Yucatán Cruise Ports
Progreso, Mérida and the great Mayan cities of the northern Yucatán.
Get Yucatán Cruise QuotesMexico’s Gulf and Caribbean Ports
On the Yucatán Peninsula, three Mexican ports see cruise ships: Cozumel and Costa Maya on the Caribbean side, and Progreso on the Gulf of Mexico. Cozumel and Costa Maya belong to Western Caribbean itineraries, so we cover them on Western Caribbean Cruises. This page focuses on Progreso, the gateway to Mérida and the great Mayan cities of the northern Yucatán.
Progreso is popular on four- and five-night cruises from Galveston, New Orleans, Mobile and Tampa, often paired with Cozumel. It is quieter than the Caribbean ports, with a long beachfront malecón in town and easy access to colonial Mérida.
The Long Pier and the Town
The Yucatán coast is so shallow that Progreso’s pier reaches about 6.5 kilometers, roughly four miles, out to deep water. Ships dock at the end and shuttle buses run along the pier to the terminal. From there, the town’s malecón and beach are a short walk, and taxis and tours leave for inland sights.
Mérida, the state capital, is roughly 35 kilometers inland: a colonial city of plazas, cathedrals and markets that makes an excellent half-day trip.
Mayan Cities From Progreso
Chichén Itzá
The most famous Mayan city, with the pyramid of El Castillo and the great ball court; about two hours each way.
Uxmal
An elegant Puuc-style city south of Mérida, known for the Pyramid of the Magician and finely carved facades.
Cenotes and haciendas
Swims in freshwater sinkholes and visits to restored henequen haciendas are popular shorter trips.
For tours in Cozumel and Costa Maya, see Cozumel shore excursions and Costa Maya shore excursions on our Caribbean Cruise Ports site, and the sister site’s ruins and reefs guide for the Mayan sites reached from those ports.
Yucatán Port Questions
How far is Chichén Itzá from Progreso?
About two hours each way by road, so it is a full-day excursion. Book a tour that guarantees your return to the ship.
How do I get from the ship to Progreso town?
The cruise pier runs several miles out to sea because the water is shallow, and shuttle buses carry guests to the terminal on shore.
Where are Cozumel and Costa Maya covered?
On our sister site Western Caribbean Cruises, including its Cozumel and Costa Maya guide.
Gulf Departure Ports
Cruises to Progreso leave from the Port of Galveston, the Port of New Orleans, Mobile and Tampa. Our sister site Cruise From Tampa Bay covers sailings from Tampa. Most are four or five nights, so Progreso and Cozumel are often paired on the same short trip.
Cruise to the Yucatán
Tell us your departure port and whether Chichén Itzá, Mérida or a beach day is the priority. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will find sailings that call at Progreso and send free quotes.
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