Your expert guide to the Yucatán beaches
This article is about the beautiful and wonderful beaches in the state of Yucatán, not the beaches on the Yucatán Peninsula. We won’t touch on the beaches of Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum here, nor the islands of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres or Holbox (as you can see from the links, we have those covered elsewhere 😉).
By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll be jumping up and down ready to book your flights to Mérida, Yucatán’s capital city and gateway to these gorgeous, and tranquil spots on the Gulf of Mexico.
Welcome to Mexico’s Emerald Coast.
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While I lived in Mérida, I made it my business to get to know the region as well as possible. My family and I spent so much time playing on the beautiful beaches on Yucatán that it would simply be rude of me to not share all I learned with you!
What makes the Yucatán beaches so great?
🏝The water can be Caribbean blue but it’s generally a gorgeous green or deep turquoise hence the name, “La Costa Esmerelda“, or “the Emerald Coast”
🏝The white sands are glorious and rarely feel too hot to walk on without sandals
🏝The gulf tides are not strong. These shallow & calm waters are why I think Yucatán’s beaches rank as some of the best family beaches in Mexico
🏝 Most of these beaches are easily reached as day trips from Mérida
🏝 There isn’t nearly as much sargassum as on the Caribbean coast
🏝 Mass tourism hasn’t yet hit the Yucatan beaches so even on a busy day during spring break, they’re never really wildly busy
🏝 The services that have sprung up on the beaches, as well as in the fishing villages and towns can be much more affordable than on the Caribbean Coast
🏝 The beaches of Yucatan are some of the very best beaches in Mexico and the gentle pace of life in Yucatecan beach towns and fishing villages should never be overlooked or taken for granted
🏝 You’ll get to experience a very authentic Mexican beach life, seeing how locals enjoy their beach time
🏝 The merengeros who walk around selling beach candies – take a look, let everyone try something, it’s all delicious
⭐️ If you’ve done Cancun and Playa del Carmen for Spring Break and are looking for something calmer, a Yucatecan beach could well be your answer
Getting around Yucatán
Your choice of transport will, in some, part dictate which beaches are possible to visit. The state is covered by a good network of roads, most of which are in a decent state of repair.
🚗 Car
If you have access to a car while you’re in Yucatán, then you can visit any beach you please, even the most remote and peaceful beaches. You are tied to no timetables and can easily take whatever beach equipment you want with you. If you’re planning on staying in some of these smaller beach pueblos, then a car is not just a good idea, it’s kinda imperative. And don’t worry, because driving in Yucatán is perfectly safe.
🚌 Public transportation
The bigger beach towns, of course, are served by regular buses from Mérida & Valladolid, while the smaller beach destinations will require more planning and patience if you wish to use public transport. There are colectivos (small mini buses) that serve the coastal pueblos but these have no timetables, instead, they depart only when they are full.
The Maya train stops only in Valladolid & Mérida in Yucatán, from there you’ll need to consider other forms of transport to get to the beach.
👣 Tours
If you’re staying in Mérida then you’ll have no problem picking up tours (and private drivers) to the beaches in advance. I use Viator and GetYourGuide to find my own tours when I travel because I like both that they provide me with access to local tour guides and they provide a backup if things should go wrong. If you’re staying in smaller towns and villages such as Progreso, Valladolid or Celestun, you will be able to find tour guides once you’re on the ground if neither Viator not GetYourGuide have anything to offer you.
Yucatán’s beaches
🧭 Let’s get started – we’ll run through the beaches from east to west along the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico shore. This means starting with the idyllic El Cuyo and ending with flamingo adventures in Celestun.
Note that Mérida itself does not have a beach. It is not a coastal city. The nearest beach to Mérida is Progreso, which is at least 30 minutes from north Mérida.
Important to know
📜 All beaches in Mexico are public beaches. No one can refuse you the right to be on a beach but you can be refused access to a beach if that means walking through someone else’s property. In Yucatán, this doesn’t tend to be a problem as there is plenty of coast and not too much infrastructure yet. You can wander down any public road that leads to a beach.
✅ The beaches in Yucatán are safe and so are the towns they’re in. That said, please never travel without insurance as there is always the possibility of losing your passport or injury when you travel. You may see armed police or soldiers on the beach occasionally but they’re never a problem and their presence doesn’t mean a specific threat.
→ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to safety in Yucatán
👙 There are no nudist beaches in Yucatán. Oaxaca’s Zipolite Beach is the only official nudist beach in Mexico (yes I’ve been 😉).
🔆 High season in Yucatán is more or less November – March. This is when the snowbirds come in from the United States and Canada to enjoy the gentle warmth of the coast of Yucatán.
🦩 The most famous place to see flamingos in Yucatan is Celestun but they can also be seen around Zac-Ha, Laguna Rosada, Las Coloradas and even outside Chicxulub or Progreso although Celestun is for sure where you’ll see the biggest concentration.
🎣 You can go fishing in Yucatán. If you have your own equipment just head onto any pier and join the locals enjoying the breeze. If you are interested in learning to fish like a local, you can pick up a session somewhere like Sisal or Dzilam de Bravo or you can book a deepsea fishing trip once you’re in Progreso.
❌ Chichén Itzá is not near the beach, it’s an inland site close to the beautiful colonial town of Valladolid and not super close to the beach. Better to visit a cenote to cool off after visiting Chichén Itzá.
🗺 People often ask if Isla Holbox in Yucatán – it is not, it’s just over the state line into Quintana Roo.
El Cuyo – a little slice of heaven with crazy good food
⭐️ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to El Cuyo
El Cuyo is a little slice of (foodie) heaven in the far west of the state of Yucatán. It’s kind of surprising, given how gorgeous this beach is, how few foreigners visit or even know about it. From the quality of restaurants there, though, I definitely think this is changing fast. I was last there in November 2024 and was blown away by the food.
El Cuyo is a small fishing town of 2000 residents and the beach here is perfect, untouched and unspoiled. The water is a striking green and the sand is white and clean. There is a pier and the usual town sign for your every photographic need.
Why visit El Cuyo?
Who even remembers what shoes are when they’re in this tiny fishing village? You can stroll through the streets without shoes and no one will bat an eyelid. If you think you like Sayulita or Tulum then you ain’t seen nothing until you get to El Cuyo. This is your ultimate slice of laid back perfection.
Where is El Cuyo?
El Cuyo is located right in the middle of the nature reserve, Parque Natural Ría Lagartos on the north west coast of Yucatán. It’s an easy day trip from either Valladolid or Tizimin if you don’t want to stay over night.
What is there to do in El Cuyo?
You don’t go to El Cuyo to “do” things. You go to El Cuyo to relax, to lie on the beach, to eat, drink and read. That said, there are a few options once you get there. If you’re in El Cuyo over turtle season then you may be able to help with baby sea turtle releases. There are also often flamingos in the area. It’s possible to rent bikes and kite-surfing equipment from locals.
Where to stay in El Cuyo
🏨 Casa Mate Beach Front Cabañas – these AC equipped bungalows on the beach are a my top option. You can choose between an all-inclusive or breakfast only option.
🏨 Mero Mero – just metres from the beach this is a true value for money winner. The rooftop terrace and pool offer incredible views, the rooms are spacious and nicely appointed and, of course, have AC.
🏨 Xtambaa Cabins and Spa – this adult only hotel in El Cuyo offers gorgeous and quirky cabins with incredibly comfortable beds, pools. Breakfast is included and the beach is nearby.
🗺 If these recommendations aren’t quite what you’re hoping for, use the MexicoCassie interactive hotel map to find your perfect accommodation.
🐾 MexicoCassie recommended best for pets: Casa Mía (as featured in the MexicoCassie 10 best pet-friendly hotels in Yucatán article)
Where to eat in El Cuyo
El Tiburon – representing the delicious Yucatán beach food, El Tiburon serves up excellent & tasty fish tacos, prawns and breaded fish that will make everyone’s tummies happy. This was my first stop in El Cuyo and I’ve never forgotten it.
Cocina Economica El Amigo Omar – good traditional local food like your mom would make (if she were Yucatecan).
Piccola Italia Restaurante & Cafe – a busy & popular spot serving up truly excellent Italian dishes – great for an evening meal.
Casa Mangle – Enjoy tasty Mexican (rather than Yucatecan) food & wonderful laid back beach vibe. Casa Mangle is owned by a Mexican woman and her French husband. It’s also great for coffee and juices and chilling out with your thoughts.
⭐️ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to El Cuyo
Las Coloradas – pink salt lakes & a secret beach
⭐️ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to Las Coloradas
You may already know of Las Coloradas from social media but in my opinion, social media does not give an accurate view of these magical pink salt lakes. People tend to use drone photos that make it look as if the ocean is pink here but it is not. You also sometimes see people in the pink water but this is absolutely forbidden. The pink lakes are gorgeous and are absolutely well worth your time but the sea here is not pink however it may appear.
⭐️ As of 2026 it’s permitted to take a short swim in the water here.
Why visit Las Coloradas?
This is a real local’s tip that I’m sharing with you right now: people tend visit for the pink lagunas but there is also a really spectacular strip of pretty much unknown beach just down the road.
When you have finished your walk around the pink salt lake of Las Coloradas, ask your guide to take you to the beach or go on your own. There is absolutely nothing here but gorgeous Caribbean blue water, perfect white sand and you. There are two named beaches – Las Coloradas and Playa Cancunito. Both are generally very quiet.
Where are the Las Coloradas beaches?
Las Coloradas is in the Parque Natural Ría Lagartos and is accessed only by crossing the Puente Las Coloradas. Playa Cancunito can be reached by continuing straight along the road through the Parque Natural Ría Lagartos. Playa Las Coloradas is about halfway along, between Cancunito and the small village of Las Coloradas.
At certain times of year it is possible to drive along the sandy beach road between Las Coloradas and El Cuyo. At other times, this beach is fairly inaccessible.
What is there to do at Las Coloradas?
Once you’ve toured the pink salt lakes there’s really very little to do here. At the Puente there are boats offering tours of the ría (estuary). These tours generally take in crocodiles, flamingos and other bird life.
Where to stay in Las Coloradas
Las Coloradas is so small there really isn’t anywhere to stay right there. This is somewhere you visit for the day. The best option would be to combine with a trip to Rio Lagartos, a nearby small fishing town that has no beach access of its own.
🏨 Hotel Rio Lagartos – on the waterfront, outdoor pool with swim-up bar and comfortable, large bedrooms.
🏨 Hotel Tabasco Rio – set one hundred metres from the shore, this is a clean and comfortable option.
🏨 Casa Jada EcoBungalows – Surprisingly luxurious ecologically friendly accommodation right in Las Coloradas.
Where to eat in Las Coloradas
There are a few small cocina economicas in Las Coloradas. Don’t expect much more than beach food and beach furniture and you won’t be disappointed wherever you pick.
⭐️ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to Las Coloradas
👣 Book a day trip exploring Las Coloradas
San Felipe – finding the actual beach is part of the fun!
⭐️ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to San Felipe
San Felipe, on the north Yucatan coast is a small fishing village that is known as the gateway to the Río Lagartos Biosphere. I love this little village for its incredible chilled atmosphere and because if you don’t know where the beach is, you’ll never find it! I’ve been stopped by confused visitors (Mexican and foreign) here and asked if I know how to find the beach. It always makes me giggle.
Lucky for you, I know where it is and how to find it!
Why visit San Felipe?
San Felipe is a delightful and tiny place that’s worth visiting precisely because people don’t visit. I love how secluded it is, how quiet it is and how few visitors you’ll find here.
Where is the San Felipe beach?
The secret to the San Felipe beach is to know that the coastline of San Felipe is a working harbour for the fishing boats and the beach itself is on a small island and is only accessible by boat.
To find a boat you need to walk to the palapa by the San Felipe letters at the far end of the village. Here you can either buy tickets in a shared bus-boat to the beach, or you can hire a private boat to take you to-and-from the island beach. You can also take boat rides and tours from here into Río Lagartos.
The boats are organised and run by the fishermen’s collective and the profits are split between the group.
The beach is cute but not big. Kids will find the shallow waters perfect for splashing around. There are some shaded palapas here and there is a small tienda (shop) selling drinks but otherwise, take your provisions with you.
What is there to do in San Felipe?
In San Felipe you can take a variety of tours into the ría including one around Isla Cerritos. It was from this small island that Chichén Itzá controlled ocean trade. Visit the Ojo de Agua and walk around the boardwalk to learn about mangroves, crocodiles and more. If you don’t have time to visit Las Coloradas on your own you can also take a tour from here.
Before leaving, take a moment to gaze at the cute wooden houses in the village. The first time I visited I was blown away by how sweet they are.
Where to stay in San Felipe
There is only one hotel in this fishing village. If it’s booked up, look at options in nearby Rio Lagartos.
🏨 Hotel San Felipe Jesus – right on the water front, this low key hotel consistently gets great reviews.
🏨 Hotel Rio Lagartos – on the waterfront, outdoor pool with swim up bar and comfortable, large bedrooms.
🏨 Hotel Tabasco Rio – set one hundred metres from the shore, this a clean and comfortable option.
Where to eat in San Felipe
There are a few small restaurants in San Felipe, my personal favourite is Restaurante Vaselina. The food is typical for a Yucatecan beach town and it’s right on the water.
⭐️ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to San Felipe
Dzilam de Bravo – wild camping on a pristine beach
⭐️ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to Dzilam de Bravo
Ooooh, Dzilam de Bravo, the location of one of my most favourite adventures ever. A group of friends and I, families in tow, spent a night camping on a secluded beach at Dzilam de Bravo. The trip was so phenomenal that it’s gone down in friendship history as “the perfect trip”.
Why visit Dzilam de Bravo?
You should visit the Yucatán beach of Dzilam de Bravo precisely because it’s hard to reach. It feels like being on a deserted island and that’s really something very special and rare. I can’t think of any other time in my life when I felt so free as I did here. Watching the kids run and play in such a wild setting made my heart sing with joy.
Where is Dzilam de Bravo?
You won’t find this beach on the maps and it’s only accessible by boat when the weather is right. You really need to book a tour or local transport to reach this beach. You can do this via the guys at Restaurante Sayachuleb. It may sound weird but I promise it’s worth it.
Note: if the weather isn’t good, tours don’t leave the harbour.
What is there to do in Dzilam de Bravo?
The tour will take you to a jungle cenote (Elepetén), where you can have a refreshing swim and escape the strong Yucatecan sun. You can visit the fascinating ojo de agua called Xbuya Há in the middle of the sea where thousands of litres of fresh water pour out and into the salt water every minute – just imagine yourself swimming down to the ocean floor to see this for yourself – it’s wild.
And then you get to camp out on the most perfect beach you can imagine.
Where to Stay in Dzilam de Bravo
🏨 Campamento Pijiji – if you have your own tent then this campsite just outside Dzilam de Bravo is a good option.
🏨 Las Palmeras Posada Turistica – good reviews, clean and on the water front.
🏨 Hacienda San Francisco Tzacalha – exploring the area while enjoying a little luxury. Villas have private pools.
Because this is a deserted beach there are no restaurants or hotels on the beach. Should you want to stay an extra night in the area, there are a few options.
⭐️ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to Dzilam de Bravo
Balneario Sac-Ha – relax in a coconut grove
My family, friends and I have spent many happy times frolicking on this wonderful beach fringed by palm trees. In fact, it’s a favourite camping spot for us all. Can you imagine going to bed under the stars after cooking over a campfire here, and then waking up to flamingos and pelicans overhead? There is, for me, nothing more magical in the entire world.
What is there to do at Sac-Ha?
Again, a beach with really very little to do except relax. Come with your picnic, beach chairs, hamacas and plenty of water and just relax.
It’s also possible to camp overnight – just tell the carpark guards when you arrive that you plan on camping and they will charge you accordingly.
Where is Sac-Ha?
Just before you reach the town of San Crisanto you’ll drive through palm groves. On your left you’ll see a small shack at an entry to a carpark under the palms. This is Balneario Sac-Ha, on of the most gorgeous Yucatan beaches there is. Honestly, you won’t believe it when you see it.
There is an entry fee here but actually you’re paying (as I noted above) for entry to the land in front of the beach. You’re paying to park safely and to use the palapas and bathrooms.
Activities and sights between Sac-Ha and Progreso
Laguna Rosada – also known as the Xtampu Pink Salt Lakes. These small salt lakes are locally run and you can go visit and even buy some salt crystals there. Carry on down the road and you’ll have flamingos left and right. And at the end of the road, turn right to visit the very lovely Maya ruin of Xcambo.
Just outside the town of Telchac, is Reserva Ecologica Sayachaltun. Stop here for a lovely relaxing meal and an hour’s kayaking in the mangrove. They also offer guided tours of the mangrove. One of the very few pet friendly tours runs here.
Chicxulub Puerto – the official epicenter of the meteor that crashed to earth wiping out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. There’s a plaque in the main plaza of this small town and the new Sendero Jurasico at the entrance to town is nice, if pricy.
El Corchito – is a cluster of jungle cenotes just outside Progreso. You have to take a boat to reach them.
Progreso – cruise ships, beach clubs and meteorites
⭐️ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to Progreso
Progreso is the closest beach to Mérida and for a fairly big city beach, it’s a clean and well maintained. The beach stretches from the Progreso letters in the west, one kilometre to the piers, and then approximately another kilometre from the piers to the new Progreso letters in the east. Progreso is home to the world’s longest pier and cruise ships dock there every single week of the year. This sounds like it could be a pain if you are looking for somewhere quiet but in 6 yrs of hanging out in Progreso I never once felt annoyed or bothered. The beach is long, there’s enough space for everyone.
Why visit Progreso?
Progreso is the easiest beach to visit if you’re staying in Yucatán’s capital city, Mérida. Since it is a town beach there are more facilities here than other beaches in the region. If you’re in Mérida for a week then it’s likely this is the beach you’ll be visiting.
Where is Progreso?
Progreso is an easy thirty minute drive on the carratera 261f rom the north of Mérida (it’s so easy you can head to the beach for lunch and still be home in time for supper).
What is there to do in Progreso?
Progreso, being a city with a beach, has plenty of activities for everyone. All along the beach front you’ll find Instagram-friendly spots, palapas and restaurants, exercise spaces, and a disability access point
♿️ Progreso is the only beach in Yucatán with disability services.
🦖 The Meteor Museum is worth a look in, too.
The further side of the pier is called the Malecon Internacional (some of this was badly damanged in late 2024) and the Progreso beach here stretches for another gorgeous kilometre. If you walk along the Malecon (promenade) you’ll find attractions, snack bars and more. The beach is more low key and at the end you’ll find the final Progreso letters. My kids just love to bring an evening picnic and spend sunset mucking around here.
Where to stay in Progreso
🏨 Hotel Yaxactun – A modern hotel with an outdoor pool, high standards of cleanliness and coffee provision in every room, this is a great option for your stay in Progreso.
🏨 Playa Linda Hotel – Average rates are well under $100 and the property is beachfront. There’s a reason it’s one of the top-rated hotels in Progreso!
🏨 Playa Chacá – A gorgeous self-catering condo set one block back from the beach. Includes salt-water pool, well equipped kitchen, A.C & sea views from the balcony.
🗺 If none of these quite suit your needs, use the MexicoCassie interactive accommodation map to find what you’re looking for.
🐾 If you’re hoping to find pet friendly hotels, there are a few excellent hotels we recommend around the state.
Where to eat in Progreso
There are numerous options in Progreso. Try El Ha Guay at the far end of the malecon by the Progreso letters (one of my favourites). I love to walk around the malecon and piers a dusk and eat street-food such as marquesitas and esquites. Elio el Mare is a wonderful Italian restaurant in Progreso but be sure to book if you want an outdoor table here.
⭐️ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to Progreso
Yucalpetén – quiet and sometimes a bit piggy
Yucalpetén is a quiet spot I absolutely adore. My kids have taken sailing lessons & participated in bi-athalons along this section of the Gulf coast.
Why visit Yucalpeten?
This part of the Yucatán coast is nice and quiet. The beach stretches all the way to Chuburna Puerto through the small towns of Chelem and Chuburna but this section is very quiet and secluded, which is why I particularly love it.
MexicoCassie Top Tip: Hotel Costa Club – offers a good day pass that includes access to their restaurants, pools and loungers.
Where is Yucalpetén?
To get to the Yucalpetén beach from Progreso you need to cross the giant bridge where you’ll have the marina on one side and the ría on the other. The views are spectacular but keep your eyes on the road! If you’re coming from Mérida then you can either go via Progreso or turn off earlier and drive through the ría – this is a truly gorgeous route and if you’re lucky you may see flamingos as you drive.
What is there to do in Yucalpetén
🐷 Playa Cochino (Pig Beach) is currently closed so there’s no frolicking on the beach or in the water with the pigs, sorry.
There are beach clubs such as Playa Bonita where you can use the pool and kayaks.
Where to stay in Yucalpetén
🏨 Casa Frida (Chelem) – stay in clean and well-appointed cabins set around a beautiful pool.
🏨 Casa Chelem (Chelem) – a beachfront private house with six double bedrooms and a pool.
🏨 Cabañas Jaalkab (Chelem) – located in town 1km from the beach, this hotel gets rave reviews from everyone. BBQ on site, free bikes, pool, volleyball.
Where to eat in Yucalpeten
Playa Bonita has good meals and La Playa is also highly rated by locals and visitors alike.
Chuburna Puerto (Playon Chuburna) – the end of the world
I keep talking about how quiet and deserted the beaches of Yucatán are but it’s true, they are. They’re rarely crowded and even when they’re busy, they’re not busy-busy. Chuburna Puerto takes the proverbial silent biscuit though. Here there are no facilities, just oodles of fresh air, sand and magnificent ocean.
Why visit Chuburna Puerto?
Visit Chuburna Puerto for exquisite views along the coast to Progreso or simply to know that you’re at the end of this stretch of land. In the last couple of years, Isla Columpios has also been a draw for visitors.
Where is Chuburna Puerto?
Chuburna Puerto is reached either by driving through Chelem and Chuburna and continuing until you can’t drive any further, or by taking the Sierra Papacal-Chuburna road and then turning left and driving until you can’t drive anymore.
What is there to do in Chuburna Puerto?
The beach itself has no amenities or shade so come with everything you need if you’re coming for a beach day. Once you’re on the beach, to your left, over the rocks is the end of the ría. To your right is an enormous expanse of beach that just keeps on going. You’ll most likely see kitesurfers and parasailers enjoying the winds here.
Chuburna Puerto is one of my favourite beaches in Yucatán precisely because it feels so remote.
Explore Isla Columpios – take a lancha (local boat) tour of the small ‘islands’ or exposed sand banks in this part of the ría – you can stop and chill out on them and play on the giant swings, have a drink or relax in a hammock over the water.
👣 Book a day trip from Mérida to Isla Columpios
Where to stay in Chuburna Puerto
Chuburna Puerto has no accommodation options but you can easily stay in Chubuná or Chelem (see above).
🏨 Hotel Chuburná – a brightly painted, well run hotel with a clean pool and plenty of hammocks. Pet friendly. Inexpensive.
🏨 Puerto del Cielo – 5* accommodation in this tiny beach town. Book the suite with private pool for extra luxury.
🏨 Hotel Flamingos Inn – with an ocean view and a pool in the garden this laid back hotel offers fabulous sunset views from the terrace.
Where to eat in Chuburná
There are no restaurants by the beach so you either take a picnic or you head into Chuburná to find a restaurant. I have eaten in El Mero Mero and Los Delfines many times. Both serve typical Yucatecan beach food (fish, tacos, aguachile, ceviche) and are delicious
Beaches after this point are inaccessible as there is no road until you reach…
Sisal – glorious sunsets abound (well, one a day)
Sisal is a small fishing village that is somewhat isolated from the rest of Yucatán thanks to the lack of coastal road. There are fewer than 2000 people living in Sisal and it rarely ever feels busy except on Mexican holidays when people from Mérida flock here.
Why visit Sisal?
Sisal has a magic about it. I guess this is why it was recently named as Yucatan’s only coastal pueblo magico. The town itself is sleepy and it isn’t somewhere to go if you’re looking for luxury but if you’re happy with a laid-back town with an unspoiled beach then this could be your idea of heaven.
Do note that locals aren’t all happy with this “pueblo magico” accolade and feel that it was a political decision to award it. The town does not have the infrastructure to receive large numbers of visitors so please don’t expect too much if you do visit.
Where is Sisal?
Sisal is about an hour away from Mérida on the carretera 281. This is the only way to reach Sisal, which is why it remains sleepy and unspoiled.
What is there to do in Sisal?
This is somewhere you can sometimes see sea turtles and even take part in baby turtle release programs. In Sisal you can kayak through mangroves, take fishing tours or sit on the beach and chill. The village plaza is quite lovely and be sure to admire the street art as you walk around. The small museum is currently closed but may open again one day.
Both sunset and sunrise are famously spectacular here.
Where to stay in Sisal
🏨 Casa Nora – a well equipped and modern house with pool and beach access.
🏨 La Casona de Sisal – this 4* hotel has a terrace with great sunset views, swimming pool and a great restaurant.
🏨 Cocolitos – an apartment on the edge of Sisal just one block from an extremely quiet and pristine section of beach. Has own pool and terrace.
Where to eat in Sisal
My favourite place to eat is Palapa de Soco because the food is great and the staff are extremely friendly. This restaurant has no beach access though. If you want beach side then they’re all much of a muchness so pick any restaurant as you walk around.
Celestun – flamingo land
Celestún, the final beach in Yucatán (before we reach Campeche) is famous for its delightful pink flamingos. This is where people generally go to see flamingos in their natural habitat. But tourists often stop there and don’t head into town or to the beach. The bisophere here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why visit Celestun?
If you’ve already heard of Celstun it’s probably because of the pink flamingos that spend November – April in the ría (estuary) here. I would think most visitors to Yucatán take some kind of flamingo tour in Celestun. This means most visitors will explore the ría (which is utterly wonderful and definitely worth doing) but they may not get to see Celestun’s beach. If you enjoy beaches with good family-friendly restaurants then you’ll love Celestun. It’s always felt a little busier than other beaches in the region to me but I still adore it.
Where is Celestun?
Celestun, like Sisal, is hard to reach except from Mérida. It is at the end of carretera 281 in the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestun.
What is there to do in Celestun?
Obviously, the biggest draw is the tours to see the flamingos in the ría. During winter there are approximately 35,000 flamingos living here.
When there are no flamingos it’s still worth taking a biosphere or mangrove tour as there are crocodiles, herons and much more to see. If you can get to Celestun on your own then you can either stop at the bridge on the way into Celestun or head to the beach to arrange your own tour. It costs around $1800 pesos a boat split between eight/nine people. When you show up you’ll be able to join with others although it may take a while to fill a boat, particularly if you’re going from the beach.
👣 If you don’t have transport then you can book a tour from Mérida here.
San Joaquin Camp – in the dry season you can drive to this abandoned salt factory/hacienda. If you ask around in town you’ll hear some creepy ghost stories about this place.
Enjoy sunset on the beach.
Where to Stay in Celestun
🏨 Cabañas Cinco Elementos – located a little way out of town (near the turtle nesting site) these cabins have access to a very quiet stretch of beach.
🏨 Hotel Beach Don Gonzalo – one block from Playa Sur, this hotel has large clean rooms with good balconies and an outdoor pool.
🏨 Beachfront Apartment – anyone with a car and the desire to cook will adore this apartment that looks over an enormous swimming pool in front of the beach.
Where to eat in Celestun
My personal view is that the restaurants along the beach offer good food, good service and reasonable prices.
⭐️ Check our ready made Yucatan Itineraries ⭐️
🚗 Off-the-beaten-track in Yucatan
➕ Read the MexicoCassie guide to renting cars and driving in Yucatán
⭐️ Is Mérida worth visiting? – check the answer to this question now!
⭐️ Read up on the Maya Train Route to see if it’s something you could enjoy
2 Comments
Cassie · 15/06/2023 at 4:22 pm
One of those beaches is pretty much San Crisanto! And yes Telchac is great too for sure but I had to pick the best best!
FredinMotul · 16/06/2023 at 12:16 am
Really nice summary. We also enjoy Telchac Puerto and San Crisanto. Very close to us here in Motul.
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