The flamingo boat tours that depart from the town waterfront are the reason most people come to Rio Lagartos. Independent operators line up along the embarcadero, and the local guide association keeps standards reasonably high — most tours last two to three hours and include the flamingo feeding grounds, mangrove channels, and usually a stop to spot the lagoon's resident American crocodiles.
The best time for flamingos is May through August, when the colony is at its maximum size and the birds are active in the shallows. Outside breeding season, smaller groups are still present year-round. Prices are fixed by the local cooperative; agree on the tour scope before departure. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and binoculars — the sun on the open water is intense and the birds are beautiful but not always close.