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Cenotes are one of the most unique geological features in the Caribbean. The water has been filtered through rock, making it amazingly clear. And because it’s been underground for so long, it’s always cool. What’s neat about the area is that there is so much going on.
Local Customs and Etiquette in Puerto Progreso
The Mayan civilization is more than just an ancient complex civilization, it is a living culture with millions of inhabitants all over Mexico and Guatemala. If we ever decide to revisit Progreso in the future, we're confident that it will be a completely different place. It's currently in a transition period as tourism begins to grow and naturally force the port town to develop. However, at the moment, there are many other beautiful beach towns in Mexico that we'd recommend before Progreso. As always, this blog is a place for us to share our honest experiences and opinions.
Best Cancun Beaches to Visit
Prices for these Mayan excursions are often less than $100 per person with discounts for children. Extra discounts sometimes bring the price down to about $75. So, overall choosing the best port site depends on the passenger’s mood. Chichen Itza is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World according to UNESCO. And Uxmal is located 62 km south of Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state in Mexico.
Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide
Cruise travel specialist reveals the best things to do in Progreso, Yucatán - The Yucatan Times
Cruise travel specialist reveals the best things to do in Progreso, Yucatán.
Posted: Wed, 09 Oct 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Puerto Progreso Cruise Port is fast becoming a favorite destination for tourists looking for an unforgettable cruise experience. The port, situated in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, has much to offer visitors, from stunning natural beauty to rich cultural experiences. The buses typically run on a loop system, making multiple stops at key locations such as popular attractions, shopping areas, dining establishments, and beachfront promenades. Upon boarding these comfortable shuttle buses, visitors can expect friendly staff who can provide valuable information about things to do in Progreso Mexico cruise port.
Visit the nearby town of Telchac Puerto
Once you arrive, you’ll be at a small bus station run by the tour company providing the ride. With vendors selling their wares and thousands of tourists coming off the ship, it will be hectic. While the exits aren’t clearly marked, simply follow the crowd to make your way out to the street. Costa Maya and Progreso both provide a wide range of shore excursions that allow visitors to enjoy their rich history and culture. In Costa Maya, there are numerous tours and excursions available that explore the Mayan heritage. The Costa Maya has a man-made seabeach compared to Progresso’s long stretch of sandy beach.
Don’t think you’re going to find all the high-end diamond shops like you’ll see in places like Cozumel. Vendors here are smaller; often it’s just someone with a table and a tent. Progreso BeachWith any cruise port in the Caribbean, you’d expect to have a beach nearby to allow you to get some sun, swim, and generally just hang out. Want to save some cash and have an inexpensive day in port? They also generally will be near the foot of the cruise pier. All told, it’s about 200 miles as the crow flies from Cozumel, so many cruises have these ports back-to-back.
Carnival Cruise Line Returns to Progreso After 16 Month Absence - Cruise Hive
Carnival Cruise Line Returns to Progreso After 16 Month Absence.
Posted: Tue, 27 Jul 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Progreso, Yucatán, photos
When we visited, unfortunately, the water was brown and not pink. We did, however, see quite a few flamingos out in the lake. Memo told us that the pink water can be seen from March through September (don't quote us on that). During the hotter months, the water evaporates, exposing the pink algae that shrimp and flamingos eat. It is not the bustling port that passengers will see throughout other parts of the Caribbean and Mexico, however. In fact, aside from the throngs of out-of-town vendors that converge when a cruise ship is in port once or twice a week, it can be pretty sleepy.
Once in town, Progreso's center is easily explored on foot. Additionally, some travelers may consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid, especially if planning to explore more rural areas or indulge in street food. However, it’s always helpful to learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your travel experience and interact with locals more effectively. They are often equipped with maps and brochures detailing various activities and attractions available in both Progreso itself and its surrounding areas.
Covid-19 advise for cruises to Progreso (Mexico)
The shopping area at Costa Maya features a diverse range of shops, including those offering jewelry, leather goods, artisan chocolate, t-shirts, and authentic Mexican souvenirs. Hang up your beachside hammock and laze the day away with the All Inclusive Beach Resort Getaway shore excursion. If you are going to visit a cenote in the area this one is the best bang for your buck. However, we have to warn you this is maybe the most visited cenote in the area and is mostly by the cruise ship shore excursion crowd. If you are part of the cruise ship crowd, great, you will enjoy it! If you aren't part of the cruise ship crowd, you might try to pick a day when there is not a cruise ship docked in the area.
In fact, cruise passengers expecting a port similar to Cozumel — well known for its large resorts and catering to American tourists — should know that Progreso is very different. The unique setting, however, can make Progreso one of the most interesting ports of call to visit. Another option outside of Progreso is the city of Merida, which is a 40-minute or 24-mile bus ride from the port to the city’s center.
With a wide range of options available, there is something for everyone to enjoy during their visit to this enchanting Mexican port. With its convenient location and various transportation options, visitors have easy access to a plethora of exciting activities and attractions within Progreso and its surrounding areas. Whether it’s exploring ancient Mayan ruins, indulging in delicious local cuisine, or simply relaxing on pristine beaches, there is something for everyone in this enchanting Mexican destination. As your ship docks in this captivating destination, you’ll be greeted by a charming coastal town that serves as a gateway to the rich cultural and historical treasures of the Yucatán region.
Beaches are usually a hub of activity with cruise ship passengers, locals, and visitors from Merida all converging to enjoy the beauty. Many restaurants offer loungers and umbrellas on the beach that you can use for free as long as you order food or drinks. It includes visits to the Chacchoben and Kohunlich ruins, offering insights into ancient civilizations. Additionally, visitors can take beach breaks, dolphin & taxi rides, and snorkeling excursions to explore vibrant marine life. One of the most popular cruise ship shore excursion adventures is to see the flamingos at the famous pink lake called Laguna Rosada. It's important to note that there's another popular pink lake closer to Cancun called Las Coloradas.
While much of the Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its turquoise water and white sand beaches, the beaches in Progreso/Chicxulub are quite different. The water remains shallow for quite a ways out (hence the ridiculously long pier). The shallow water, paired with the constant wind, makes for some choppy swimming water. The beach clubs that we went to are 'free' to claim a lounge chair with the assumption that you'll purchase something from the restaurant or bar. The city center of Progreso is about 5 miles long by 10 blocks and encompasses the malecon ocean promenade. The town also has its own mercado (market), which is where locals shop for fresh produce as well as snacks.
If your cruise has a stop in Progreso, you might be wondering what exactly there is for you to do on your cruise, especially things that are within a budget. Below we cover all the things you can do, whether you’re looking for something inexpensive, close to the cruise pier, or simply the biggest adventure possible. The Cruise Port is 3-miles away from Montego Bay's, but both the old town and the island have top attractions and highlights that must be explored. There is a tourist info kiosk at the start of the Malecón, close to the Juan Miguel Castro monument by the beach. Cruise passengers looking forward to savoring local food will only find a few convenient places to enjoy delicious lunch, a light meal, or refreshing drinks by the Malecón in Progreso. For those looking forward to relaxing day on a pristine beach, there are a few attractive options.
