Mexico Cruises- Cozumel & Progresso?

Question

What are fun things to do at these ports?

Some of the excursions are very expensive when you multiply them for a big group... any fun things and good places to visit in these areas?

Answer 1

For Progreso, the town itself is smaller and not as geared towards tourist as Cozumel is. In the town there is a market set up on days that a cruise ship is in. There are also many nice restaurants along the Malecon, Flamingoes is a personal favorite. There are others that set up tables right on the beach too so that's kind of cool for drinks/lunch. The beach in Progreso is good for relaxing/sunbathing but the water is not as clear as the Caribbean water at Cozumel so if you are going to spend time swimming then you might want to consider saving that for Cozumel.

I saw your other post about a taxi to Merida, I think that's a good idea, if the cruise ship excursions are too pricey. Merida is a very nice city with some amazingly beautiful colonial architecture. You will want to get the taxi drive to take you to the Centro Historico. If you have your driver drop you off at the corner of Calle 61 and Calle 60 you'll be right in the middle of it and you'll be close to the tourist office in the Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal) on the ground floor. They will have maps and info for you.

If you decide to do that also consider stopping at the ruins of Dzibilchaltun as you will pass the road to them on the way to Merida. It would be about 10-15 minutes out of your way. Entrance to these ruins is cheap, about $24 pesos (about $2.20 USD). A guide would be about $30 but split between a few people then that's nothing. I'd say the ruins here are kind of a mid-level for size and interest but the museum at the site is actually pretty good.

Not sure what your cruise line is charging for Uxmal but it is a really impressive site. It would be about 1.5-2 hours from Progreso. Guides there cost about $40 (for a 90 minute approx. tour of the site) and entrance is about $8 USD.

To Gulfstream_five_fifty - if you didn't get off the ship the second time then you've only been there once. While the Progreso isn't a total tourist trap nor is it squeaky clean there are a lot of sights to see in the area. I'm sorry you were so closed minded that you missed them.

The site below has lots of info on the general area and what it offers.

Answer 2

Progresso is a developing area. You can enjoy the beach or take the tour of the ruins. The tour of the ruins requires a long bus ride. During our 2006 cruise, our friends when to the rodeo in Meridia. While I don't recommend it, my brothers and sister rented a Jeep and drove around Progresso.

There is an open air market in Progresso and you can get some great deals on t-shirts and trinkets. It is really hot and kinda dirty in Progresso. They have a lot of street vendors there, too.

There are so many things to do in Cozumel. But they are geared for tourists, so the excursion prices are high. We loved the Cavern by Jeep Tour for our 2007 cruise. You take the ferry to Playa del Carmen, get in Jeeps and drive down to a cavern and swim in an underground river. This is a unique experience since they won't even let you touch the water in underground rivers in the US. Then back to the Jeeps and you go to a private beach with an authentic Mexican meal. Your driver has to know how to drive a standard!

The submarine ride was fun but not if you can't stand closed in spaces.

The dolphin expereinces are fun but expensive.

You could book a tour outside of the cruise line by searching the web. However, if something goes wrong on the tour and you are late, the cruise ship will not wait for you. If you are with a cruise ship sponsored excursion, the tour operators notify the ship and accomodations are made.

Answer 3

Well, in Progreso there is the malecon, (boardwalk). That is lined with bars and restaurants. If you want to get drunk really cheaply then don't go there. If you do go there then you can expect to pay about $3 dollars for a beer. You may find that some places will have 2 for 1 specials. Be aware that almost every place on the malecon will try to rip you off. The waiters will add extra beers on your bill especially if you are drunk. They will include the tip on the bill and then in pen write over the word 'propina' (tip) on your bill with the English words 'Tax' or 'Total' so that you tip them twice. The two worst for this are Buddy's and Los Arcos. Buddy's does a good job of wrangling in tourists so there is usually a crowd there on cruise ship days and it is the best place for a booze up atmosphere but like I said - be aware they will try to rip you off. It is pretty much institutionalized there. Go a block or two off the beach and find a cantina. A caguama (940 ml) beer should cost you about $35 pesos in a cantina. The washrooms will be rank, few if anyone will speak English. So... while I personaly hate a place where I constantly need to watch that I am not being ripped off, Buddy's is likely your best bet. It will have other booze hounds who speak English and if you get totally pissed you are unlikely to get your *** kicked. If you want to buy cheap booze to take home then the best selection is at Covi. Covi has everything from $35 peso bottles of rum to high end stuff. You can easily walk to Covi from the malecon or from where the bus drops you off at the market. Have fun.

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Answer 4

progresso is the port. there are many things to do in Cozumel. Horseback riding, snorkeling, swimming. these websites might give you some ideas.
have a good time on your cruise.

Answer 5

Well if you're a party type of person there is always Senor Frogs, if you're in it for the adventure and the scenery I suggest renting a jeep, they cost about $45-$60 for the entire day, and you can drive around the island and pic the beach you want to hang out at for the day.

AS far as Progresso, I've never been there so I wouldn't know.

Answer 6

Yes there are fun things to do in both of those ports. In Progesso, we just went to the beach and we had a good time there. Then we walked around the town. It is neat to see how they really live down there. In Cozumel there is alot to do. We have done alot of different things there, but we really liek the beach and there are free beaches there, you just have to buy for the taxi to get there. Go to Paradise Beach, it is nice and free, just buy a drink and you get to use the chairs. Try Carols and Charlies, that is alot of fun. It is loud and a party place through.

Answer 7

you do not need to buy the expensive tour packages from the cruise company. you can see what they offer to get ideas and plan them on your own.

go to cruisecritics.com and you can learn from a lot of the people that have cruised there. they also have roll calls for all the future ships sailing where you can link up to other folks cruising at same time if that is something you are interested in.

get off at the ports and you can negotiate for cabs to go anywhere you want to go. the cruise companies really hike those prices up on excursions. just be back early !! plan on couple hours early if you are on your own ... they sail promptly and you do not want to ruin your vacation / miss the ship.

Answer 8

PROGRESSO is the armpit of Mexico.
Been there twice...The 2nd time we didn't even get off the ship.
Long pier...long taxi ride to a do nothing town.
Sorry.

Answer 9

YEs cozumel is beautiful i have been there twice, and the snorcling and everything is beautiful water and great experience

Answer 10

Whenever you are going on a vacation you must go with an open mind. And just have fun doing things you will enjoy.