Chicxulub Puerto

East of Progreso [1], the coastal road wanders behind a long string of summer houses for seven kilometers (4.3 miles) to the small fishing village of Chicxulub Puerto. The town is run-down, has few hotels, and the beach is always filled with boats—not too appealing for most travelers.

However, the strong, steady wind and shallow, obstacle-free shoreline make for ideal sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding conditions, and wind-sport athletes come to Chicxulub from all over the world to play and train. The town is home base for two of Mexico’s 2004 windsurfing Olympians.

Getting There

By car, take Highway 261 north out of Mérida [2]. As you approach Progreso, follow signs east to Chicxulub. By public transportation, go to the corner of Calles 82 and 29 in Progreso, where you’ll find a small parking lot filled with combis (Volkswagen minivans) that leave about every five minutes and cost US$0.25.