Yucatan Coast Area Info
The Yucatan Coast stretches along the Gulf of Mexico from the port city of Progreso down through the mangrove-lined shores of Celestun and east toward the Caribbean. Merida anchors the region inland, a walkable colonial city with good food, lively markets, and easy day-trip access to Mayan ruins at Uxmal and Chichen Itza. The Gulf beaches are calm and uncrowded, the cenotes are some of the clearest water you'll find anywhere, and the flamingo colonies at Celestun are worth the early start.
Things to Do on the Yucatan Coast
Make the Most of Your Stay
Merida & Colonial Culture
Merida is one of Mexico's most livable cities, with a compact historic centre, excellent Yucatecan restaurants, and a calendar of markets and festivals. The Paseo de Montejo is lined with 19th-century mansions, and the main plaza stays busy most evenings. Day trips to Uxmal and Chichen Itza are easy from here.
Cenotes & Natural Reserves
The Yucatan Peninsula sits on a vast limestone shelf riddled with cenotes, many of them open for swimming and snorkelling. The Celestun Biosphere Reserve, about 90 minutes from Merida, is home to large flocks of pink flamingos and can be reached by boat through the mangroves. Ria Lagartos to the northeast is another flamingo and wildlife reserve worth the drive.
Gulf Beaches & Fishing Villages
Progreso is Merida's closest beach town, about 35 kilometres north, with a long pier, calm Gulf water, and a relaxed local atmosphere. Further along the coast, the small fishing village of San Crisanto offers mangrove kayaking and quiet beaches with almost no crowds. Telchac Puerto is another low-key option with good seafood.
Mayan Ruins
Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about an hour south of Merida, is one of the best-preserved Mayan sites in Mexico, with the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor's Palace as its centrepieces. Chichen Itza is roughly two hours east and draws larger crowds, but the scale of the site makes it worth the trip. Smaller sites like Dzibilchaltun are closer to the city and easy to combine with a beach day.
Vacation Home Specials and Packages
At Samson Waters Vacation Rentals, we want to make sure that you get the best deal possible on your vacation rental. We are constantly adding and changing our specials.
For more information on our current options and specials, please contact our office:
Toll Free: 1-800-433-5025
Local: (984) 136 2432
Email: inquiries@samsonwaters.com
