11 Must-Do Activities in Progreso

Nestled at the northern tip of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula and adorned with palm-lined white sand beaches, the delightful town of Progreso is a favored stop for cruise ships. Life here has a relaxed pace, yet there are plenty of exciting and adventurous activities to dive into, from exploring ancient Mayan ruins and underground caves to enjoying traditional fiestas and basking on the beach. Let’s uncover the top attractions during your visit to the beautiful cruise destination of Progreso, Mexico.

1. VIP Chichen Itza & Cenote Ikkil with Lunch

The Yucatan peninsula boasts numerous significant ancient Mayan sites, with the grand pyramid and temples of Chichen Itza being among the most notable. The VIP Chichen Itza & Cenote Ikkil with Lunch is a full-day (7-hour) guided experience that offers a deep dive into this captivating pre-Columbian city, including a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of an underground cenote after exploring the ruins of Chichen Itza.

2. Jaguar Safari: Bus, Bike, Paddle Board & Beach BBQ

This exhilarating adventure packs a lot into a single excursion with the Jaguar Safari: Bus, Bike, Paddle Board & Beach BBQ. In just 6 hours, you’ll start by boarding a “Jaguar Bus” to the jungle, where you can hop on a tandem bike and pedal through salt marshes, taking in the sights of various birds and wildlife along the way. Next, explore the Xcambo ruins before heading to the beach for a delicious shorefront BBQ waiting for you to enjoy.

3. All-Inclusive Beach Resort Escape

Looking to unwind in Progreso? Look no further! Kick back in a beachside hammock and let the day drift by with the All-Inclusive Beach Resort Escape. This relaxing shore excursion is the perfect way to savor your time in Progreso, providing everything you need to maximize your cruise vacation, including an open bar, a stunning waterfront pool, beach volleyball courts, and a delightful all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet.

4. Uxmal Mayan Ruins

Immerse yourself in the rich history and allure of the ancient Mayan civilization at Uxmal, a vast city complex featuring governmental structures, pyramids, and ball courts where a sport resembling soccer was once played. The Uxmal Mayan Ruins shore excursion offers a guided experience lasting 6-7 hours, showcasing the unique charm of Progreso as a stop during your cruise to Mexico.

5. Holy Guacamole, Salsa & Margaritas Beach Cooking

Are you ready to ignite your taste buds? The Holy Guacamole, Salsa, and Margaritas Beach Cooking shore excursion allows you to not only savor the best of Mexican cuisine but also learn how to recreate these flavors at home. Held at a private beach house with stunning views of the turquoise sea, this hands-on cooking and cocktail-making class ensures you have ample time to relish the delicious dishes you create.

6. Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins

Progreso ranks among the top global cruise destinations for delving into the depths of an ancient civilization. During the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruin shore excursion, you'll spend four hours exploring a ceremonial site that showcases the Mayans' remarkable astronomical and architectural achievements.

7. Mexican Beer Tasting, Pub Crawl & Beach

Sun-soaked beaches and chilled brews create the perfect pairing, and on the Mexican Beer Tasting, Pub Crawl & Beach shore excursion, you'll enjoy plenty of both. Begin your adventure with craft beer samples from a microbrewery and a local cantina in the historic city of Merida, followed by a taste of mezcal at a cocktail lounge and some quality relaxation on the pristine white sands.

8. Sacred Cavern Expedition & Snorkel Adventure

Regarded as sacred by the Mayans, the underground pools, known as cenotes, provide a refreshing escape on a tropical afternoon not far from Progreso. The Sacred Cavern Expedition & Snorkel Adventure takes you to two different cenotes, where you can equip yourself with snorkeling gear to explore the underwater wonders of these crystal-clear pools that have formed naturally in the limestone bedrock of the Yucatan Peninsula.

9. Discover the Yucatan and the Mayan World

The Mayan civilization is not just an ancient society; it thrives as a living culture with millions of people across Mexico and Guatemala. On the Discover the Yucatan and the Mayan World shore excursion, you’ll embark on a guided tour through contemporary Mayan villages like Xcambo and Dzemul, where you can shop for handicrafts and learn about their social structures, before visiting a tropical lagoon to observe flamingos in their natural habitat.

10. Shop the Progreso Market

Adjacent to the cruise port in Progreso lies a vibrant local market where you can explore a variety of Yucatan specialties. This area is renowned for its high-quality hammocks crafted from cactus fibers, as well as exquisite local jewelry. Adventurous shoppers might also be tempted to grab a bottle of Xtabentún, a potent local anise-infused liqueur.

11. Explore the Progreso Pier

The Progreso Pier, where cruise ships dock, ranks among the longest piers in the world, stretching over 6 kilometers. Walking to its end offers a stunning view of Progreso far off on the horizon, surrounded by the tropical waters. Arriving here at sunset creates a particularly enchanting experience as the sea mirrors the pink hues of the sky around you.

With its beautiful beaches and proximity to fascinating ancient Mayan ruins, Progreso is a must-visit port of call. Add in delightful Mexican dining and lively fiestas, and you have a destination that’s hard to beat.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary depending on the ship and destination.