Anyone have updated info on Progresso?

[Natasha]

Hi gang:

I'm off on a cruise this weekend. Leaves on Easter. Last minute thing.
Marci and I both, have never been to Progresso. I'd like to dive there. I've read you can snorkel part of the cenotes with the ship. But, they don't seem to be offering any scuba.
Does anyone have updated info on this?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Hemlon]

I'm not familiar with snorkeling in Progreso but I have been there three times (on cruises) and it's the armpit of the Yucatan IMHO.

It's funny...we were there four years ago when it was just really starting to be cruise ship port. The streets were dirty and practically abandoned. The cars were old and the mopeds were barely operable but still held entire families.

When we were there in 2007, the streets were still dirty. But the cars and mopeds were new and often VERY nice.

The Progreso economy has definitely benefitted from the cruise ship industry.

 

[Natasha]

I'm not familiar with snorkeling in Progreso but I have been there three times (on cruises) and it's the armpit of the Yucatan IMHO.

It's funny...we were there four years ago when it was just really starting to be cruise ship port. The streets were dirty and practically abandoned. The cars were old and the mopeds were barely operable but still held entire families.

When we were there in 2007, the streets were still dirty. But the cars and mopeds were new and often VERY nice.

The Progreso economy has definitely benefitted from the cruise ship industry.

HI Hemlon!
Thanks for your reply. Did you see any dive ops on the pier? Is there a pier with shopping and such? Thanks again.

 

[Augustus]

I really doubt there is any diving. The progresso pier sticks out 1/2 or so miles if i remember right. Gulf is very shallow. Cenotes on the yucatan are not really for snorkling.

 

[Hemlon]

Natasha,

I didn't see any dive ops. The water didn't look like it would be good for diving or snorkeling.

But there was some shopping...lots of local goods...or at least goods sold by locals. (hehe) Do not expect to find the 10 t-shirts for $5 deals that Coz is known for.

 

[Natasha]

OK Thx so much. Sounds pretty grim. I think I'll buy the centoes snorkel trip. I can't be that bad...

I don't plan on any shopping this time...already 'got the T shirt' as they say.

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[ReefHound]

What I´ve heard is that the water is shallow and murky, no diving nearby. But there are some islands about 50 miles north, that are part of some marine park where the diving is great. Only problem is I don´t think it is open to the general public.

 

[Augustus]

you are thinking of Alacranes reef i imagine. They are a bit further than 50 miles and I don't know of any operators making trips there. If you hear of someone please post it.

 

[Hemlon]

You're welcome, Natasha. Good luck!

 

[ReefHound]

After a bit of research, they are indeed the Alacranes, located 65 miles north of Progresso and are part of a UN Biosphere. There are no ferries or scheduled charters but a company called Ecotours does group trips in the summer. Details aand phone numbers can be found on the liked site below.

But the bottom line is that for someone visiting on a cruise ship, this is not a viable option and there appears to be no other decent diving in the area.

Yucatan Today - Arrecife Alacranes (Scorpion Reef) in the Yucatan, Mexico