these rules to protect the site.
Why is touching the water banned?
Human contact contaminates the salt production and disrupts the ecosystem.
Industria Salinera de Yucatan harvests salt directly from these evaporation ponds. Lotions, sunscreens, and natural skin oils would pollute the 750,000 tons of sea salt produced here each year. Keeping visitors out of the water ensures the salt remains pure.
How does the high salinity affect skin?
The water can exceed ocean salinity by up to four times, making it harsh on human skin.
If you were to swim in this water, the extreme salt levels would severely dehydrate your skin. It causes severe irritation and discomfort. This extreme environment is ideal for microalgae, but it is dangerous for humans.
Where can I swim near Las Coloradas?
You can swim at nearby Cancunito Beach or participate in the Mayan Bath activity in the Ría Lagartos reserve.
Cancunito Beach is an undeveloped stretch of white sand located just a 15-minute drive from the salt park. It has no facilities, so you must bring your own umbrella and water.
Can I walk near the edge of the lakes?
You can walk along the edges, but only on designated pathways while accompanied by a guide.
The lakes are entirely fenced off. Access requires purchasing a guided tour. Your guide will ensure you maintain a safe distance from the water while still getting close enough to see the intense fuchsia colors.
What are the other park rules to know?
Visitors face several strict restrictions beyond the swimming ban to protect the area.
- No drones or professional camera equipment without commercial permits.
- No climbing on or touching the white salt pyramids.
- Pets are strictly prohibited inside the park.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a guide to walk around the pink lakes?
Yes. Access to the lakes is completely fenced off. You must purchase a guided tour to see the water up close and walk on the designated paths.
Why is the water at Las Coloradas pink?
The intense fuchsia color is naturally produced by Dunaliella salina microalgae and halobacteria. These organisms thrive in the extreme salinity of the evaporation ponds.
Is the Mayan Bath clay safe for skin?
Yes. The Mayan Bath uses mineral-rich white clay found in the Ría Lagartos reserve. It acts as a natural exfoliant. You can wash it off at nearby beaches afterward.
