It is mostly a fishing town, with a 19th-century lighthouse (as well as a more modern one) and an abandoned historic hacienda[citation needed].

Tourism is also making up an increasing portion of the town's economy, as the community has many kilometers of sand beaches and abundant wildlife.

One of the busiest times for tourism is Holy Week, when people from around the region visit Celestun.

[5] Celestun's ecosystem is unique because of a combination of freshwater from the century estuary and saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico.

Wildlife conservationists have an ongoing project to protect the sea turtles from encroaching modernization.Nearby there is the Ría Celestun Biosphere Reserve.