Beaches

Let's take a look from the west coast in Celestún to the east coast in El Cuyo.

Celestún, with its beautiful mangroves, sweet water springs, seafood restaurants in the village, and calm beaches. 

Located 96 km from Mérida heading west, this beautiful fishing port is truly picturesque. Its infrastructure has small basic, medium and luxury hotels. There are several restaurants, small shops and a shelter port.

Celestún is famous for its tours in the estuary, for its beautiful flamingos, the natural spring water and its quiet beaches, and also for its delicious seafood in the restaurants on the beach.

Sisal is a Magical Town in Mexico, the only one on the Yucatecan coast. It is a port of just over 1,600 inhabitants that welcomes visitors with open arms, a place with great natural attractions to visit, care for and admire, lodging options and restaurants to enjoy fresh fish or seafood. A nature refuge, a paradise of flora and fauna one hour from Mérida that you will try to go to every time you can.

Visit the nature reserve with canals, an natural spring water so crystal clear that it will be inevitable that you jump in immediately. These little paradises are suitable for small groups. Treat nature with respect by not using blockers or leaving trash. In the center you can visit the Fort of Santiago, the pier, the Monifato house and the beautiful beach, ideal for walks or simply spending a day under an umbrella or palapa. Sisal beach is always a place where you can do nothing and have a good time.

86 km further to the east (without a direct coastal connection) you will come to Sisal, the first port town that used to export henequen; that is how it got its name.

Chuburná Puerto is a small fishing town with a recently remodeled modern plaza that welcomes many foreigners who have found their second home in Mexico. Passing the town you will find a small port and a large beach. Head to the right to enjoy an immense expanse of pure sand and an impressive sea, a wonderful place to coexist with nature and the locals who enjoy what is possibly the largest beach in Yucatán.

In the port you can take the tour to Isla Columpios or to the natural spring water where you can see the birds and marine life, and of course the famous picnics at sea.

In the town of Chuburná you will find restaurants ready to prepare fresh and delicious fish and seafood and serve you the cold drinks that you will surely need. Right next to the square is the pier and the beach. The pier is a lovely place to enjoy watching the pelicans as the sun sets.

Chelem is a small fishing village west of Progreso (pop. 5200). Here you can really immerse yourself in the Mexican culture. Chelem is a treasure chest to uncover, resting peacefully among coconut palms, seagrape trees bordered by the turquoise hues of the Gulf. You can get there by rental car or public transportation.

Tempt your palate by sampling the fare from the many small family “restaurantes” that offer fresh seafood, cold refrescos or cerveza, and relax among the locals. The “Bull Pen” on the main square, owned by two Americans, is a favorite among the ex-pats living or renting in the area.

There is a growing population of ex-pats living and vacationing in Chelem. Many arrive in early spring and the little village starts teeming with activity.

While visiting Chelem take time to take in the wildlife. Lots of beautiful flamingoes can be seen in the Ría de Chelem located south of Chelem’s main plaza. They start arriving in the area in June. Most are here by November but they begin to leave between January and March. It is quite a majestic sight!

Progreso de Castro is 2 miles due north of Mérida. A picturesque coastal town along the Yucatán coast, is renowned for its splendid pier, stretching gracefully into the azure waters of the Gulf of México. This iconic landmark not only serves as a vital hub for maritime commerce but also beckons travelers with its allure. As the longest pier in Mexico, stretching over 6.5 kilometers, it symbolizes Progreso's historical significance as a bustling port town.

As you step onto its sun-kissed shores, you're greeted by the vibrant energy of this bustling port city, where traditional Mexican charm meets modern amenities. With its picturesque boardwalks, lined with colorful shops and eateries, Progreso invites visitors to stroll along its sandy beaches, bask in the warm sunshine, and indulge in freshly caught seafood delicacies, and enjoy some culture with the Meteorite Museum. Perfect for a daytrip or a weekend.

Located 5 miles east of Progreso and 25 miles northeast of Mérida, Chicxulub Puerto is home to approximately 5,000 inhabitants, primarily engaged in fishing and commerce.

Chicxulub Puerto is famous for being the epicenter of the crater of the same name, caused by the impact of a meteorite colliding with Earth about 65 million years ago. The crater, dating back to the late Cretaceous period, measures 112 miles in diameter. While unfortunately, there is no visible evidence remaining, you can visit the Chicxulub Crater Museum, the Meteorite Museum in Progreso, or the Yucatán Scientific and Technological Park located in Sierra Papacal.

Chicxulub Puerto boasts a pier that locals gather on every afternoon. On either side of the pier, you'll find private homes along the coast.

July and August are the months when Chicxulub Puerto transforms to welcome mostly local vacationers, opening restaurants, bars, and nightclubs for just two months. From November to March, Chicxulub Puerto is renowned for accommodating Americans and Canadians known as "snowbirds" who flee the northern cold to enjoy our warm temperatures.

The port offers all necessary services, including grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, as well as a market for fresh fruits and vegetables, and local bakeries for fresh bread. Public bus service is good and frequent between Chicxulub and Progreso, as well as to the historic center of Mérida.

Uaymitún, along with San Benito and San Bruno, are residential areas and do not have a town center.

Telchac Puerto is a quiet fishing town of about 2,000 inhabitants that is rapidly opening up to the world, changing and growing by the second.

In Telchac Puerto you can find many sandy roads and people moving on foot, on bicycles, motorcycles and tricycles. You can plan a day trip or spend the night. There is an expat community of Americans, Canadians and Europeans. Some are snowbirds while others live in the community year-round.

The main plaza has a kiosk in the center and many trees that provide shade as well as an exercise area, picnic tables and children's games with swings and bars. This is the ideal place for people watching, especially from 5 pm onwards. Lodging in Telchac Puerto.

As for accommodation, you will find options that fit any budget. They range from cozy thatched-roof Mayan houses and affordable hostels to newly built five-star hotels. You'll also find several listings on Airbnb and VRBO, both basic and luxurious.

Some restaurants we love: Los Tiburones, La Picuda, Sea Friends, Los Cocos, El Angelito, Los Patitos, Bella Mar, Villas del Mar, Sol-Mar, Grand Marina Kinuh, Gangusi, Pescadería Xochi, Coloso de la Costa, Lolos.

San Crisanto is a small fishing village located 52 km. east of Progreso, and 10 km. past Telchac Puerto. It is characterized by its abundant production of coconut trees, which has led it to become known as the host of the annual coconut festival, where this fruit is offered in various desserts made by local producers.

Its beaches welcome visitors who are looking for peace and quiet. However, the town does offer small restaurants (like La Palapa seafood restaurant on the waterfront) and other services which are important to San Crisanto’s economy.

One of the attractions is a tour of the mangroves toward the natural spring. This is accessed after a fascinating tour in a light wooden boat paddled by your guide. The shade of the tall mangroves protects the water path right to the pier. There the visitor can swim in the refreshing waters while enjoying the abundant birds and fish that live together in an ambience of ecological balance.

Small fishing town that has a sheltered port and some restaurants. Its beaches are not extensive so you can visit 2 places to the east of the town: Playa Tortuguita which has facilities to rent or Playa Marmota without facilities but very beautiful.

Santa Clara is also a small fishing town that offers tranquility to those who visit it since it does not yet suffer the development of the big city. When entering from Chabihau you can see small pink ponds on the side of the road that usually have flamingos.

Dzilam de Bravo is the last port on the coastal highway that leaves Progreso, a 5o mile journey that is well worth it. This wonderful fishing port, like many others on the coast, also offers tourist services that are well worth knowing, some of which are unique to this area.

There are many options and combinations to visit the natural spaces of this area and you can choose from the different packages offered by the cooperatives in the area:

Punta Arena and El Cielito beaches, the Ojo de Agua Xbuya-Ha is a freshwater spring that emerges over the sea where you can bathe, the Elepeten Cenote is a freshwater spring in the mangroves, piedras de Chacaltún, is the perfect place to snorkel, fishing tour, flamingo tours, tours to Río Angosto lagoon or to visit the Bocas de Dzilam.

This picturesque fishing village is the doorway to one of the natural wonders in the state of Yucatán: the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.

One of San Felipe’s unique characteristics is the colorful wood houses. So you be can see houses painted in pink, blue, green and every color of the rainbow! This makes San Felipe one of the most visually cheerful towns in the state of Yucatán. There are more than 500 of these houses in San Felipe.

While visiting San Felipe, don’t miss Cerritos Island, antique trading post of the Itzáes (Maya), and the Kambulnah cenote. Both must be visited by boat.

To do these kinds of tours, and to go to the beach, you must take a touristic boat from the boardwalk of San Felipe. Remember to take snacks and beverages with you, and of course arrange your pick-up time with the fisherman. This way you will be able to enjoy your almost-private beach for a few hours.

San Felipe is an eco-touristic destination because of the variety of fauna. You will be able to see many of the 350 species of birds such as the beautiful flamingos, as well as turtles, foxes, ducks, and more. Its waters contain lobsters, octopus, grouper, and other delicacies, all part of the local delicious gastronomy.

Río Lagartos offers beautiful lagoons for bird watching and during summer you can see large colonies of flamingos, as well as excellent seafood restaurants and small hotels and cabins. Río Lagartos was declared a Wildlife Refuge, as it is the habitat of a large number of plants and animals.

Cancunito is one of the virgin beaches that you absolutely must visit when you are in the Las Coloradas area. It is located between Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas, you will be enchanted by the landscapes and the color of the water that is turquoise like Cancun.

Las Coloradas, in Yucatán, is a dreamlike place with pink waters and blue sky. Its dazzling landscape attracts tourists from around the world. The pink color comes from microorganisms and algae in the water, due to the high concentration of salt.

It is recommended to hire a guide and visit on sunny days to better appreciate the pink hues. It is important not to swim in the pink waters to preserve the ecosystem, but there are nearby beaches with crystal-clear waters. Additionally, you can admire the salt mounds and the salt factory, although it is not open to the public. It is a fascinating destination that combines unique nature and captivating tourist activities. Tours available every day: on foot, by bike or on safari.

El Cuyo is the hidden treasure of the Yucatecan emerald coast. You can find this charming fishermen’s village on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, where the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea mingles with the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It is located only two hours from Cancún and three and a half hours from the colonial city of Mérida.

El Cuyo is a small beach community where you will enjoy the tranquil ambience of a port. Everything about it invites you to relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature. Ria Lagartos National Park is considered a true jewel for lovers of peace and nature… far away from telephones, pagers, and computers.

The lighthouse that is built on the remains of old Maya ruins welcomes you as you drive into town. The village is home to 1500 permanent residents that are dedicated fishermen and live in colorful wooden houses.

While strolling along the beach you will find an abundance of seashells that follow the ocean current to shore. El Cuyo’s special location provides breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the beach. And at night, you can enjoy a romantic campfire on the beach and gaze into an infinite sky filled with stars.