Port of Call: Progreso

Progreso is one of Mexico’s major ports! There is a wealth of activities to suit all tastes here in Yucatán. As we have a 4 mile long dock for your ship, you’ll first encounter the free shuttles from the ship to the Casa de Cultura in the center of Progreso. Here you’ll find many vendors with crafts, and tour companies ready to take you to some of the fascinating sites in our state. Henequen crafts, hammocks, traditional dresses, and more are available at very reasonable prices.

If you would just like to stay in town to shop and relax, you might enjoy the double-decker bus tour of the town. Tours last about 20 minutes and leave every 10 minutes or so from the Casa de Cultura. A true port town, you’ll enjoy the sights and catching a glimpse of the real Mexico. Click here for our list of Yucatan restaurants, including several in Progreso.

Back at the Casa de Cultura, you can walk north two blocks to the malecón – the beachside promenade. Excellent restaurants -such as Eladio’s, Flamingos, Saint Bonnet, and Buddy’s, to name a few – abound. You can eat inside or enjoy beach-side service. Grab a table, order drinks, get free botanas (read botanas article), and enjoy the cool breezes off the Gulf. The water is clean and very shallow – so great for swimming.

Eco-tours are available just south of Progreso in the lagoon: with Capt. Felix, La Ría and Corchito. Capt. Felix can take 2 people in his safe, smaller boat, and he speaks English. He can be reached at cel. 999 220 1186. Email: mieryteranfelix@yahoo.com.mx

La Ría is open every day of the year from 8 am to 7 pm. They have a small restaurant and bar, and coolers on the boats so you can bring your own beer, sodas, etc. They have comfortable tour boats that hold a maximum of 10 people, with life jackets and an awning. 1 1/2 hour and 3 hour tours of the lagoon are offered. The 3 hour tour includes fishing equipment and a chance to swim. La Ría can also arrange fishing trips with 12 hours notice. A maximum of 6 people can rent a fishing boat with all equipment and an experienced captain for a 5 hour tour. They also have water bicycles, and single and double kayaks for rent. English-speaking guides are available. They accept pesos or US dollars, but do not accept credit cards. La Ría can be reached at riaprogreso@gmail.com

Corchito is open every day at 9 am. They have boats that will take you to a natural reserve in the mangroves with palapas, swimming, and hiking. Bathrooms and changing rooms are available. The boat holds a maximum of 12 people. To take a tour, walk about 2 blocks south from the Casa de Cultura to the main square and you'll see the taxi stand. A taxi to La Ría will cost about $20 pesos; to Corchito, $30 pesos. If you have a large group, talk to a van driver and negotiate a price.

Charter Boat Services in Progreso
Flamingo Coast Real Estate in Progreso has a 30' Dorado which is available for charter, ideal for small groups of 4 to 6 guests when you arrive by Cruise Ship. Cruising speed is about 20 knots. The outboards can be raised which means better beach access, and there is a new ladder for easier access for swimming or diving. They are fully licensed for charter and have permits for Alacranes Reef. Fish for yellowtail snapper, black grouper, barracuda, yellow fin tuna, black fin tuna, wahoo, amberjack, blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, dorado and tuna. Contact Clifford G. McCaa at 999-949-1342, Email: cmccaa@flamingocoast.com.mx or visit www.reelblessedadventures.com
Cruise Ship Special at $450 USD for up to 6 people: all you have time to fish on your stay with pick up at cultural center, breakfast, your choice of bottled water, sodas and beer.

The closest Mayan site is Dzibilchaltún. Only about 20 minutes away from town, it has an excellent small museum showing the history of the Mayan civilization, pyramids you can climb, and a cenote for a refreshing dip.

Autoprogreso Tours has a booth at the Casa de Cultura. This professional tour company has comfortable air-conditioned buses with restrooms, English speaking guides, and many tours to choose from. You can take a tour of the historic center of Mérida, our capital; Dzibilchaltún; a combo Mayan ruins/beach break tour that takes you to the archaeological site of Xcambo and the Hotel Reef Yucatan – an all-inclusive resort on the beach; and, a Flamingo Tour that visits a bird sanctuary, Xcambo, and the fishing village of Telchac Puerto. Autoprogreso is well aware of your time constraints and will get you back to the Casa de Cultura in plenty of time to do a little shopping before taking the free shuttle back to the ship. www.autoprogreso.com

A tour of Uxmal, to the south of Mérida, could be the highlight of your trip. This site has many of the wonders of Chichén Itzá, but is closer to Progreso and is far less crowded.

To be sure to see exactly what you want to see and make it back to the ship on time, consider a custom tour with affable English-speaking native Lawson's Original Yucatan Excursions, or Yucatan Connection.

The City of Progreso has authorized official taxi fares for departures from the Casa de Cultura (effective Feb. 2011). Rates are per vehicle. Car: up to 4 passengers. Van: up to 10 passengers.

SERVICE / LENGTH / VAN / CAR

Shuttle / 15 min. / $12 USD / $8 USD

Dzibilchaltun / 3 hrs. / $80 USD / $60 USD

Dzibilchaltun & Merida / 4 hrs. / $130 USD / $100 USD

Golf Club one way / 30 min. / $50 USD / $40 USD

Golf Club / 3 hrs. / $100 USD / $80 USD

Merida one way / 40 min. / $50 USD / $40 USD

Merida shopping / 3 hours / $100 USD / $70 USD

Merida airport / 50 min. / $50 USD / $40 USD

Reef Club & Xcambo / 3 hrs. / $80 USD / $60 USD

Uxmal / 5 hrs. / $180 USD / $160 USD

Chichen Itza / 6 hrs. / $200 USD / $180 USD

Email: turismoprogreso@hotmail.com

Tel. 969 935 0104

Progreso is sure to be one of the highlights of your cruise – come enjoy this safe and friendly Yucatecan town! And check out Yucatan Today – the leading tourist guide to Mérida and Yucatán – to learn even more!