Sisal and Progresso are both easy beach trips from Merida that can be done in one day or even half a day. Each offers different amenities and depending on your preferences either one will be perfect for you. No matter what, you can be guaranteed a wonderful beach afternoon in either destination!


Progresso is bigger than Sisal and boasts one of the largest piers in the world. Cruise ships dock regularly and there are a number of seaside restaurants waiting to serve you. Relax, pull up a beach chair and enjoy the coast while a waiter brings delicious cervesa, ceviche and any other seafood you desire. With more infrastructure comes more people and therefore more solicitors selling handicrafts on the beach. People watching is a popular pastime as there is always something going on. The malecon, or boardwalk, is currently being reconstructed into a pedestrian only street and should be complete in a few weeks. For an easy, no fuss, quick trip to the beach, Progresso is definitely your choice as it is only about 30 minutes from Merida.


Sisal is much smaller and takes about 45 minutes or an hour to arrive. There are fewer beach restaurants but a lot more space and less people. Solicitors are virtually non existent which makes for a more relaxing ambiance. Since there are fewer accommodations, it is harder to find a nice beach restaurant where you can be served on hand and foot. Sisal is perfect for bringing some chairs and a cooler with your own spirits and snacks to enjoy the day. Last weekend we took the beach road from Sisal east until we found a wonderful, secluded, virgin beach to call home for a few hours. We brought our own chairs, cooler and snacks and enjoyed a fantastic couple hours in complete isolation on the pristine coastline. It was divine.


In conclusion, Sisal and Progresso are both wonderful beaches to visit for the day and the different amenities provided by each make it easy to decide depending on your needs. If you want a no fuss quick trip where food and drinks are brought to you then Progresso is your destination. If you crave privacy, seclusion and serenity, pack up the cooler and head to Sisal!