Progreso Cruise Ship Terminal, Progreso

The Progreso Cruise Ship Terminal is a unique arrival point for cruise passengers thanks to its most distinctive feature-the world's longest pier. Stretching 6.5 kilometers (just over four miles) into the Gulf of Mexico, the Terminal Remota was opened in 1989 and is used not only for cruise tourism but also for industrial container shipments and the fishing industry. Because of the pier’s extraordinary length, passengers cannot walk to shore. Instead, they must take a complimentary 15- to 20-minute shuttle ride from the ship to the port terminal, adding a bit of travel time to the start of every excursion.

Once ashore, passengers are greeted by a modest, functional terminal that offers the basics-taxi access, local tour operators, and a few souvenir shops. While not as flashy or modern as some Caribbean ports, the Progreso terminal provides an authentic and uncrowded atmosphere. It’s a convenient launch point for exploring nearby highlights like the colonial city of Mérida or the impressive Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Dzibilchaltún. Unlike other tourist-heavy destinations like Cozumel, English is not as widely spoken in Progreso, and U.S. dollars may not be accepted everywhere, so a little Spanish or pesos can go a long way.

Shuttle service from the ship to shore runs every 20 minutes, and while reliable, it requires a bit of time management. Passengers need to plan their excursions and returns carefully, especially since the last shuttle typically departs the terminal one hour before the ship's all-aboard time. Despite this added step, the Progreso Cruise Port offers a quieter, more laid-back alternative to Mexico's bigger cruise destinations, with easy access to culture, history, and natural beauty.