The 14 Best Beaches Near Merida, Mexico: Distances, Map + Local Tips
The beaches in Mérida are not precisely what the Yucatan capital city is known for. There are actually no beaches in Mérida, to be totally accurate.
The so-called White City, also known as the cultural capital of Latin America, is primarily visited for its rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, sumptuous architecture, delicious Yucatecan cuisine, and the nearby cenotes and Mayan ruins in the surrounding area.
So, why are we talking about the Mérida beaches in Yucatán, when there is so much to see already?
Well, you need to know that the Yucatan beaches are some of the most underrated in Mexico. Everybody knows that the beach destinations in Mexico are Playa del Carmen, Cancún, or Tulum, as well as the entire Mexican Caribbean coast.
However, I would like to demonstrate in this article that Mérida’s beaches, or more specifically, the beaches near the city of Mérida, are worth mentioning and visiting.
The quick answer if you just want sand today: the closest beach to Mérida is Progreso, 35 minutes north on a fast highway, though it is not automatically the best one for your trip. The water on this coast is calm, shallow, and green rather than turquoise, the towns are fishing villages rather than resorts, and outside July, August, and long weekends you will often have kilometers of sand to yourself.
One more thing the Yucatán Gulf coast has over the Riviera Maya: sargassum, the seaweed that regularly buries Cancun and Tulum beaches, mostly stays away from this shore. If you are visiting between April and August, when the Caribbean side is at its worst, that alone is a reason to point the car north instead of east.
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The Best Mérida, Mexico Beaches: an Overview
If you need a break from the unbearable heat of the summer in Mérida, or if you want to check out the Mexican coast in Yucatan, you should know that there are some of the best beaches of the Yucatan peninsula at only 1 hour (or a little more) from Mérida, that can stand next to anything on the Riviera Maya.
From Celestún all the way to El Cuyo (my favorite place on Earth), you will find incredible, isolated public beaches with clear waters and small, laid-back beach towns where you can relax and escape from the concrete jungle of the city.
And because I wanted to check them out myself, I rented a car in Cancun. I drove all the way around the Yucatan Peninsula, including all the Mérida beaches in my itinerary.
I have checked them out one by one, and in this post, I am sharing all the information I gathered so that you can decide which one to visit and create your own Yucatan itinerary.
Except El Cuyo, all these beaches can be reached with a day trip from Mérida. My recommendation is to rent a beautiful Airbnb in Mérida and take daily tours, either on your own or with a travel agent.
You should know that you can reach most of them by public transportation, but I wholeheartedly recommend renting a car and driving independently.
The state of Yucatan is the safest one in Mexico, and the roads are in excellent condition for the most part. So if you can drive in your country, you can definitely drive here, and it will give you the freedom to move around at your own pace without worrying about missing the bus.
If you are concerned about driving in Mexico, you can read my posts:
Driving in Mexico – all you need to know.
Renting a car in Mexico without getting scammed
Discover Cars Mexico Review
Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental companies for many reasons, including:
✔︎ straightforward information
✔︎ full coverage add-on
✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews
If you are in a rush and don’t have much time to explore, in this section you will find a quick overview of the most beautiful beaches at an easy and short drive from Mérida, making a great day trip from the city.
If you have more time and want to know more about the Mérida beaches, keep reading, as in the next section, you will find more detailed information for each one of the best Mérida beaches and the best pics I took with my brand new camera and phone.
Mérida Beaches Map
Beaches Near Merida at a Glance: Distances and Drive Times
| Beach | Distance from Mérida | Drive time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progreso | 36 km | 35 min | easiest day trip, malecón, families |
| Chicxulub Puerto | 44 km | 40 min | beach houses, calm water |
| Chelem | 45 km | 45 min | quiet beach day near Progreso |
| Chuburná | 48 km | 50 min | even quieter, local feel |
| Sisal | 53 km | 55 min | prettiest water close to Mérida, magic town |
| Uaymitun | 55 km | 50 min | flamingo viewpoint, empty sand |
| San Bruno | 65 km | 1 h | beach clubs, Kokomo |
| Telchac Puerto | 72 km | 1 h 10 | fishing village calm |
| San Crisanto | 72 km | 1 h 10 | mangrove tours, coconut cooperative |
| El Palmar | 80 km | 1 h 15 | wild reserve beach near Sisal |
| Celestún | 89 km | 1 h 20 | flamingos, biosphere boat tours |
| Santa Clara | 95 km | 1 h 25 | tiny, local, seafood |
| Dzilam de Bravo | 105 km | 1 h 30 | springs and wild coast |
| El Cuyo | 245 km | 3 h 45 | kitesurfing, overnight trip |
What to Know Before You Go
- I have been driving along the coast from Celestún all the way to Dzilam de Bravo, and I found the best beaches to be around Progreso (besides El Cuyo, of course).
- Along the coast from Chicxulub to Dzilam de Bravo, there are very few access points to the beaches because, although the beaches are supposed to be public, many private properties obstruct the access. Below I will tell you where you can find some lovely beaches with public access.
- Also, except Progreso and Chelem, you won’t find many places to have a nice breakfast or even a decent meal. I had to get my coffee in convenience stores while I was staying in Telchac, which was very awkward.
- Public transportation is random, if not nonexistent, so if you decide to explore that area, you would be better off renting a car.
- Do not expect the turquoise water of the Riviera Maya. Nothing compares to Playa del Carmen and all that area. However, the Gulf coast has its own quiet beauty, and you will often have it to yourself.
Best beaches near Merida
1. Celestùn
Situated at about a 1.5 hour drive from Mérida, Celestún is a tranquil beach town mainly known for the graceful flamingos living in the nearby lagoon, and it makes one of the best day trips from Mérida. You can find full-day tours from Mérida that include transportation and boat tours to spot flamingos and other kinds of birds that populate the area.
If flamingos are the reason you are coming, time it right: the big flocks gather in the Celestún estuary from November to early March, when tens of thousands winter here. Outside those months you will still see birds, but not the pink wall the photos promise. Boat tours leave from the bridge at the entrance of town and from the beach; going early in the morning gets you calmer water and better light for photos.
However, the beach is fantastic too. Pretty wild, with not so many facilities, you can really enjoy some quiet time by the emerald water, swimming or relaxing on the beach.
There are quite a few beach hotels in Celestun at any price and style. Personally, I believe the luxury hotels in the area don’t offer great value for money, but if you love comfort and are prepared to splurge, you may find some lovely accommodations.
There are also cheap hotels for those who travel on a budget.
As for food, there is not much choice either, depending on the season. If it’s high season or weekends, you may find a couple of restaurants on the beach open. The restaurants in town are just acceptable. I had breakfast at the Oxxo, the popular Mexican convenience store, but I was traveling on the cheap at the time. I am sure that upscale hotels also offer decent meals or at least breakfast.
Where to stay in Celestún
Hotel San Julio – a budget hotel with just about everything you need, private bathroom, cleaners, and WIFI. Located right on the beach. Check prices and details
Hotel Beach Don Gonzalo – a great option if you love a nice and stylish hotel without breaking the bank. Not right on the beach, but just on the other side of the road. Check prices and details
Playa55 Beach Escape – this is the most upscale hotel in the area, to my knowledge, and boasts spacious rooms with elegant decor and the finest amenities. If you’re looking for luxury, this is your place. Check prices and details
How to Get to Celestún from Mérida
The best way to get to Celestún from Mérida is by car; however, you can also find Oriente Buses that run directly from Mérida every 2 hours, and they take approximately 2 hours to arrive.
Otherwise, the fastest and hassle-free way is to join one of the tours that combine flamingo tours with some beach time. They usually include lunch, but make sure you check that before booking. Here I am sharing a few options.
2. El Palmar
At only 10 km from Celestún you can find the El Palmar ecological reserve, one of the most important protected areas in the Yucatan Peninsula, due to the abundance of flora and fauna that live here. Another interesting attraction is the giant lighthouse, the biggest in the Yucatan peninsula.
Getting to El Palmar, though, is quite tricky. If you have a four-wheel-drive car, you can drive from Celestún on the dirt road that runs along the beach among mangroves and a lush jungle. Please note that the road is not in good condition, especially after rain. That’s why you will need a 4-wheel drive.
The other option would be getting there by boat from Celestún beach. You should ask one of the fishermen on the beach how much they charge. You may also be able to go from Sisal, but it would be a more extended trip and therefore more expensive.
Another cool thing to do would be flying over the lighthouse in a helicopter, but I still need to find the information. Once I have it, I will update the post.
I didn’t manage to get to El Palmar beach this time, but it looks incredible in pictures, so I thought I should include it here anyway for the sake of information. If you go, please let me know how it goes.
3. Sisal
Recently proclaimed a Pueblo Mágico, something locals themselves debate, Sisal is a small town on the northern coast of Yucatán with one of the prettiest beaches within an hour of Mérida. It’s not very far from Celestún, and they are only separated by El Palmar Reserve, but not directly connected.
The beach here is spectacular, and if it’s not too windy, you may even find the colors of the Caribbean sea. In Sisal, you can have long walks on the beach or bask in the sun.
There is just one infinite public beach where you can find chairs and sunbeds for rent. Some restaurants offer beach facilities for a fee, provided you purchase food or drinks.
In Sisal, you can also rent kayaks and paddleboards for a different experience, or you can explore the nearby beaches a little further off from the town.
Local travel agencies also offer guided tours in the wetlands and mangrove areas around Sisal, where you can enjoy an incredible wildlife walk on petenes and swim in the crystal clear water of the “ojos de agua”. Protect yourself from mosquito bites, though!
How to get to Sisal
From Celestún, you will need to drive all the way towards Mérida and turn left in Kinchil towards Hunucmá, and then back towards the coast to Sisal. It’s a beautiful road, although you may encounter some potholes from time to time.
Make sure you try the delicious coconut ice cream from the little shop by the pier.
Where to stay in Sisal
Sisal is an easy day trip from Mérida. However, if you want to join some of the local tours, you will appreciate staying there a couple of nights.
Casona de Sisal – this is where I stayed. It’s a new hotel with comfortable, spacious rooms and modern decor. The rooftop terrace offered great views of the sunset over the roofs of Sisal and the beach. Below the hotel, you could enjoy a great breakfast in the hotel restaurant which is also open for lunch until 5 pm – Check rates and info
Casa Kinich Sisal – a nice property with four-bedroom units equipped with a kitchenette, WIFI, and shared pool. Located a few blocks away from the center and the beach, in a peaceful area. Check rates and info
Casa de Pato – Casa de Pato is an exclusive luxury hotel featuring its own restaurant, where reservations are required in advance to gain entry. They don’t accept external guests at the restaurant and don’t offer day passes. If you want to know their prices and make a reservation, you need to contact them through their website.
4. Chuburná and El Playón de las Dunas
Chuburná Puerto is the last village on the coastal road coming from Mérida or Progreso; after it, the road ends.
The town is pretty much idle, with not much to see, and the beaches in town are not very attractive, as they have been significantly reduced lately. The beaches return to normal depth during the summer when the tide is lower.
The reason to come is at the very end of the road: El Playón de las Dunas, the last stretch of beach on this side of the peninsula. It’s a spectacular, massive piece of white sand where turtles come up at night to lay their eggs, which is why you are not authorized to get on the beach by car. Simply continue driving until the end of the road, leave the car in the parking lot, and walk on the beach dune.
When I visited, it was very windy and with some sargasso. The best time to visit is in the summer when there is less risk of sargasso and the ocean is supposedly calmer.
There is a huge pier from where you can get great shots as well. It’s probably a great place to be at sunset.
Keep in mind that there are no facilities or restaurants. Bring some snacks and most of all water if you plan to stay long on this beach.
5. Chelem
Chelem is just a continuation of Chuburná. You don’t see when one ends and the other begins. However, in Chelem village, you can find more restaurants, bars and a couple of coffee shops.
When I checked Chelem beaches, though, I didn’t really find anything attractive. There are no beach clubs that I know of, as most of the time you will find beach houses. There are a lot of beach accesses, but the ones I checked weren’t really inspiring me to sit on the sand and enjoy a beach day.
From Chelem, you may find some tours on the lagoon side to spot flamingos and other bird species. However, at the time I checked, I couldn’t find anyone, and I was in a rush to move on to the next beach.
5. Pig beach
If you continue driving from Chelem, you will get to Playa Cochino, in Yucalpetén, the nearby fishing town. Cochino means pig, and the beach earns its name honestly: it’s home to a group of rescued Vietnamese pigs that now live in a small fenced area right at the entrance of the beach. Local authorities are taking care of them and making sure they are well fed and looked after. You can go and cuddle them if you want. They are the cutest thing.
The stretch of beach here is quite small but very clean and well kept, and a great spot to relax and swim as the water is usually pretty calm. Keep in mind there is no restaurant or any facilities.
7. Progreso
Progreso is a small port town near Mérida and the most popular beach destination for locals, as it’s the closest but also the nicest place. It’s actually the biggest city on this stretch of the Gulf coast, and the perfect balance between a laidback, tranquil beach town and a place with a good amount of tourist facilities.
Mind that Progreso is also a cruise port with many cruise ships stopping by. Here is a good site to check the cruise schedule if you want to avoid bumping into big groups of tourists.
I have to admit that coming back to Progreso after a few years, I could appreciate quite a good deal of improvement in both the infrastructure and the atmosphere overall.
The town now has two boardwalks: the traditional malecón, which is really an amazing place to stroll, especially at sunset, and the newer Malecón Internacional with its Ferris wheel and sports courts. Locals also go for a walk and exercise, especially on Sundays. The pier, which stretches over six kilometers into the Gulf, holds a Guinness World Record as the longest in the world.
The beach is incredible. Very broad and wide, and it is so big and long that you can choose to stay close to the center in one of the local beach clubs or further away where it’s quieter and less crowded.
There is quite a variety of beach clubs offering sunbeds and sun umbrellas. Some of them are also restaurants. My favorites are El AhGuay and the nearby chairs from the restaurant La Antigua, a great place for breakfast or lunch. Both beach clubs have Tulum-style facilities, with large sunbeds and music.
If you love kitesurfing, you should join one of the kitesurfing clubs in Progreso, Alfakite, either for some lessons or for equipment rental. They also have a little coffee shop with WIFI as well.
With kids, there are two easy wins: the Museo del Meteorito on the waterfront, which tells the story of the Chicxulub asteroid that ended the dinosaurs a few kilometers from where you are standing, and the Sendero Jurásico dinosaur trail between Progreso and Chicxulub. Add El Corchito, a small eco-reserve with three freshwater springs ten minutes from the malecón, and Progreso fills a full day rather than a beach stop.
Getting to Progreso without a car is easy: Autoprogreso buses leave from their terminal on Calle 62 between 65 and 67 in Mérida centro, roughly every 10 to 20 minutes. The ride takes about 50 minutes and costs 27 pesos one way, 54 round trip as of early 2025 (check current fares at the terminal, they adjust yearly by a peso or two). Colectivos on the same route run around 25 pesos.
Where to stay in Progreso
Playa Linda Hotel – this hotel offers the best value for money. Its rooms are simple yet clean and modern, and it’s located right on the beach. The last time I checked their rates were quite a bargain. Check rates and availability
Capital O José y Lety – cute property with spacious, nicely decorated rooms and a shared pool. Mid-range prices. Check rates and availability
Hotel Amor Progreso – If you are looking for something a little more upscale, this is the perfect place for you. Cozy and romantic, it’s a great place to relax and unwind. Check rates and availability
8. Chicxulub Puerto
At only 8 km from Progreso, you will find the small, tranquil town of Chicxulub and its beautiful beach.
You may have already heard of this unusual name (pronounced Cheek-shoo-loob) because this is where, ages ago, a meteorite hit the Earth (actually the ocean), creating the thousands of cenotes around the Yucatan Peninsula, which eventually became some of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. That is why the biggest concentration of cenotes is found in the nearby area.
The town of Chicxulub has nothing interesting to offer, except for the beautiful, huge stretch of beach.
Keep in mind, though, that with only a few exceptions from Chicxulub all the way to Dzilam de Bravo, the so-called Costa Esmeralda, you will only find deserted beaches, where the best way to have access is to rent a beach house. There are only a few beach clubs, and I will discuss them further in this post.
Chicxulub is, in fact, becoming one of the most popular towns where wealthy families from Mérida choose to have their second homes, and expatriates from the US and Canada retire.
In town, you will find a few grocery stores and a couple of restaurants, but if you rent a place, you would be better off buying some groceries from Mérida supermarkets.
Renting a Vrbo/Airbnb in Chicxulub
I have lived in Chicxulub for a couple of months altogether when I was housesitting, and I enjoyed getting up on the beach or watching the sunset from my balcony. Below are some home rental options that I have picked for you on the VRBO site.
Entire House on the Seafront in Chicxulub Puerto – Check rates and info
Beachfront penthouse apartment on Chicxulub / Progreso – Check rates and info
9. Uaymitun
Past Chicxulub in the direction of Dzilam de Bravo, you will find the deserted beach of Uaymitun. It’s a residential area where it’s even difficult to find beach access because it’s mainly occupied by private homes or gated communities. Therefore, if you want to rent a house for yourself and your family or friends for a weekend, here are some great choices.
Insider tip – coming from Chicxulub on the way to Uaymitun, make sure you look out for the convenience store “Tienda San Roman” on the lagoon side. Park the car and go for a walk towards the lagoon, you have good chances to spot flamingos at a very close distance. There is a lookout point further down the road, but it’s now temporarily closed.
VRBO/Airbnb on Uaymitun beach
Villas Las Tunas – Yucatan Home Rentals – Check rates and info
Beduinos beach front relax and luxury house with the best price – Check rates and info
10. San Bruno and Telchac Puerto
The quiet fishing village of Telchac Puerto doesn’t have a beautiful beach. However, there are a few interesting beaches and spots nearby. I am listing them below.
San Bruno Beach
The stretch of beach before arriving at Telchac is really beautiful, spacious, and with easy access to the ocean. The problem is that it’s difficult to find access simply because there are many private homes and hotels.
However, if you get off the main road and drive along the beach dirt road, you may find a couple of beach entrances. I found one by driving around the hotel Tecnohotel Beach in San Benito, which is also a great option if you want to spend the weekend there. If you drive as if you are going to the hotel, but continue along the side road, you will get to the public beach access. Not much space to park but enough to find a spot.
Again, there are no beach facilities, just plain sand and emerald water, usually all for yourself.
Kokomo Club de Playa
If you want the comfort of a beach club and all its facilities, here you have it. Kokomo Club de Playa is an upscale spot where you can also spend a few nights in their luxury apartment. It was actually the only one I found. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Otherwise, you can pay 300 MXN (15 USD) on weekends to access the beach and the facilities, plus the use of kayaks and paddleboards. Then you pay for what you eat at the restaurant. During the weekdays, the beach access is 250 MXN, but if you just want to eat at the restaurant and hit the beach without using their facilities, you don’t have to pay it (you must on the weekends, though).
Xcambó Mayan Ruins
If you love local history, you should make a stop and visit the Mayan ruins of Xcambó, one of the most underrated archeological sites. It’s only 75 MXN (4 USD), and you will most probably find yourself alone among the ancient Mayan ruins.
You can also hike to the top of the temples and appreciate the spectacular views. On the way, look out for flamingos on both sides of the road. You will likely see a lot of them.
Reserva Ecológica Sayachaltún
Right after the turn to the Xcambó Mayan Ruins, you will see the entrance to the Reserva Ecológica Sayachaltún on the lagoon side. I am so glad I stopped by because the place is very well maintained, and you can appreciate sitting on the pier on the lagoon, enjoying the absolute silence, interrupted only by the sound of the birds passing by, sometimes even flamingos.
They organize tours around the lagoon in small boats to spot the local fauna, including crocodiles. Very affordable and worth it.
The restaurant is also a great spot where you can enjoy a good meal from breakfast to lunch and dinner. This is one of the decent seafood restaurants in the area, so keep it in mind. The other one that was suggested to me is in Telchac, called Tiburones, also a good seafood restaurant.
Where to stay in the Telchac area (includes San Benito and San Bruno)
- Tecnohotel Beach (San Benito) – Check rates and info
- Casa Kay Poloc Ha / Bwellcome Colección Playa – Check rates and info
- House Beach Front Superb Ocean View Hi Speed WiFi – Check rates and info
- Stylish beach apartment – Check rates and info
11. San Crisanto
San Crisanto beach
Right after Telchac, you will find San Crisanto, a cute little village on the beach where you will appreciate the colorful homes around the main square and the interesting boat tours on the lagoon organized by a local community.
You can see the entrance to the tour offices as soon as you enter town on the lagoon side of the main road.
The beach in San Crisanto is not exceptional, and it’s actually very narrow. However, just before getting there, you can see the road sign for Playa Sac-Ha. You must pay for the entrance to the beach, but there are no facilities, except for toilets. The entrance fee is only 90 MXN.
If you love roughing it, you can also camp on the beach for an extra 150 MXN per person. I would personally stay in a hotel, but you have this option too.
12. Santa Clara
Santa Clara is the tiny fishing town between San Crisanto and Dzilam de Bravo, and most people drive straight through it. Stop if you want the coast at its most local: a small square, a modest beach with a pier, and a couple of seafood spots where the fish was swimming that morning. It’s a twenty minute stop, and exactly the kind that makes this road trip feel like yours.
13. Dzilam de Bravo
If you are staying in the area and you love to explore natural treasures, you may want to stretch a bit to Dzilam de Bravo. It’s only a 30-minute drive from San Crisanto, right after Santa Clara.
There, you have the chance to take a 2-hour boat tour on the beachside to spot local flora and fauna and swim in an ojo de agua, a unique experience off the beaten path. There are no beaches there, but the tour is fun!
Make sure you check out the beautiful Yucatan Hacienda San Francisco de Tzacalha. If you want to spend the night in the area, staying in one of the ancient Yucatan haciendas is an experience in itself. Otherwise, you can just pay a visit and ask for a tour of the hacienda.
14. El Cuyo
El Cuyo is the last beach in Yucatán before the border with Quintana Roo, and my favorite place on this entire coast. It’s too far for a comfortable day trip from Mérida (245 km, about 3 hours 45), so treat it as an overnight stop, and honestly, once you are there you will want more than one night. It is the perfect getaway if you are tired of the overpriced and crowded Riviera Maya.
Different from the previously mentioned towns, El Cuyo has the facilities of a tourist destination but with the appeal of a local feel. Here you can find an endless beach where you can swim, paddleboard, kayak, take long walks, or just bask in the sun, plus nice restaurants and cute hotels. From El Cuyo, you can also visit the pink lakes of Las Coloradas and many other interesting sites.
I wrote a complete guide about El Cuyo because it deserves its own post 🙂
Beaches Near Merida: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest beach to Merida?
Progreso, 36 kilometers north of the city, about 35 minutes by car or 50 minutes on the Autoprogreso bus. It is the only Merida beach with a full town infrastructure behind it.
Can you swim at the beaches near Merida?
Yes, everywhere on this coast. The Gulf water is shallow, calm, and warm, safer for kids than most of the Caribbean side. What it is not is turquoise: expect green water and be pleasantly surprised on the days it turns blue.
Do Merida beaches have seaweed?
Far less than the Riviera Maya. The sargassum that hits Cancun and Tulum mostly bypasses the Gulf coast. Some seasonal seagrass washes up, but nothing like the Caribbean’s brown tides.
Is Merida on the beach?
No. Merida sits about 35 minutes inland. That is exactly why it pairs so well with this list: you stay in the city for food and culture and day-trip to a different beach each day.
I hope this guide helps you pick your stretch of sand. If you only take one thing from it, take this: rent the car, start in Celestún with the flamingos, and let the coast road decide the rest. And if you make it all the way to El Cuyo, you will understand why I keep going back. For everything else around the city, here are all the things to do in Mérida.
