15 Aug – Progreso Mexico: Top 5 Things to do with Your Kids
- PUBLIC BEACH & INTERNATIONAL MALECON
Just west of the international container port pier (beside the “chocolate fishermen’s pier”), you will find one of the newest additions to Progreso, the “International Malecon de Progreso”, inaugurated in July 2019. The International Malecon consists of a coastal walkway with various attractions along the way including a Carousel, a variety of “urban art” statues focusing on recycled materials, rest benches, bicycle stations, a re-assembled whale skeleton (which was beached in Progreso in 2016), and a number of interesting food trucks. The “international malecon” has a particularly whimsical family-oriented feeling in the nigh-time with stringed lights, food wagons and occasional live music.East of the international pier you will find the tourist Malecon (beach road) that, in late 2019/early 2020, was upgraded with newly paved sidewalks, lighting, and newly planted trees that will provide future shade, dotting along the coastline. Along this malecon, to one side, you will find the clean sandy public beach (with a wheelchair accessible area) and along the other side numerous seaside restaurants, bars and shops of all kinds. Many of the restaurants will provide service to you right on the beach under a lovely shade palapa.Hours: Open daily
Location: International: N21 17.240 / W089 39.950
Location: Tourist: N21 17.284 / W089 39.801
Admission: Free
Directions: Face north, find beach.
- RESERVA ECOLOGICA EL CORCHITO
Managed by a cooperative of 23 fishermen, this little retreat is ideal for young families. We would recommend visiting this location during the weekday and on a day when the cruise ships are not in port. On the weekends and cruise days, this hidden little gem within the mangrove swamp can become quite crowded and the experience can be somewhat diminished. When we visit with our grandson, we like to arrive by 9:00 a.m., to avoid crowds and to have an opportunity to see the wildlife in a tranquil environment before the crowds appear and the hot Mexican sun becomes too much.You arrive at roadside palapa where you can purchase admission tickets as well as a few snacks and souvenirs. Note that you are NOT permitted to bring food into the conservation area and your bags will be checked for same. There are small boats every few minutes that take you on a 2 minute boat ride to the mangrove catwalks.Raccoons, coatis, crocodile, snakes, fish, iguanas, termite nests and many birds can be seen while strolling between swimming holes .The raccoons are very friendly and you are encouraged not to feed them.The boardwalks directs you to three main surface open-air swimming holes. Two small ones and one larger. The swimming holes are man-made, spring-fed, and provide a refreshing swim in a nice environment. There are tables, chairs and rest grass palapas spread around the ecological area as well as somewhat “rustic” restrooms.Note that, during the raining season the colour of the waters in the mangrove swamp may range from green to “rust”. The rust colour is as a result of the mangrove roots.Bring:
Biodegradable mosquito/insect repellant.
Biodegradable sunscreen to protect the waters.
You are no longer permitted to bring food.
You are no longer permitted to feed the wildlife.Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: N21 16.718 / W089 38.662 / Calle 27 y 46 Progreso
Admission: Mexican Adults: $45 pesos
Admission: Mexican Seniors & Children: $35 pesos
Admission: Non-Mexicans: $90 pesos
Pets not permitted.
Directions: 8 minute drive from Downtown Progreso
36km from Merida
200 metres from the entrance to the Port of Progreso on the road that goes to the Port of Chicxulub
- LA RIA KAYAK
Explore “La Ria” (The lagoon) mangroves in Progreso who offer Kayaks and Paddle Boards for rent. Paddle through the wetlands. Observe a variety of birds while meandering through the canals and tunnels of the mangrove system. After your mangrove explore enjoy a reasonably priced delicious Fish/Shrimp lunch and ice cold beer, served on site. Facilities includes: kayaks, paddle boards, life vests, licensed restaurant, outdoor shower and restrooms.Eco-tourism within Progreso. Do it. Live it. Appreciate it.
– YouTube Video Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-a7I21NG5cDetails: Less than a 5 minute taxi from the central park.
Hours: Open Daily. 8am – 5pm
Location: N21 16.603 / W089 40.017
Admission: $10 USD approx.
Directions: ask anybody. Phone: 999 340 0459
- IN-SHORE FISHING
YucatanSnook.com Progreso Fishing Tours offers fantastic inshore fishing within the harbor, Ria/Lagoon and mangroves on the outskirts of Progreso. Fish for Tarpon, Snook and Speckled Sea Trout. Water and sports beverages are supplied.Adventure Tip: Advance reservations only. Wear comfortable clothing, sun protection, and hat. Remember to bring your camera for “the big catch”. You may wish to bring a few snacks (that you can put into the guide cooler). If you wish to have your catch prepared at a local restaurant for lunch, mentioned it to your guide upon reservation, so they can make necessary arrangements for you (additional charge).
Fishing is perfect way to start your day in Progreso – fishing in the morning, a delicious sea-trout lunch, followed by lounging at the beach or exploring the area.
- YucatanCENOTE ECO-Adventures
Progreso is the Gateway to the Mayan Empire. Want to bring your experience and adventure up a notch? Try one of the many Private Adventures offered by YucatanCenote.com EcoAdventures. They will customize and create an amazing, memorable, unique and truly authentic Family Adventure for you. With Cenote cliff jumping and huge rope swings for the young or young at heart to easy access peaceful privacy, away from the tourist crowds. Make your day one to remember for a lifetime. Most Adventures will take you 1 hour from Progreso to explore amazing subterranean Cenotes, authentic Mayan villages and incredible Archaeological zones and Pyramids, Caves etc.- YouTube Video Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNzOzDO-zi8Details: #1 on TripAdvisor for “Things to do” in Progreso
Website: YucatanCenote.com
Email: YucatanCenote@gmail.com
Hours: Open daily.
