A small, low-key fishing and residential town just east of Progreso, Chicxulub gives its name to the massive asteroid impact crater buried offshore and believed to have contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs. The beach itself is calm, uncrowded, and lined with modest vacation homes rather than resorts.
Chicxulub Puerto sits about 5 km east of Progreso along Yucatán's Gulf coast, roughly 40-50 minutes from Mérida by car or colectivo with a short additional hop east once past Progreso. The town lends its name to the Chicxulub impact crater, a roughly 180-km-wide structure buried beneath the Gulf seabed and coastal plain, formed by an asteroid strike about 66 million years ago that is widely linked to the mass extinction that ended the age of dinosaurs; there is little to see of the crater itself at ground level, but the connection draws some visitors purely for the novelty. The beach here is calmer and less developed than Progreso's main stretch, fronted mostly by modest vacation homes and a scattering of small local restaurants rather than beach clubs or hotel chains. The water is shallow and gentle, similar in character to the rest of this stretch of Gulf coast, making it suited to a quiet swim rather than water sports. Facilities are minimal, so visitors typically bring their own supplies, and the town's appeal lies mainly in its unhurried, residential pace as a contrast to busier Progreso just down the coast.
Amenities
- small local restaurants
- basic beach access
- limited parking
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, solo, beachcombers
Highlights
- Site connected to the Chicxulub impact crater linked to the dinosaur extinction
- Quiet, uncrowded beach with a residential feel
- Calm, shallow Gulf water
- Easy add-on to a Progreso beach day
- Small local seafood restaurants
Tips for visiting
- Combine with a Progreso visit, since the two towns sit only about 10-15 minutes apart along the coastal road
- Bring your own beach gear, as facilities here are minimal compared to Progreso
- Visit for the novelty of the crater connection, but do not expect any visible geological feature at ground level
- A rental car or taxi from Progreso is the easiest way to reach this quieter stretch
- Local seafood restaurants tend to be simple and cash-only
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the calmest, quietest stretch of sand outside the Progreso crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors see the Chicxulub crater at the beach?
No, the crater is buried deep beneath the seabed and coastal plain and has no visible surface feature; its scientific significance is what draws interest, not a physical landmark.
How does Chicxulub Puerto compare to Progreso?
It is quieter and more residential, with fewer restaurants and no significant beach club infrastructure compared to the livelier Progreso malecón.
Is the water safe for swimming?
Yes, the water is generally calm and shallow, similar to the rest of this section of Gulf coast.
How far is Chicxulub Puerto from Progreso?
It is about 5 km east, roughly a 10-15 minute drive along the coastal road.