Progreso, Mexico, is one of many hidden gems in the Western Caribbean. Nestled perfectly along the coast of the Yucatan state of Mexico, this vibrant port city is quickly growing to become one of the most popular ports of call.
Progreso Cruise Port offers visitors the perfect blend of cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and opportunities to enjoy exciting outdoor activities. Whether you’re a history buff wanting to learn more about the area’s Mayan past, a simple beach lover, or an adrenaline junkie looking to experience excitement and adventure, Progreso Cruise Port is a must-visit destination.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the port and the surrounding area to help you get the most out of your visit.
In This Article:
- Progreso Cruise Port Location and Address
- Terminals and Piers
- Cruise Lines and Berths
- Terminal Facilities and Services
- Transportation to and from Progreso Cruise Port
- Language, Currency, and Cultural Nuances
- Venturing Beyond the Port: Nearby Attractions
- Exploring the Yucatan: Day Trips from Progreso Cruise Port
- Seasonal Weather Conditions in Progreso
- Shopping and Dining Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Progreso Cruise Port Location and Address
Progreso Cruise Port is located just outside the city of Progreso. Given the city’s strategic location along the North Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the city and its port service cruise ships in the Gulf of Mexico.
Even though the cruise port sits directly in front of the city, it is connected by the world’s longest pier. With the port’s iconic Progreso Pier stretching four miles straight into the Gulf of Mexico, it can feel further from the city than expected.
If you are looking to map your journey, the port’s primary cruise terminal can be found at the following address: Port Address: C. 82, 97337 Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico.
Terminals and Piers
The pier has to stretch so far into the Gulf of Mexico because it needs to extend over a continental shelf, which is too shallow for larger ships. Despite the effort involved in creating a pier with such record-breaking length, the single pier is only equipped with berths wide enough for a maximum of two cruise ships at a time.
Each cruise ship berth has its own terminal, extending perpendicular to the pier. The closest to the shore is the Progreso Cruise Ship Terminal, while the other is called the Terminal Remota Progreso.
Despite their immense distance from shore, the two terminal buildings at the end of the iconic pier are both fully equipped with the modern services and facilities you would expect from a high-traffic cruise ship port.
Cruise Lines and Berths
Given its popularity as a port of call, numerous cruise lines visit the Progreso Cruise Port. While Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International are the primary visitors, the port and its two terminals are also used by the following cruise lines:
- Celebrity Cruises
- MSC
- P&O Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line uses Progreso Cruise Ship Terminal as a homeport, while the larger ships operated by Royal Caribbean tend to use the larger berth extending from Terminal Remota Progreso.
Terminal Facilities and Services
As mentioned, terminal facilities are refreshingly modern, which is not surprising considering the enormous pier’s cost.
You get all of the typical conveniences, like plentiful seating areas, several bars, and a restaurant. There are also tourist information centers inside each terminal. As you exit your ship, you’ll make your way through a small market where vendors sell souvenirs, cold drinks, and snacks. There are also plenty of bathrooms in the air-conditioned terminal buildings.
Unfortunately, the port does not offer free public Wi-Fi; however, two bars offer customers free Wi-Fi. The bus station in Progreso at the end of the pier also offers free Wi-Fi, so don’t worry if you don’t have time to sit down at any of the bars in the terminal buildings.
The terminals are also designed to be wheelchair-friendly, making it easy for all cruise passengers to navigate their way to the free bus shuttle and taxi lines.
Transportation to and from Progreso Cruise Port
The most accessible and affordable way to get from the terminals to Progreso is to take the free shuttle bus. Regardless of which cruise line you are traveling with, the bus is free and comes every 10 to 15 minutes.
The journey down the 4-mile pier takes roughly 15 minutes, but it will drop you off right in front of Auto Progreso, the city’s central bus station.
You can easily walk into the town center from the bus station or take local buses to and from other attractions. There are even Auto Progreso buses with direct service from the station to some of the region’s most notable attractions and sights, making it easy and affordable to reach your preferred destination.
Plenty of taxis are waiting outside the main terminal building for those wanting to save time and get the most out of their visit. These taxis can take you directly from the terminal to any destination, so there is no need to get dropped off at the bus station once you reach the end of the pier. The taxis are all air-conditioned and accept both US Dollars and Mexican Pesos.
Read Also: 10 Well-Known Western Caribbean Cruise Ports You Should Visit
While rideshare vehicles are not allowed to operate on the pier, there is an Uber pickup and drop-off zone near the bus station at the end of the pier. While these can be a bit cheaper than the cabs, it does make it easy to pay for your ride directly through your credit card.
Language, Currency, and Cultural Nuances
While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in the city’s tourist-heavy areas. Most cab drivers, excursion operators, and restaurant staff also have a basic understanding of English, so you can usually ask real locals for insider tips about must-see spots in the city.
Like the rest of the country, the official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN); however, you can typically pay for most items in American currency. Just make sure you use smaller denominations, like $1, $5, and $10 bills, as some retailers will not accept anything larger. Most larger establishments accept credit cards, but you should have cash for street vendors and taxis.
Tipping is also hugely encouraged throughout Mexico’s tourist-filled Yucatan Peninsula, so having a few coins and $1 bills can go a long way towards improving the level of service you get. Many drivers, tour guides, and excursion operators rely on tips to feed their families, so tipping for good service is always appreciated.
Venturing Beyond the Port: Nearby Attractions
Playa Progreso Beach
Given its name, Playa Progreso Beach is unsurprisingly the closest beach to the port. At a 5.9-mile distance from the terminals, most people opt for a taxi or shuttle to the pier’s edge and then walk to the beach.
If you are hoping to go directly to the beach, look for the shuttle bus marked “Playa de Progreso,” as it takes visitors directly from the terminals to the beach. While this shuttle is a budget-friendly option, the wait in line can be time-consuming during peak tourist season.
The beach offers white sand, turquoise waters, and plenty of tropical palm trees. Plus, vendors offer handmade trinkets, cold drinks, and tasty snacks. Do yourself a favor and grab an authentic margarita and a delicious beach lunch at Eladios, a beachside restaurant and bar.
Pig Beach
Located between Progreso and nearby Chelem, Pig Beach is a viral sensation. As the name suggests, this picture-perfect beach is home to eight swimming pigs. Introduced in 2021, they have since gained internet infamy for swimming in the turquoise waters and lounging on the sand.
As if this wasn’t cute enough, visitors can swim with the pigs, as they usually venture into the water to escape the heat at least a few times per day. On top of that, the pigs have grown to become the basis of a local animal protection and anti-abuse foundation.
Although the beach is almost 10 miles away, most cabs can take you there from the terminals in less than 30 minutes.
Day Passes to Private Beaches
Between the cruise pier and Playa Progreso Beach are a number of privately owned beaches. For the most part, these belong to the city’s significant resorts, like Tecnohotel, Silcer Beach Club, and Costa Club.
If you want to save time and enjoy the benefits of an all-inclusive resort, it’s worth paying for a day pass to lounge on these beaches. Most allow visitors to book ahead of time online. Most day passes include meals and open bar access, so you’ll get your money’s worth.
Explore the City of Progreso
From the city’s Malecon district and its vibrant craft markets and bustling restaurants to Progreso’s numerous cultural landmarks, no trip to Progreso Cruise Port is complete without spending at least a few hours wandering around the city.
If you make it to the Malecon area of the city, which is just a 17-minute walk west from the edge of the pier, you should take the time to stroll along the Malecon Internacional Boardwalk.
Constructed in 2021 to help the city capitalize on its growing tourism industry, the boardwalk has public restrooms, playgrounds, numerous souvenir vendors, and various beachside bars and restaurants. You don’t need to have plans to enjoy a nice experience on the boardwalk.
If you are traveling with children, Sendero Jurásico is a dinosaur-themed park just 8 miles from the cruise terminals. With large mechanical dinosaurs dotted around beautiful marshlands, it’s a theme park worth visiting. There’s even a dedicated Sendero Jurásico Public Bus that will take you directly there from the edge of the pier.
Exploring the Yucatan: Day Trips from Progreso Cruise Port
The area surrounding Progreso is ideal for exploring the rich history of the Mayan people. With plenty of opportunities to explore the Mayan ruins, Progreso is a gateway to natural and man-made wonders. We recommend the following day trips and activities:
Explore the Mayan Ruins
While UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Chichen-Itza and Uxmal, are 104 and 77 miles away respectively, there are plenty of transportation options for cruise passengers hoping to visit. For those wishing to view Mayan ruins and pyramids firsthand, a visit can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For those with limited time in Progreso, Dzibilchaltun is the closest Mayan archeological site. Located between Progreso and the nearby city of Merida, the ruins at Dzibilchaltun are just over 20 miles away.
Visit Merida
With plenty of transportation options between the two cities, Merida is just a 45-minute drive from Progreso Cruise Port. As the larger of the two cities, Merida captivates visitors with Spanish colonial-era architecture and rich cultural events. The unique blend of history and modernity means the city has something to offer everyone.
Ensure you visit the city’s famed Cathedral Merida and the Mayan World Museum of Merida while you’re there.
Enjoy Water Activities Near Progreso
The pristine waters surrounding the coastline on either side of Progreso are perfect for adrenaline-pumping water sports like jet skiing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and more.
For those looking for more inland water adventures, you can book cenote adventures and cave snorkeling tours. Check with your cruise line, as many will offer these experiences as excursions with transportation included.
Seasonal Weather Conditions in Progreso
While it’s never a bad time to visit Progreso, you may want to plan your visit in accordance with the seasonal weather conditions so you can make the most of your time there.
Spring
Spring brings mild temperatures that hover around 85°F. Expect moderate rainfall and reasonable humidity, so it is a good time for outdoor activities.
Summer
Temperatures soar to an average of 90°F. The hot weather is also accompanied by heavy rainfall and very high humidity, making the indoor museums and restaurants of Progreso and Merida more appealing than outdoor activities.
Fall
Fall offers fairly heavy rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures of roughly 85°F. Check forecasts before you head out for the day, but it is typically a good time of year for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
Winter
Winter temperatures drop to a more pleasant 80°F with low rainfall and manageable humidity. There’s a reason why the winter months are the busiest for Progreso Cruise Port.
Worth Reading: When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?
Shopping and Dining Recommendations
As a city that relies on its tourism industry, Progreso is teeming with restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, and vendor stalls.
To access these attractions, we recommend visiting the Malecon Internacional Boardwalk, which is lined with ocean-side bars, restaurants, and shops.
For indoor shopping, Plaza Del Mar is a mall that’s just a 7-minute walk from the edge of the pier. A dedicated souvenir market is also just a few steps away on Boulevard Turistico Malecon.
Like other parts of Mexico, the city has no shortage of souvenir options. You can pick up locally made tequila or mezcal, hand-woven blankets, jewelry, and crafts featuring iconic images from the Yucatan Peninsula.
If you want to sample the local cuisine, try Sol y Mar, El Hidalguense, or Coconito’s Asado & Shrimp. All three are within walking distance from the edge of the pier and are great spots to enjoy local delights, like fish tacos and cochinita pibil, a slow-cooked pork dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you walk to the beach from Progreso cruise port?
Given that the pier is so long, you will not want to walk directly to a beach from your terminal. Instead, you can take the free shuttle or a taxi to the pier’s edge and then walk a short distance to Playa de Progreso Beach. You can also purchase day passes to the resort-owned beaches that line the coast of Progreso.
What to do in Progreso, Mexico, on a cruise?
Progreso has a beautiful boardwalk lined with restaurants, shops, bars, and parks. Day trips from the city to the larger city of Merida or the surrounding Mayan ruins are also available.
How do you get around in Progreso, Mexico?
Most people choose to explore Progreso by taxi, but there is also a public bus station at the pier’s edge. These buses can travel throughout the city and beyond.
