Mérida: Beach tour and restaurant with ocean view with a local guide

Planning a trip around Mérida and craving a taste of the Yucatan Gulf’s laid-back charm? This tour offers a full-day experience that takes you beyond the city streets, highlighting the region’s stunning coastlines and authentic flavors. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just the typical sightseeing, blending relaxing beach time, scenic views, and local culinary delights into one balanced outing.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to visit Isla Columpios, a serene and picturesque spot where hammocks and wildlife create a peaceful escape. Second, the delightful lunch with an ocean view in Puerto Progreso, offering both great scenery and a chance to sample local cuisine.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is quite flexible — if you have special requests or particular interests, the guide is happy to accommodate. However, the trip involves traveling in a small group, so expect a more intimate, personalized experience rather than a large tour bus.

Ultimately, this tour would be a great fit for anyone wanting a relaxed day exploring the coast, taking plenty of photos, and enjoying authentic Yucatecan hospitality. Whether you’re a beach lover, a foodie, or simply seeking a scenic day out, this trip offers genuine value and memorable moments.

Key Points

• Authentic coastal experience: Visit Isla Columpios for relaxed beach time and wildlife spotting.
• Spectacular views: Both on the island and during the drive, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas perfect for photos.
• Delicious oceanfront lunch: Savor a complimentary meal with a sea view in Puerto Progreso.
• Flexible and personalized: The guide is open to special requests to enhance your visit.
• Small group setting: Limited to six participants, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.
• Practical planning: Includes snacks, drinks, and transportation, offering good value for a full-day outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins at Parque de La Mejorada, a central spot in Mérida easy to find and navigate. From there, you’ll hop into a jeep or SUV, which takes about 45 minutes to reach Puerto Chuburná, the launch point for Isla Columpios. This transportation choice is ideal, as it allows for a comfortable ride with window seats to enjoy the scenery along the way.

The drive itself is a highlight — expect glimpses of Mérida’s outskirts giving way to the green and open landscape of the Yucatan coast. The small-group setup (no more than six) keeps the journey intimate and allows for better interaction with your guide, who’s eager to share insights or answer questions.

Isla Columpios: A Relaxing Oasis

Once you arrive at Puerto Chuburná, the real highlight begins: Isla Columpios. This is no over-crowded tourist trap but a peaceful nature reserve where you’ll have two hours of free time.

We loved the way the guide emphasizes respecting nature, reminding everyone that no dry areas are available and that we’ll be walking in the water. This means packing appropriate gear — flip-flops, water shoes, or waterproof sandals are smart choices.

On the island, you can kick back in hammocks, dip into deeper waters, or record the wildlife — a mix of birds and marine life that adds to the tranquil atmosphere. The snacks and drinks provided by the guide make it easy to stay refreshed without relying on commercial vendors.

One reviewer pointed out, “You get to relax on a quiet island with stunning views, and the snacks are a nice touch.” This spot offers not just scenic beauty but a peaceful escape where you can truly unwind.

Scenic Drive and the Lunch in Puerto Progreso

After soaking in the island’s serenity, it’s time to return to the vehicle and head towards Puerto Progreso. The drive takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to soak in more coastal scenery.

The highlight here is the lunch at a restaurant with an ocean view. The menu is extensive, and you’re free to choose any dish and drink at no extra cost — a considerable value considering the quality and setting. The restaurant’s terrace offers panoramic views of the sea, making it an ideal backdrop for your meal.

Several reviews highlight how delicious the food is and how great it is to enjoy a meal with a view. One traveler mentioned, “The seafood was fresh, and the vistas were spectacular — perfect for photos or just relaxing with a cold drink.”

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Free Time and Additional Activities

After lunch, the tour provides an extra hour of free time. This is perfect for a stroll along the beach, browsing souvenirs, or grabbing a beer at a local spot. Everything here is optional, giving you flexibility to tailor the experience to your interests.

The return drive to Mérida takes about 45 minutes. The small group size means the journey is relaxed and informal, with plenty of opportunities to chat with your guide or share travel stories.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers solid value, especially considering the included transportation, access to Isla Columpios, snacks, drinks, and a full meal with ocean views. The small group setting enhances the experience, making it more personalized and engaging.

However, travelers should note that drinks and food outside of what’s provided are not included, and any souvenirs or additional purchases are at their own expense. Also, the guide’s cooler contains snacks and beverages but not a full bar, so if you’re craving extra drinks, plan accordingly.

Practical Tips

• Bring a change of clothes and towel for water activities.
• Camera and smartphone are a must for capturing scenic vistas.
• Cash and credit cards are recommended for purchases or tips.
• Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are encouraged to protect the environment.
• Pack a garbage bag to keep nature pristine.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This experience is best suited for those who want a relaxed, nature-focused day with a touch of local flavor. It’s ideal for beach lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone looking to combine scenic beauty with good food. The small-group format makes it perfect for travelers seeking a more intimate, less commercialized experience.

If you’re curious about local wildlife or want a genuine feel for the coast without the chaos of larger tours, this outing hits the sweet spot. Plus, the flexibility to customize your day makes it accessible for various interests — from lounging on hammocks to exploring the shoreline.

Final Thoughts

This Mérida beach tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the Yucatan coast. From the tranquil Isla Columpios to the stunning ocean views at lunch, it balances relaxation, scenery, and cultural flavor beautifully.

The value for the price is notable, especially considering the included snacks, drinks, and a full meal with sea vistas. The small group size ensures a personal touch, and the flexibility of the guide allows for a slightly tailored experience.

If you’re after a day that combines scenic beauty with laid-back comfort and authentic local charm, this tour is a solid choice. It’s perfect for those wanting a gentle escape from Mérida’s city buzz while still enjoying the region’s natural splendor.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for this tour?
The tour starts at Parque de La Mejorada, between the monument to the heroic children and Los Almendros restaurant. Your guide will wear a distinctive Experiencias con Goro uniform to help you spot them easily.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 7 hours, typically starting around 9 a.m., making it a perfect morning to early afternoon outing.

Is transportation included?
Yes, all transportation in a Jeep or SUV is part of the package, making the trip comfortable and hassle-free.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like a change of clothes, towel, camera, water, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, beachwear, cash, and a daypack. Don’t forget your charged smartphone and insect repellent.

Are drinks and food included?
Snacks and refreshing drinks are provided, and lunch at the ocean-view restaurant is included in the price. Additional drinks, dishes, or souvenirs are at your own expense.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, the guide is flexible and happy to accommodate special requests or interests during the trip.

Are there any physical considerations?
Since we walk in water and visit a nature reserve, comfortable water shoes or flip-flops are recommended. Be prepared for some walking and wildlife encounters.

What is the group size?
Limited to six participants, which helps ensure a more personalized, relaxed experience.

In short, this tour is a lovely way to experience the coast of Yucatan with a knowledgeable guide by your side. Whether you’re after scenic photos, a peaceful day, or a delicious meal, it offers a genuine slice of local life with the comfort of well-organized logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here: