03/01/2023
BEACHES - Progreso Yucatan.
In general, you will find that the beaches are pretty shallow with a mixture of sand and rocks. Leave your snorkeling gear behind as there are NO ocean reefs accessible in or near Progreso. Progreso is located on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and, as such, is in the Gulf of Mexico, therefore the waters are "Emerald" in color. If you are looking for crystal clear Caribbean blue waters, you will find that in Cozumel. Most mornings the waters around Progreso are fairly calm and beautiful, however in the afternoons the winds pick up creating waves that churn up the sandy bottom.
PUBLIC BEACH
a) Public Beach - Traditional Malecon
To the East of the pier you will find the "Traditional Malecon Beach". There are numerous bars, restaurants and stores directly across from the public beach, some of which will serve you food and drinks on the beach.
b) Public Beach - International Malecon
To the West of the pier you will find a less populated public beach that offers a nice boardwalk/sidewalk to explore, however there are no restaurants or bars at this beach. In the evenings food-trucks open up for visitors.
How to get to the Public Beach: Exit the ship, walk down the short pier towards the port store area. Walk through the port stores and you will find Free Ship to Shore Shuttles on the other side of the stores. The shuttles run every 20 minutes to approximately 90 minutes before the ship departs. The shuttle bus will drive you down the 4mile long pier and into the Town of Progreso. The Public Beach is no more than a 3-block walk from where the Free shuttle bus drops you off. Available to rent: beach chairs, tables, jet skis, inflatable boat pulls, bicycles etc.
CORONA BEACH PARTY aka ELADIOS BEACH BAR is located right beside the pier and the public beach. There are lots of shopping and beach massages nearby.
Ship excursion: "Corona Beach Party: Tacos & Open Bar".
TECHNO.HOTEL SAN BENITO BEACH MINI RESORT is an all-inclusive mini-resort that some local companies offer. They have two swimming pools, all you can eat and drink and a beach area with shade umbrellas and loungers. You can walk for miles in both directions along the beach. There are no options for off-site shopping as this location is about a 35 minute drive from Progreso.
SILCER BEACH CLUB is a restaurant club on the beach. They have a small swimming pool, lounges, and all you can eat and drink options. This beach club is about 6 blocks down the coastline from the tourist shopping area.
REEF CLUB MINI RESORT TELCHAC is a resort that has a large swimming pool, loungers, beach, all you can eat and drink and is probably the nicest of the resorts in the area. There are no options for off-site shopping as this location is about a 40 minute drive from Progreso. Offered as a Ship excursion: "All Inclusive Beach Resort Getaway".
EL HAGUAY BEACH CLUB is located on the far-end of the public beach. It has a separate beach area, loungers, swimming pool and all inclusive options. Walking distance to shopping.
Offered as a Ship excursion: "Selfies by Segway & El Haguay Beach"
EMERALD COAST BEACH (aka Seahorse Beach / aka Sun Soaked Beach Club) is approximately 45 minutes from Progreso, is located at a boutique hotel and is frequented by cruise ships. It is a relaxing private location offering amenities such as an onsite pool, sunchairs, hammocks, showers and change rooms. They have an all-inclusive option.
Offered as a Ship excursion: "Emerald Coast Beach: All Inclusive Boutique Hotel"
PIG BEACH is approximately a 13 minute drive from Progreso. There is no admission to the beach, however there is a small charge for restrooms, change rooms, showers, umbrellas and lounge chairs. Here you will find small huts serving drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), souvenirs, sodas and potato chips. *Currently NO restaurants at Pig Beach. This is a "simple beach".
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pm.
Pigs: You can observe the pigs in their shaded pens. The pigs are let out between 11am-11:30 am AND again 5pm-5:30 pm.
The pigs will swim according to their mood. You actually swimming with the pigs is not guaranteed.
Note: Sergio's Beach House is 1 mile away.
SERGIO'S BEACH HOUSE is a house/restaurant and beach club. The beach is small, yet provides for good privacy as there is not much of a chance that you will be sharing that part of the beach with neighboring people. The food is good and there is a large pool, shaded palapas and an all-inclusive option. There is a very friendly environment and vibe here. Note that Pigs Beach is 1 mile away from Sergio's Beach House.
