Progreso, Mexico, is one in every of many hidden gems within the Western Caribbean. Nestled completely alongside the coast of the Yucatan state of Mexico, this vibrant port metropolis is shortly rising to grow to be one of the vital common ports of name.
Progreso Cruise Port affords guests the right mix of cultural heritage, pristine seashores, and alternatives to take pleasure in thrilling outside actions. Whether or not you’re a historical past buff eager to be taught extra in regards to the space’s Mayan previous, a easy seaside lover, or an adrenaline junkie trying to expertise pleasure and journey, Progreso Cruise Port is a must-visit vacation spot.
This information covers every little thing it’s essential know in regards to the port and the encompassing space that will help you get probably the most out of your go to.
Progreso Cruise Port Location and Deal with
Progreso Cruise Port is situated simply exterior town of Progreso. Given town’s strategic location alongside the North Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, town and its port service cruise ships within the Gulf of Mexico.
Regardless that the cruise port sits immediately in entrance of town, it’s related by the world’s longest pier. With the port’s iconic Progreso Pier stretching 4 miles straight into the Gulf of Mexico, it may possibly really feel farther from town than anticipated.
If you’re trying to map your journey, the port’s major cruise terminal might be discovered on the following tackle: Port Deal with: C. 82, 97337 Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico.
Terminals and Piers
The pier has to stretch thus far into the Gulf of Mexico as a result of it wants to increase over a continental shelf, which is just too shallow for bigger ships. Regardless of the hassle concerned in making a pier with such record-breaking size, the one pier is just geared up with berths extensive sufficient for a most of two cruise ships at a time.
Every cruise ship berth has its personal terminal, extending perpendicular to the pier. The closest to the shore is the Progreso Cruise Ship Terminal, whereas the opposite known as the Terminal Remota Progreso.
Regardless of their immense distance from shore, the 2 terminal buildings on the finish of the enduring pier are each totally geared up with the fashionable providers and services you’ll count on from a high traffic cruise ship port.
Cruise Traces and Berths
Given its reputation as a port of name, quite a few cruise strains go to the Progreso Cruise Port. Whereas Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Worldwide are the first guests, the port and its two terminals are additionally utilized by the next cruise strains:
- Superstar Cruises
- MSC
- P&O Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line makes use of Progreso Cruise Ship Terminal as a homeport, whereas the bigger ships operated by Royal Caribbean have a tendency to make use of the bigger berth extending from Terminal Remota Progreso.
Terminal Amenities and Companies
As talked about, terminal services are refreshingly trendy, which isn’t stunning contemplating the big pier’s value.
You get the entire typical conveniences, like plentiful seating areas, a number of bars, and a restaurant. There are additionally vacationer info facilities inside every terminal. As you exit your ship, you’ll make your method via a small market the place distributors promote souvenirs, chilly drinks, and snacks. There are additionally loads of loos within the air-conditioned terminal buildings.
Sadly, the port doesn’t provide free public Wi-Fi; nonetheless, two bars provide clients free Wi-Fi. The bus station in Progreso on the finish of the pier additionally affords free Wi-Fi, so don’t fear should you don’t have time to take a seat down at any of the bars within the terminal buildings.
The terminals are additionally designed to be wheelchair-friendly, making it straightforward for all cruise passengers to navigate their strategy to the free bus shuttle and taxi strains.
Transportation to and from Progreso Cruise Port
Probably the most accessible and inexpensive strategy to get from the terminals to Progreso is to take the free shuttle bus. No matter which cruise line you’re touring with, the bus is free and comes each 10 to fifteen minutes.
The journey down the 4-mile pier takes roughly quarter-hour, however it is going to drop you off proper in entrance of Auto Progreso, town’s central bus station.
You’ll be able to simply stroll into the city middle from the bus station or take native buses to and from different points of interest. There are even Auto Progreso buses with direct service from the station to a number of the area’s most notable points of interest and sights, making it straightforward and inexpensive to achieve your most popular vacation spot.
Loads of taxis are ready exterior the principle terminal constructing for these wanting to avoid wasting time and get probably the most out of their go to. These taxis can take you immediately from the terminal to any vacation spot, so there is no such thing as a have to get dropped off on the bus station when you attain the tip of the pier. The taxis are all air-conditioned and settle for each US {Dollars} and Mexican Pesos.
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Whereas rideshare autos are usually not allowed to function on the pier, there may be an Uber pickup and drop-off zone close to the bus station on the finish of the pier. Whereas these could be a bit cheaper than the cabs, it does make it straightforward to pay to your trip immediately via your bank card.
Language, Foreign money, and Cultural Nuances
Whereas Spanish is the official language, English is extensively spoken, particularly within the metropolis’s tourist-heavy areas. Most cab drivers, tour operators, and restaurant employees even have a primary understanding of English, so you possibly can normally ask actual locals for insider tips on must-see spots within the metropolis.
Like the remainder of the nation, the official foreign money is the Mexican Peso (MXN); nonetheless, you possibly can sometimes pay for many objects in American foreign money. Simply ensure you use smaller denominations, like $1, $5, and $10 payments, as some retailers is not going to settle for something bigger. Most bigger institutions settle for bank cards, however you need to have money for avenue distributors and taxis.
Tipping can also be massively inspired all through Mexico’s tourist-filled Yucatan Peninsula, so having just a few cash and $1 payments can go a great distance in direction of enhancing the extent of service you get. Many drivers, tour guides, and tour operators depend on tricks to feed their households, so tipping for good service is all the time appreciated.
Venturing Past the Port: Close by Sights
Playa Progreso Seashore
Given its title, Playa Progreso Seashore is unsurprisingly the closest seaside to the port. At a 5.9-mile distance from the terminals, most individuals go for a taxi or shuttle to the pier’s edge after which stroll to the seaside.
If you’re hoping to go on to the seaside, search for the shuttle bus marked “Playa de Progreso,” because it takes guests immediately from the terminals to the seaside. Whereas this shuttle is a budget-friendly possibility, the wait in line might be time-consuming throughout peak vacationer season.
The seaside affords white sand, turquoise waters, and loads of tropical palm bushes. Plus, distributors provide handmade trinkets, chilly drinks, and engaging snacks. Do your self a favor and seize an genuine margarita and a scrumptious seaside lunch at Eladios, a beachside restaurant and bar.
Pig Seashore
Positioned between Progreso and close by Chelem, Pig Seashore is a viral sensation. Because the title suggests, this picture-perfect seaside is residence to eight swimming pigs. Launched in 2021, they’ve since gained web infamy for swimming within the turquoise waters and lounging on the sand.
As if this wasn’t cute sufficient, guests can swim with the pigs, as they normally enterprise into the water to flee the warmth not less than just a few instances per day. On prime of that, the pigs have grown to grow to be the idea of a neighborhood animal safety and anti-abuse basis.
Though the seaside is nearly 10 miles away, most cabs can take you there from the terminals in lower than half-hour.
Day Passes to Non-public Seashores
Between the cruise pier and Playa Progreso Seashore are quite a lot of privately owned seashores. For probably the most half, these belong to town’s vital resorts, like Tecnohotel, Silcer Seashore Membership, and Costa Membership.
If you wish to save time and luxuriate in the advantages of an all-inclusive resort, it’s price paying for a day move to lounge on these seashores. Most permit guests to e-book forward of time on-line. Most day passes embrace meals and open bar entry, so that you’ll get your cash’s price.
Discover the Metropolis of Progreso
From town’s Malecon district and its vibrant craft markets and bustling eating places to Progreso’s quite a few cultural landmarks, no journey to Progreso Cruise Port is full with out spending not less than just a few hours wandering across the metropolis.
For those who make it to the Malecon space of town, which is only a 17-minute stroll west from the sting of the pier, you need to take the time to walk alongside the Malecon Internacional Boardwalk.
Constructed in 2021 to assist town capitalize on its rising tourism business, the boardwalk has public restrooms, playgrounds, quite a few memento distributors, and numerous beachside bars and eating places. You don’t have to have plans to take pleasure in a pleasant expertise on the boardwalk.
If you’re touring with kids, Sendero Jurásico is a dinosaur-themed park simply 8 miles from the cruise terminals. With giant mechanical dinosaurs dotted round stunning marshlands, it’s a theme park price visiting. There’s even a devoted Sendero Jurásico Public Bus that can take you immediately there from the sting of the pier.
Exploring the Yucatan: Day Journeys from Progreso Cruise Port
The realm surrounding Progreso is good for exploring the wealthy historical past of the Mayan individuals. With loads of alternatives to discover the Mayan ruins, Progreso is a gateway to pure and man-made wonders. We advocate the next day journeys and actions:
Discover the Mayan Ruins
Whereas UNESCO World Heritage Websites, like Chichen-Itza and Uxmal, are 104 and 77 miles away respectively, there are many transportation choices for cruise passengers hoping to go to. For these wishing to view Mayan ruins and pyramids firsthand, a go to could be a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
For these with restricted time in Progreso, Dzibilchaltun is the closest Mayan archeological web site. Positioned between Progreso and the close by metropolis of Merida, the ruins at Dzibilchaltun are simply over 20 miles away.
Go to Merida
With loads of transportation choices between the 2 cities, Merida is only a 45-minute drive from Progreso Cruise Port. Because the bigger of the 2 cities, Merida captivates guests with Spanish colonial-era structure and wealthy cultural occasions. The distinctive mix of historical past and modernity means town has one thing to supply everybody.
Make sure you go to town’s famed Cathedral Merida and the Mayan World Museum of Merida whilst you’re there.
Take pleasure in Water Actions Close to Progreso
The pristine waters surrounding the shoreline on both facet of Progreso are good for adrenaline-pumping water sports activities like jet snowboarding, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and extra.
For these searching for extra inland water adventures, you possibly can e-book cenote adventures and cave snorkeling excursions. Examine together with your cruise line, as many will provide these experiences as excursions with transportation included.
Seasonal Climate Circumstances in Progreso
Whereas it’s by no means a nasty time to go to Progreso, you could wish to plan your go to in accordance with the seasonal climate circumstances so you possibly can benefit from your time there.
Spring
Spring brings delicate temperatures that hover round 85°F. Count on reasonable rainfall and affordable humidity, so it’s a good time for outside actions.
Summer time
Temperatures soar to a median of 90°F. The recent climate can also be accompanied by heavy rainfall and really excessive humidity, making the indoor museums and eating places of Progreso and Merida extra interesting than outside actions.
Fall
Fall affords pretty heavy rainfall and barely cooler temperatures of roughly 85°F. Examine forecasts earlier than you head out for the day, however it’s sometimes a great time of yr for sightseeing and outside adventures.
Winter
Winter temperatures drop to a extra nice 80°F with low rainfall and manageable humidity. There’s a motive why the winter months are the busiest for Progreso Cruise Port.
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As a metropolis that depends on its tourism business, Progreso is teeming with eating places, bars, cafés, outlets, and vendor stalls.
To entry these points of interest, we advocate visiting the Malecon Internacional Boardwalk, which is lined with ocean-side bars, eating places, and outlets.
For indoor purchasing, Plaza Del Mar is a mall that’s only a 7-minute stroll from the sting of the pier. A devoted memento market can also be just some steps away on Boulevard Turistico Malecon.
Like different components of Mexico, town has no scarcity of memento choices. You’ll be able to choose up regionally made tequila or mezcal, hand-woven blankets, jewellery, and crafts that includes iconic photographs from the Yucatan Peninsula.
If you wish to pattern the native delicacies, strive Sol y Mar, El Hidalguense, or Coconito’s Asado & Shrimp. All three are inside strolling distance from the sting of the pier and are nice spots to take pleasure in native delights, like fish tacos and cochinita pibil, a slow-cooked pork dish.
Incessantly Requested Questions (FAQs)
Are you able to stroll to the seaside from Progreso cruise port?
Provided that the pier is so lengthy, you’ll not wish to stroll on to a seaside out of your terminal. As an alternative, you possibly can take the free shuttle or a taxi to the pier’s edge after which stroll a brief distance to Playa de Progreso Seashore. You may also buy day passes to the resort-owned seashores that line the coast of Progreso.
What to do in Progreso, Mexico, on a cruise?
Progreso has a good looking boardwalk lined with eating places, outlets, bars, and parks. Day journeys from town to the bigger metropolis of Merida or the encompassing Mayan ruins are additionally obtainable.
How do you get round in Progreso, Mexico?
Most individuals select to discover Progreso by taxi, however there may be additionally a public bus station on the pier’s edge. These buses can journey all through town and past.
