Taking a short cruise from Galveston or New Orleans? Then the chances are high that you’ll be making a stop in Progreso, Mexico.
A port city on the northern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, Progreso started welcoming cruise ships a few years ago. The increase in foreign tourists is slowing transforming the city and its facilities, but if you’re looking for a taste of “real” Mexico, Progreso is your best bet among cruise ports 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. It still has a rustic “old Mexico” feel. The unique setting, however, can make Progreso one of the most interesting ports of call to visit.
From the world’s longest pier to stellar beaches to being a gateway to Mayan ruins, the port offers plenty to experience while still serving up authentic Mexican culture.
Arriving in Progreso on a Cruise
You’d be forgiven if upon reaching Progreso you weren’t sure you were actually there. While some cruise ports may sit offshore and tender passengers into the port, other ports are simply docks that sit just a few hundred feet from the shore.
Progreso isn’t like either of those. The pier where the cruise ship docks is famous for being the longest in the world at approximately four miles long. That means once your cruise ship docks, you’re still quite a ways from the actual city. Luckily, there is a shuttle that will take you back and forth from the cruise ship to the city for free.
As you exit the ship, you will make your way through a small market with vendors selling all sorts of souvenirs, including a couple of spots selling cold (and cheap!) alcoholic beverages, soda, and water. After leaving the market, you’ll see the sign for the free shuttle, which is provided by a tour company in Progreso.
The sign says that the shuttle leaves every 20 minutes. We found that shuttles run more frequently in the morning when the ship first arrives and passengers make their way into town.
Once on the bus, it’s about a 10-15 minute ride into town. Once you arrive, you’ll be at a small bus station run by the tour company providing the ride. Be warned, this spot can get pretty busy on cruise day. 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.
One thing you should be prepared for is for vendors to be asking you at every turn to take a look at their shops. If you aren’t used to it, this can be a overwhelming. If you aren’t interested, just give a polite “no thank you” and keep moving.
If you plan to head to the beach (the main attraction in Progreso) it’s a short walk from the bus station. Here’s a map:
Progreso Beaches
While most cruise passengers aren’t sure what they should do when visiting the port, Progreso’s beaches are a gem. The city has a malecon (a broad walkway next to the beach) that offers white-sand beaches on one side and a number of restaurants on the other.
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.
The beaches are definitely a playground. With a wide expanse of sand you’ll likely see volleyball or soccer games being played, sunbathers, swimmers, and vendors. Beaches in Mexico are free for the public to use and you can setup anywhere you like. There are no areas that are for restaurant customers only (although loungers and umbrellas will be for customers only).
If you simply want to spend a day on the beach, Progreso is a great place to do that. One piece of advice is to head farther down the beach if you’re looking for a less crowded area to spend the day. The area right next to the pier can get busy.
How’s the water? It can vary widely. Having visited multiple times, we’ve seen the water be a beautiful turquoise green and a muddy brown. It depends weather and currents.
What to Do in Progreso on a Cruise
If you’re visiting the port while on your cruise, what is there to do? We cover some of the most popular options below…
Visit the Beach
Just want cheap and easy? Then it doesn’t get any easier than just heading to the beach. As you come into town on the shuttle, you’ll see a wide swatch of beautiful white beach on both sides of the pier. The beach offers plenty of space, along with a number of restaurants, shops, and things to see.
Just keep in mind that the water quality can vary greatly. Some days it can be a nice turquoise color while other days it can be more of a muddy brown. It depends on currents and weather.
See the Nuevo Malecon International
One of the newer things to do in Progreso is a new promenade for tourists to enjoy. As you drive in, it will be on your right. You’ll see things like the Ferris wheel and other attractions. The “Nuevo Malecon International” features amusement rides, sculptures, photo ops, and more. It’s a place where you can explore a little, take a stroll, and enjoy the scenery.
Check Out Dinosaurs at the Museo del Meteorito
If you have kids, then Museo del Meteorito might be the place to visit. The Yucatan is known for being the impact area of the meteor believe to have caused the dinosaurs to go extinct. This place pays homage, featuring all sorts of dinosaur exhibits, fossils, and more.
It might not be what you had in mind when you think of a beach town, but as a family destination, it should be high on the list. You can find it beachfront, just about a half-mile east of the pier to the cruise ship.
Enjoy a Bite to Eat Off the Ship
Even if you don’t want to head to the beach, it is a great spot to find a bite to eat off the ship. The main promenade right near the pier and the beach features a number of restaurants — including spots where you can have a drink or a meal with your feet in the sand. There’s plenty of beach food (tacos, burgers, seafood) for you to take your pick from.
One popular spot is Eladio’s, which is rated nearly 4.5 stars on Google after more than 10,000 reviews. It’s also right at the corner of the beach and the pier, making it convenient.
Tour the Famous Mayan Ruins
The Yucatan used to be a hive of activity among ancient Mayans. Today their former cities are fascinating to visit, giving a glimpse into the ancient cultures that lived there hundreds of years ago.
The ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal are both reachable from Progreso with cruise lines offering excursions. If you want to save some money, the tour company offering the shuttle from the cruise ship (AutoProgreso Tours) has trips to these sites for much less than the cruise excursion.
Swim in an Unspoiled Cenote
Never heard of a cenote (pronounced see-no-tay)? It’s a massive sinkhole that results from water eroding the limestone bedrock. The result is a huge pit that fills in with crystal clear freshwater from underground rivers. Cenotes aren’t just beautiful, they offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to swim in some of the most amazing surroundings you can imagine.
The area around Progreso is filled with cenotes and there are a number of tours that offer a stop at one as part of the trip.
Merida
If you’re a fan of history, then a trip to Merida is just the thing. The city of roughly 1 million was founded by the Spanish in the 1500s and is just about 30 minutes from Progreso. From museums to old Spanish architecture (including ancient churches) to food, Merida is a fascinating city with a lot to see.
It is recommended that you take a tour guide to go to see the city. You’ll get a lot more from your visit and also have some help to avoid you from getting lost.
Getting Back to the Ship
Ready to head back to the ship after your visit? For that you will head back to the same station where the shuttle dropped you off to start your day. Be careful — the last shuttle leaves one hour before the ship leaves. We suggest giving yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship as the last few shuttles can be busy.
If you make it back in plenty of time and are still looking for a place to go instead of getting back on the ship, there is a bar right near the cruise pier and just steps away from the boat. The bar offers cheap drinks (especially compared to the cruise ship), thumping music and also has several pools you can relax in if you didn’t get enough beach time.
One thing to keep in mind is that on our last visit to Progreso, this cool little bar was closed. It’s not clear if that’s a permanent change or just temporary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the shuttle pickup to go down the Progreso Pier and into town?
The free shuttle stop is at the end of the cruise port complex. To get there, you’ll want to follow the pathway through the duty-free area, as well as a number of shops and some small vendors selling drinks.
It may seem simple, but follow the crowd to get to the pickup spot. There you will see a sign and if you are leaving during the busy morning then you are sure to see the buses loading up.
The ride into town is free, and takes about 15 minutes.
Where do I go to catch the shuttle to go back to the ship?
When you arrive into town, you’ll be dropped off at a bus station. You’ll return here to get a ride back to the cruise ship. Keep in mind that the last bus leaves an hour before the ship departs — so be sure to get back to the bus station at least an hour an a half before your ship departs.
You don’t want to be stuck waiting on a bus because the other ones are full with people trying to make it back to the ship in time.
I don’t speak Spanish. Can I get around in Progreso on a cruise stop?
Don’t speak the local language? It’s not a big deal. As with other ports that cater to cruise ships coming from the United States, the locals in the tourist trade speak great English. Some small shopkeepers might speak broken English, but for the most part you won’t have any trouble getting around.
Have you been to Progreso? Are there things you’d suggest to other cruise passengers? Let us know in the comments below.
Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)
Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America
Popular: 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies
is the only way to get to the beach is through the shuttle ride to the city then to the beach?
Yes, you can’t walk down the pier. It’s way too long.
No you cannot go out on the pier. I tried on my morning walk last year but was stopped. Sad…
What part of the Mexican Marines guarding the port and the pier didn’t you understand?
Can you elaborate on how to get to the bar with the pool near the ship? I somehow missed it the last time I was there and don’t plan on leaving the port on my next cruise so I’d like to check it out. Thank you.
Last time we were there, you simply walked down the pier and it’s on your right. Here’s a link to the spot on Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/@21.3416268,-89.6743376,386m/data=!3m1!1e3
I vacation in Progreso and have always been curious about the pier and the bars and shops on the pier. Do you have to be a cruise passenger to use the shuttle or can you walk the pier?
There are some security checks going onto the pier. We’re not sure if they would let you on if you aren’t a passenger.
Can you tell me what facilities are on the Pier near where the Cruise ships are moored. On the picture above, it says that the bar near the cruise ship has cheap drinks and swimming pools. Can you confirm if this is on the pier please.
So the Progreso pier is extremely long with not a lot in between the ships and town. Right by the dock, however, there is a small bar area with the pools. Just beyond that is a little walkway with a couple of dozen shops for souvenirs of all types.
We were in Progreso in May of 2018, and the big, round shaped shop at the cruise pier was closed and empty. We shopped at the little booths behind it and got back on board. The locals were too pushy for me.
Are there lockers to rent at the free beach in Progreso?
We don’t know of any. We suggest a dry bag that allows you to bring your things with you in the water without them getting wet.
At present there are NO lockers available at the public Beach. However, we have made a recommendation directly to the Tourism Office/Mayer in Progreso, in hopes that it would be a consideration in the future.
I am going to be taking a cruise to Progreso in May and am totally wheelchair bound. Cannot walk at all. What can I do in Progreso or nearby that isn’t just shopping?
Janet — We’re not 100% sure of everything you can do, but you can definitely go to the main area of the port (near the pier) where there is a malecon with shops and restaurants. We aren’t sure about beach access there with a wheelchair, but it is right along the beach. If you want something else completely, check out the excursions offered by your cruise line. They will be able to tell you which ones are accessible.
Many great options are provided through the tour company you referenced. I noticed, however, that they want you to leave all your belongings on the bus (except water and camera) when visiting the ruins. That seems like a very unsafe choice to leave purses and such behind. Can you elaborate on this practice?
Elizabeth, we’re not familiar with that practice. It’s not something we’d want to do either. We would politely refuse or find a different company. You can also get one of the travel belts that fit under your clothes to put in things like passports and cash.
WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION FOR THE PORT DUTY FREE SHOP IN PROGRESSO, MEXICO? MY FRIENDS WENT IN LAST WEEK IN SEPTEMBER 2016 AND FOUND IT TO BE CLOSED. PLANNING CRUISE MAY 1-6 & HOPING TO FIND THEM OPEN; WILL BE IN PROGRESSO’S PORT MORNING OF MAY 4, 2016
We don’t know the exact hours, but it should be open while the ship is there. If your friends returned to the ship late, it might have been closed. To be sure, just head there as you depart the ship in the morning.