Progreso, Mexico Port Guide

Authentic Mexico: Exploring the Progreso Cruise Port and its Beach

Porting at Progreso is a different experience than stopping at more established and commercialized ports like Cozumel, and because of its less developed nature, some cruisers do not like the rusticness of this port. Located on the Yucatán peninsula where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea, Progreso is situated on the northern coast, near the city of Merida.

Progreso Cruise Terminal

A memorable feature of the Progreso Cruise Port is its pier, which is the longest in the world at just over four miles in length. Unlike Cozumel, where most vendors near the port speak Spanish and English and US currency is almost universally accepted, that may not always be the case in Progreso.

In Progreso, many vendors near the port speak little or no English, and some only accept Mexican Pesos (MXN). Credit cards are generally accepted but not everywhere. Be mindful that the peso symbol ($) is the same as the dollar, which can be confusing.

I highly recommend using a travel-focused credit card — like this one — instead of a debit card when shopping. Credit cards offer better fraud protection, plus perks like travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and rewards points. Debit cards put your bank account at risk if fraud occurs, as funds are withdrawn immediately and may take longer to recover.

Because of the massive length of the pier, getting from the ship to the port terminal means that cruisers must take a free shuttle after disembarking. Walking is not feasible nor is it allowed. This adds time to get from ship to terminal as the shuttle ride takes about 15–20 minutes.

The shuttle runs every 20 minutes, which is helpful, but this can eat into your time in Progreso, so account for this when planning your day. The final shuttle of the day usually returns from the terminal to the ship one hour before "return to ship" time.

The terminal is more rustic than modern, with access to taxi stands, tour operators, and souvenir shops. This port can accommodate two ships, so it rarely feels overcrowded. A Progreso cruise port map is available below:

Free Things to Do in Progreso

Immediately outside the port is the town of Progreso, which is not as developed as other Mexican ports like Cozumel or Costa Maya. This offers an authentic experience in a Mexican port town.

The best free activity in Progreso is to enjoy the nearby beaches or take the free bus into town to visit local markets. The bus drops you at the downtown terminal next to the Mercado.

Take a right out of the port terminal to access the Malecón de Progreso, a 1-kilometer tourist walkway with vendors and activities along Playa Progreso.

Related: Watch all my Progreso video content

Progreso Cruise Port Beach

From the port terminal, you can walk to Playa Progreso, where locals rent chairs and umbrellas. Beaches here can be rocky, so water shoes are recommended. Seaweed and brackish water may be present depending on season and conditions. For a more tranquil experience, walk farther down the beach away from the crowds.

Progreso Port Taxis

There is a taxi stand at the port, but it’s usually unnecessary due to the free shuttle. Most key spots — especially the beach — are within walking distance. Be aware that not all drivers speak English or accept USD or credit cards.

Best Excursions in Progreso

The highlight here is Mayan history, so most excursions center around visiting ruins. Here are top picks you can book independently:

• Chichen Itza — iconic but 2 hours from port; few cruise tours offer it.
• Progreso XCambo Mayan Ruins — about 37 minutes away.
• Mayapan Ruins and Cenote Swim — includes cenote swim, about 45 minutes south in Merida.
• Mayan Ruins and Beach Break — includes Dzibichaltun ruins + beach club stop.

Progreso, Mexico Cruise Port Ship Schedule

View the ship schedule for the Progreso Cruise Port.

Progreso Time Zone

Time zones can be tricky on cruises. Most cruise lines operate on the time of the departure port — typically Central Standard Time (CST) for cruises out of Galveston. Progreso is also on CST and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Exploring the Progreso Cruise Port