$650 MXN · 2:00–2:30 h
Sea route
Open-water paddle from the shore next to the Progreso pier and Chicxulub beach. Wide horizon, salt air and the iconic pier as a landmark.
Yucatán north coast · Guided SUP tours
Paddleboard in Progreso — Sea or mangrove guided tour
Guided stand-up paddleboard tours in Progreso, Yucatán — we run two separate routes at the same price: the sea route, paddling the shallow open water next to the Progreso pier, and the mangrove route, gliding through the protected Chelem–Chuburná estuary. Each tour lasts 2:00–2:30 h and costs $650 MXN per person.
No previous experience needed on either route: the guide walks everyone through the basics on shore in the first few minutes, so first-timers, families and kids are usually standing and paddling within 10 minutes. Shallow, warm water (26–29 °C), no waves, certified guide and all gear on us — including hydration, snacks and the photos and video of your tour.
The northern Yucatán coast sits on the Gulf of Mexico: flat water, generous sunrises and a mangrove estuary where flamingos, pelicans, herons and iguanas are part of the morning ritual. A very different experience from the Caribbean side — quieter, more local, and honestly priced.
Two routes to choose from
Two separate tours at the same price and duration — pick the one that fits your mood. Both run at sunrise, morning and afternoon.
$650 MXN · 2:00–2:30 h
Mangrove route
Protected estuary between Chelem and Chuburná threaded with mangrove channels. Calmer water, herons and iguanas, and the best chance of flamingos.
Three daily departures
Pick the slot that fits your rhythm — each one has a different light and character. Available for both the sea and the mangrove route.
Golden light
Sunrise — 5:10 am
The calmest water of the day and the best chance of flamingos feeding in the interior lagoons.
Warm & easy
Morning — 6:00 am
Mild temperature, soft light, perfect for families and kids stepping on a board for the first time.
Sunset over mangrove
Afternoon — 4:30 pm
Golden hour light over the estuary — the best slot if you want beautiful photos and video of the tour.
What's included in your tour
One price, everything ready when you arrive — just bring swimwear, sunscreen and the recommended clothing below.
Best conditions
When to paddle in Progreso
Paddleboard year-round on the Yucatán coast. Calmest water is sunrise to 10 am. "Nortes" (cold fronts, Oct–Mar) can bring strong afternoon wind — we shift schedules to early mornings. Rainy season (Jul–Sep) has occasional storms but water stays warm.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak season
Good
Low
$650 MXN
Per person
2:00–2:30 h
Tour duration
26–29 °C
Water temp
Waist-deep
Shallow bay
Why SUP in Progreso
Why Progreso is the best-kept SUP secret in Mexico
Shallow warm water, wildlife estuaries and zero resort crowds — a very different paddling experience from the Caribbean side.
Shallow flat bays
The northern Yucatán coast is famously shallow — you can stand waist-deep 100 m offshore. No waves, no currents, perfect for first-timers and families.
Chelem mangrove estuary
A protected estuary between Chelem and Chuburná threaded with mangrove channels — the kind of quiet that makes you hear every heron wing.
Flamingos at sunrise
Pink flamingos feed in the interior lagoons at dawn. Our early tours position you to watch them without disturbing the colony.
Warm water year-round
Water stays 26–29 °C thanks to the Gulf's shallow depth. A rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen are all you need.
Family & kids friendly
Kids 8+ can ride their own board, younger kids ride with a parent. The guided format keeps everyone together and safe.
Authentic, uncrowded
Progreso is a working port town — locals outnumber tourists, prices are honest and the vibe is yucateco, not resort.
⭐
4.9/5
350+ reviews
🛡️
Secure booking
Direct with operator
✅
Free cancellation
Up to 48 h before
⚡
Instant response
Within 1 hour
Frequently asked questions
Which route should I pick — sea or mangrove?
If you want wildlife and calm protected water (flamingos in season, herons, iguanas), pick the mangrove route through the Chelem–Chuburná estuary. If you want open horizon, salt air and the iconic Progreso pier as a backdrop, pick the sea route. Both are beginner-friendly and last 2:00–2:30 h at $650 MXN. Tell us "not sure" in the form and we'll recommend based on your group and the day's conditions.
How do I book?
Send us name, date, number of people and which route (sea or mangrove) via WhatsApp or the form below. We confirm the reservation with a 50 % deposit by bank transfer or payment link; the remaining 50 % is paid the day of the tour.
Where is the meeting point?
We pick the best launch spot each day based on wind and tide (Chelem, Yucalpetén or Chicxulub beach), and send you the exact location by WhatsApp 12 hours before your departure.
Do I need previous paddleboard experience?
No. The guide teaches everyone the basics on shore in the first few minutes. Most first-timers are standing and paddling within 10 minutes. The bay is waist-deep 100 m offshore, no waves, no currents — if you fall you simply stand back up.
What should I bring?
Sandals or water shoes (footwear you can get wet), a hat or cap, sunglasses, a long-sleeve rash guard (the Yucatán sun is intense) and reef-safe sunscreen. We provide the board, paddle, hydration, snacks, a certified guide and the tour photos & video.
Is it safe for kids?
Very. Water is waist-deep 100 m offshore, no waves, no currents. Kids 8+ ride solo, younger kids ride with a parent on the same board (we've had 3-year-olds having a blast).
Will I see flamingos?
Possible but not guaranteed. Flamingos feed in the interior lagoons most reliably at sunrise between November and April. The 5:10 am sunrise slot maximizes your chance. Big colonies live at Celestún and Río Lagartos, reachable as a day trip.
When should I NOT come?
Afternoons during a "norte" (cold front, Oct–Mar) can bring 25+ knot winds — paddling is unsafe. We move those days to sunrise or morning. Aug–Sep is hurricane peak and tropical storms occasionally cancel tours; we reschedule or refund fully.
Are there crocodiles in the mangroves?
Yes, but they stay in the deep interior channels of the Chelem estuary. Our route uses the outer channels where crocodiles are almost never seen. Zero incidents in our operation.
How do I get to Progreso from Mérida?
Progreso is 35 km (22 mi) north of Mérida, a 40-minute drive on the Mérida–Progreso highway. Shared vans ("colectivos") leave from Mérida's Parque de San Juan every 15 minutes for ~$35 MXN; Uber/taxi runs around $400–500 MXN. We can coordinate pickup.
Can I combine SUP with a Mérida cultural day?
Absolutely — one of our most popular combos. Morning SUP in Progreso + afternoon Mérida downtown (Plaza Grande, cathedral, Paseo de Montejo). We coordinate transport so you arrive in Mérida for lunch.
How is this different from paddleboard in Cancún?
Cancún is Caribbean turquoise; Progreso is Gulf-of-Mexico green-blue. Progreso is shallower, less crowded, cheaper, and focused on mangrove wildlife rather than resorts. Cancún has more extreme scenery (Nichupté lagoon); Progreso has more authenticity and solitude.
Ready to paddle Progreso?
Our Yucatán team responds within 1 hour. $650 MXN per person — confirmation with 50 % deposit, meeting point sent 12 h before your tour.
Paddleboard in Progreso
$650 MXN · 2:00–2:30 h