Playa Progreso Progreso Yucatan
Progreso, Yucatán: A charming coastal town famous for its long pier and the unique Pig Beach, offering a relaxed vibe and gentle waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Playa Progreso Progreso Yucatan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Progreso, Yucatán: A charming coastal town famous for its long pier and the unique Pig Beach, offering a relaxed vibe and gentle waters.
"Beautiful turquoise waters are very gentle for swimming. It’s a port town but isn’t seedy like most posts."
🎯 Pig Beach Schedule
Pigs appear 3 times daily: 11 AM, 3 PM, & 5 PM. Arrive early for the best experience!
💰 Budget-Friendly Transport
Take affordable public transport from Mérida to Progreso. Look for the Autoprogreso terminal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pig Beach (Playa de los Cerditos)
Progreso Beach
Swim with adorable pigs! These friendly farm animals come out to play at specific times, offering a unique and heartwarming beach experience.
The Longest Pier in Mexico
Progreso Pier
Stroll or drive along the impressive 2-mile pier, offering panoramic ocean views and a unique perspective of the coastline.
Beach Clubs & Relaxation
Progreso Beachfront
Enjoy a day of sun and sea at one of Progreso's many beach clubs, offering amenities like loungers, food, and drinks.
Poseidon Monument
Progreso Beachfront
A striking monument to the god of the sea, offering a great photo opportunity and a symbol of Progreso's maritime connection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unexpected: Pig Beach & Beyond
Getting to Progreso: Easy & Affordable
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pig Beach Schedule
Pigs appear 3 times daily: 11 AM, 3 PM, & 5 PM. Arrive early for the best experience!
💰 Budget-Friendly Transport
Take affordable public transport from Mérida to Progreso. Look for the Autoprogreso terminal.
☀️ Beach Club Day Pass
Many beach clubs offer day passes, some with no cover charge on weekdays. +1
🛍️ Vendor Preparedness
Be ready for persistent vendors. A polite 'no, thank you' usually suffices.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pig Beach Schedule
Pigs appear 3 times daily: 11 AM, 3 PM, & 5 PM. Arrive early for the best experience!
💰 Budget-Friendly Transport
Take affordable public transport from Mérida to Progreso. Look for the Autoprogreso terminal.
☀️ Beach Club Day Pass
Many beach clubs offer day passes, some with no cover charge on weekdays. +1
🛍️ Vendor Preparedness
Be ready for persistent vendors. A polite 'no, thank you' usually suffices.
🌊 Gentle Waters for Kids
The calm, shallow waters and sandbar make Progreso ideal for families with children.
🚗 Car Rental Tip
Consider renting a car from @localizamx for guaranteed rentals and no hidden fees.
⚠️ Wildlife Alert
Be aware of potentially dangerous marine life like venomous fish during certain times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Progreso for its beautiful, calm waters and spacious beach, making it ideal for families. The town is described as cute and safe, with friendly locals, though some find the persistent vendors overwhelming. While not as clear as the Caribbean, the gentle waves and unique attractions like Pig Beach offer a distinct charm.
"This is a beautiful beach, lots of space not too crowded (visited in off season though) found the beds reasonably priced. Super cute beach town with everything you need close by. The water is not clear like the carribean side but it's got a big sandbar making it safer for kids and the beach itself is gorgeous."
Christina Yahn
"Beautiful turquoise waters are very gentle for swimming. It’s a port town but isn’t seedy like most posts. There are a few sketchy beach dwellers but it’s safe and relaxing."
Michael
"Beautiful beach and waters but was completely bombarded by people trying to sell things to us. Every 1-2 minutes someone new would come by. And if you gave in and asked to look at something then 5 more people would rush over. Seemed like anyone with anything was selling. There were beach massages that were a great price."
Katee Underwood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest and most affordable way is by public bus from the Autoprogreso terminal in Mérida. The journey takes about an hour and is very budget-friendly. 
Absolutely! Progreso is a popular day trip destination from Mérida, located just about 30-40 minutes away by car or bus.
The main beach area is walkable. For exploring further or for convenience, taxis are available, or consider renting a car if you plan to visit multiple spots.
Yes, Progreso is a common port of call for cruise ships. Taxis and tour operators are readily available at the port.
Yes, driving is straightforward from Mérida via Highway 25. Parking can be found along the main road and near the beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The beach itself is free to access. However, beach clubs typically charge a day pass fee or have a minimum consumption. +2
Access to Pig Beach is generally free, but it's a unique experience where you can interact with the pigs during their scheduled times.
Beach clubs usually open around 9 or 10 AM and close in the late afternoon or early evening. Some may have different hours on weekends. +1
It's not always necessary, especially on weekdays. However, during peak season or holidays, booking ahead is recommended to secure a spot. +1
Yes, enjoying the beach, walking the pier, and observing the town are all free. Pig Beach also offers free interaction during its scheduled times. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk or bike the longest pier in Mexico, visit the Poseidon monument, explore the town's shops, and enjoy local cuisine.
Yes, Progreso is generally considered safe, especially the beach area. The calm waters are great for kids. Be mindful of vendors.
You'll encounter many vendors selling everything from souvenirs and beachwear to massages and food. They can be persistent but are usually friendly.
Yes, the waters are generally calm and safe for swimming, with a notable sandbar that extends far out.
The pier, the Poseidon monument, Pig Beach, and the colorful beach houses offer great photo opportunities. Sunsets are also stunning.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Progreso offers a variety of seafood dishes, Yucatecan specialties, and international options at its restaurants and beach clubs. +1
Yes, you can find more affordable eats at local eateries away from the main beachfront or by grabbing snacks from OXXO stores.
Most beach clubs have restaurants and bars where you can order food and drinks, often included with a day pass or minimum spend. +2
Look for fresh ceviche, grilled fish, and regional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil if available.
Options may be limited, but many restaurants can accommodate requests. It's best to ask about vegetable-based dishes or salads.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic pier, the Poseidon monument, the colorful beach huts, and of course, Pig Beach are prime photo locations.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the bright sun creates vibrant beach scenes.
Yes, absolutely! The pigs are a major attraction, and visitors are encouraged to take photos and videos of them.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and be mindful of privacy before flying a drone.
Focus on the expansive beach, the long pier, the vibrant local life, and the unique Pig Beach experience for authentic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many beach clubs offer amenities that cater to families, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed. Consider packing plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water toys. The accessibility via public transport from Mérida also makes it an easy day trip for families looking for a fun and affordable outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Once there, you can enjoy the beach for free. For food, opt for local eateries or grab snacks from convenience stores like OXXO to save money. 🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of Pig Beach
+1While the interaction is free, remember these are animals in their environment. It's important to be respectful, avoid feeding them anything other than what caretakers might offer, and supervise children closely. The experience is often described as whimsical and heartwarming, making it a highlight for many visitors, especially families.
Beyond the pigs, the beach itself is expansive and offers a different vibe than the Caribbean coast. The waters are generally calmer, with a significant sandbar that makes it safer for swimming and wading, particularly for younger visitors.
Navigating Progreso: Transport & Getting Around
+1Once in Progreso, the main beach area is quite walkable. You can easily stroll along the malecón (boardwalk) and access various beach clubs and restaurants. For longer distances or if you prefer more comfort, taxis are available. Some visitors also opt for car rentals, especially if they plan to explore other nearby coastal towns like Chelem or Chuburná.
Progreso is also a cruise ship port, so you'll find taxis and tour operators readily available if you arrive by sea. While the town itself is manageable, understanding the transport options ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit, whether you're there for a few hours or a full day.
Beach Clubs and Coastal Comfort
Many of these clubs operate on a day pass system, which can sometimes include a minimum consumption or a cover charge. Interestingly, some clubs, like Marymar Beach Club, offer no cover charge on weekdays, making it an attractive option for those visiting outside of weekends or holidays.
While the water clarity might not rival the Caribbean side, Progreso's beach offers a gentle and safe swimming experience due to its shallow depth and extensive sandbar. This makes it a popular choice for families.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit