Yucatán Also Comes Alive at Night

Yucatán also comes alive at night: 7 Night Tours You Can't Miss in Yucatán.

Yucatán thrives and beckons to be explored by night. As the sun sets and the sky shifts to enchanting shades of yellow, pink, and violet, our land transforms, offering a myriad of experiences to make the most of the night. Whether you’re drawn to nature, history, or human ingenuity, there are plenty of night tours in Yucatán that let you venture out without worrying about heat and sunburn.

Here are a few of them:

1. Bioluminescence night tour in Dzilam de Bravo

Nature

Nature is magical, always promising something special no matter where you are. In Yucatán, the range of experiences is broad, but one of the most spectacular adventures you can embark on (literally) is to go out and observe marine bioluminescence. Trying to see it on your own isn’t impossible, but it’s super challenging: even the tiniest trace of artificial light (yes, even your phone screen) makes it hard to spot.

Luckily, Dzilam de Bravo offers tours that take you far from the shore, where the only lights are those from the sea, allowing you to see the night with new eyes. Here, you’ll witness the sea glowing, fish shining, and marine life moving in secret, each sight truly breathtaking. But that’s not all: another standout feature of this tour is the starry sky. When was the last time you could clearly see the Milky Way above you? Trust me, this tour is perfect for reminding you (or showing the little ones in your life for the first time) that there’s indeed a sky full of stars out there.

To take this tour, you need to ensure there’s no moon; this means checking the lunar cycle and choosing a time either before or after the moonrise (remember, the moon can rise during the day) or on a new moon night. Another factor to consider is the tide: the water in this area isn’t very deep, so the higher the tide, the more vivid the blue, green, or silver hues you’ll see.

Tip: Make the most of your visit by trying the seafood pizzas at Mareb restaurant; whether you choose lobster, shrimp, or octopus, their flavor will surely surprise you.

Cultural: 0/5
Adventure: 5/5
Contact with nature: 5/5
Family-friendly: 3/5
Culinary: 0/5

2. Night ATV tour in Acanceh

Adventure, History

Acanceh (pronounced ah-kan-KAY) might not be one of Yucatán’s most famous archaeological sites, but that’s because it’s been hidden in plain sight for years. As it happened in Izamal, the colonial town grew around the structures, making the entire village an archaeological site. During the day, you can visit the pyramids and even climb them; if you haven’t done this yet, it’s absolutely worth it.

But why not add a twist to your visit by exploring Acanceh at night? You can book an ATV tour that takes you to see the sunset over Plaza de las Tres Culturas (flanked by the Great Pyramid, the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity, and the municipal market). As dusk falls, you’ll ride through the charming streets and then venture out of the village into the low jungle. Follow the trails to an old, abandoned hacienda where you’ll be treated to a delicious regional dinner prepared by local cooks.

For an individual ATV, this tour costs $900 pesos; if you share with a buddy, the rate will be $1,200 pesos per ATV.

Cultural: 4/5
Adventure: 5/5
Contact with nature: 3/5
Family-friendly: 3/5
Culinary: 5/5

Acanceh Experience
IG: acancehexperience

3. Night ATV tour in Izamal

Adventure, History

Izamal is one of Yucatán’s Magical Towns, iconic for its unique streets and picturesque yellow-painted buildings.  Like Acanceh, Izamal is a delightful destination with plenty to see and do. However, many make the mistake of visiting during the day and not staying overnight, missing out on what Izamal has to offer at night.

One great way to experience Izamal after dark is through Izamal Cuatritours. This tour takes you along the cobblestone streets, past the city’s pyramids during golden hour, and allows you to explore various ancient and abandoned sites, including a couple of churches and the main house of an old hacienda.  

There’s also a strategic stop to enjoy a snack by a campfire.

The tour ends with a relaxing regional dinner featuring a variety of Yucatecan snacks, including Salbutes, Panuchos, and empanadas.

Cultural: 4/5
Adventure: 4/5
Contact with nature: 3/5
Family-friendly: 3/5
Culinary: 5/5

Izamal Cuatritours
FB: Izamal_cuatritours

4. Night crocodile watching tour in Río Lagartos

Nature, Adventure

The Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO as a wetland of importance for the conservation of aquatic birds, is an absolute must-visit for nature enthusiasts. However, although many are familiar with its bird-watching tours, especially for flamingos, they often overlook the night tour focused on the creatures that give the region its name: the “Lagartos.”

These "Lagartos" are actually Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii), a species of swamp crocodile found along the Gulf coast, known for their compact size (the largest ones typically reach just 3 meters or 10 ft in length). These crocodiles live in the estuary; nocturnal and naturally shy, they spend their days sunbathing out of sight from humans. At night, however, they come out to hunt (birds, fish, and even medium-sized mammals); locals know well how to find them and approach them safely, and can take you on an adventure that is as fun as it is educational, even for school-aged children.

It’s worth noting that while tour operators are skilled in approaching crocodiles safely (knowing which ones to approach and from what distance), it’s crucial to heed their instructions carefully to prevent any accidents.

Cultural: 3/5
Adventure: 5/5
Contact with nature: 5/5
Family-friendly: 4/5
Culinary: 0/5

5. Star gazing tour in Río Lagartos

Nature

Did you know that light pollution prevents 80% of the population from knowing what a truly starry sky looks like? If you really want to get an idea of what the celestial sphere contains, invisible to our eyes most of the time, you shouldn’t miss this tour.

Luckily, Río Lagartos' privileged location in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve makes it an exceptional place. Here, the total darkness will allow your eyes to adapt and see the sky like never before. The best part is that, in the company of certified guides, you will learn about Greek and Maya worldviews, the signs and constellations of the Zodiac, and with the help of powerful telescopes, you’ll see celestial bodies such as the moon, planets, star clusters, etc.

Although this tour is very family-friendly, it is not ideal for very young children who may get distracted or bored easily; however, if your kids are interested in astronomy, mythology, nature, or science in general, they will surely enjoy it immensely.

The tours are private and available for groups of two or more people. Book in advance to guarantee the date you are interested in.

Cultural: 4/5
Adventure: 2/5
Contact with nature: 5/5
Family-friendly: 4/5
Culinary: 0/5

Rates start at $400 pesos per person
Cel. 999 127 4400
uriel.natureguide@gmail.com
IG: @uriel.natureguide
FB: Guía de Naturaleza Uriel Massa

6. Misnebalam Ghost Town night tour

Nature, Adventure

To the north of Mérida, there is an old hacienda that fell into complete abandonment after the collapse of the Henequén industry last century. The Misnebalam hacienda, just a few minutes off the highway to Progreso, has become a favorite tourist destination for thrill-seekers.

Reports of numerous paranormal sightings at Misnebalam, explained through urban legends and popularized by TV shows and multiple YouTube videos, have turned it into a spooky hotspot. Exploring the area, whether by bike or on foot, means venturing into the paths of the Yucatecan low jungle, and then touring the architectural remnants of the colonial era, with the added excitement of its ghostly mythology.

Discover the full history of Misnebalam Ghost Town by reading our article Connect with the Great Beyond in Misnebalam. 

Tel. 999 193 0042
FB: Rutas de Xcunyá

Cultural: 4/5
Adventure: 5/5
Contact with nature: 3/5
Family-friendly: 1/5
Culinary: 0/5

7. Noche de Leyendas (Night of Legends)

Culture, History

Looking for an exciting nighttime adventure right here in Mérida? How about diving into the history (and, of course, the legends) of the Yucatecan capital with "Noche de Leyendas (Night of Legends)"? It’s not just a tour—it’s a moving theater experience that everyone can enjoy. Educational, entertaining, and above all, unforgettable, this is an excellent opportunity to see the historic center of the city from a completely different perspective.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this experience is that it includes a visit to the mythical underground tunnels of the city, which connect several of the colonial buildings still standing in the area. Considered urban legends for a long time (and still laden with countless stories), only this theatrical collective has access to these passageways. Needless to say, thanks to them, the visit takes on an additional dimension that surely wouldn’t exist if the tour were offered any other way.

As of this edition (June 2024), the tours are only available as private tours due to the remodeling of Plaza Grande, but it is expected that they will resume shortly.

For more information, or to schedule a private tour, contact them directly:

Cultural: 5/5
Adventure: 2/5
Contact with nature: 0/5
Family-friendly: 4/5
Culinary: 0/5

Noche de Leyendas
nochedeleyendasmerida@gmail.com
Cel. 999 129 1502
FB: Noche de Leyendas Mérida Yucatán

Photography by Alicia Navarrete, Renée Morales, Uriel Massa, Noche de Leyendas, Rutas de Xcunyá y Yucatán Today for its use in Yucatán Today.