Chicxulub Puerto Beach

Chicxulub Puerto Beach is the long shoreline of the fishing village of Chicxulub Puerto in the Progreso municipality of Yucatán, Mexico, about 40 km north of Mérida and east of Progreso. The sand is pale and fine, and the beach stretches for a considerable distance with far fewer people than the Progreso promenade, so it is often described as uncrowded. The Gulf water is shallow and generally calm outside the northerly wind events known as nortes, which can raise chop and cool the air between November and February. Like the rest of the north Yucatán coast, the water has a greenish tone rather than clear turquoise. The beach is open and exposed, with no coves, and the atmosphere is relaxed, local and suited to families and couples who want space. The village is also the closest settlement to the centre of the Chicxulub impact crater, and roadside signage points to a monument commemorating the meteor impact; the crater itself lies buried beneath the surface and is not visible. Amenities include seafood restaurants serving the local catch, and seasonal beach clubs that rent sunbeds and umbrellas and may offer restrooms and showers for a fee. Lifeguard coverage and hours are not verified, so visitors should be cautious and swim in the shallows. Access is by car via Progreso and the eastern coastal road, about 45 minutes from Mérida, with informal parking near the restaurants and clubs. Without a car, visitors can take the Autoprogreso bus from Mérida to Progreso and then a taxi east, costing about MXN 100-180 (USD 5-10). Beach clubs tend to open fully in the dry season and on weekends, while some places close on quiet weekdays or in the rainy season from June to October. The best period is November to April. Chicxulub Puerto combines a simple beach day with a short stop at the crater monument, and it suits visitors who prefer a quieter stretch of the Yucatán Gulf coast.