Planning a quick getaway from Mérida and craving a peaceful escape? This Isla Columpios tour offers a short, laid-back experience that combines a scenic boat ride, a visit to a charming island, and a bit of kayaking—perfect for those who want to unwind without dedicating an entire day. It’s one of those soft adventures that can fit into a busy schedule and still feel like a real breath of fresh air.

What I particularly appreciate about this tour is its simplicity and focus on calm, nature-based experiences. You’re not overwhelmed with activities—just enough to refresh your mind and body. The transportation from your hotel to the port is smooth, and the boat cruise around Progreso is short but adds a lovely sense of adventure. Plus, the kayaking offers a chance to really connect with the surroundings, which feels much more personal than just lounging on the beach.

However, a thing to keep in mind is that this experience is quite basic and leans toward relaxation rather than adventure or culture. If you’re expecting a full-day tour with multiple stops or cultural sites, you might find this a bit minimal. Still, for anyone seeking peace, a touch of nature, and some quiet seaside moments, it hits the mark well.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, uncomplicated escape to nature—perfect if you’re staying in Mérida and need a few hours to disconnect. It’s also suited for those who love water activities like kayaking but aren’t looking for anything too strenuous or time-consuming.

Key Points

Short and sweet: Just 4 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy day or as a relaxing break.
Includes transportation: From your hotel to the port, plus drop-off afterward.
Calm, nature-focused experience: Ideal for those wanting peace and quiet.
Activities: Visit an island, enjoy a boat cruise, and kayak for 30 minutes.
Affordable price point: At $101 per person, it offers good value for relaxing moments on the water.
Limited food options: Snacks are included, but drinks are not, so pack accordingly if you want something extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This experience kicks off with a hotel pickup in Mérida, which is a real convenience. A driver will take you about 40 minutes to the port, where a boat awaits to whisk you away across the water. The boat cruise itself is quick—around 5 minutes—so you’re not spending too much time in transit, which keeps the focus on relaxation.

Once you arrive at Island Paradise (Isla Columpios), a small, tranquil spot near Progreso, you’ll be free to explore. The island is perfect for taking in natural beauty, enjoying the fresh sea air, or just sitting back and soaking in the peaceful vibes. The highlight for many is the opportunity to kayak for 30 minutes—a gentle way to explore the surrounding waters and get a bit of exercise without breaking a sweat.

Throughout the experience, there’s a laid-back atmosphere, encouraging you to unwind. There’s also a small snack provided, which you can enjoy while floating in the middle of the sea—an unexpectedly charming touch that elevates the trip. The tour wraps up with a return boat trip and transportation back to Mérida, making it a neat, stress-free loop.

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Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup in Mérida: Expect a prompt pickup from your hotel, with the driver communicating in Spanish. Since the tour operates on a reservation basis, you’ll want to confirm your pickup time 24 hours in advance. It’s a good idea to keep your phone handy for any last-minute updates.

Progreso Visit & Boat Cruise: The drive to the port is about 40 minutes, giving you time to relax and get into vacation mode. Once there, the boat transfer is swift—just about 5 minutes of cruising across calm waters. The boat itself is comfortable enough for the short journey, and it offers a different perspective of the coast.

Island Exploration & Kayaking: When you arrive at Isla Columpios, the real magic begins. The island’s small size means you can soak in its beauty without feeling overwhelmed. Kayaking is included for half an hour, making it a great way to see the surroundings at your own pace. If you’re not into paddling, you can always relax on the beach or enjoy the scenery.

Snacks & Relaxation: The provided snack is a thoughtful addition, letting you enjoy a little break in the middle of the sea. It’s a small touch but adds to the overall feeling of calm and leisure.

Return & Drop-off: After the island visit, the boat takes you back to the port, and the driver will return you to your Mérida hotel. The entire experience is designed to be smooth and fuss-free.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear this tour appeals to those looking for a peaceful getaway rather than a high-energy adventure. One traveler shared, “We loved the way the tour offered a peaceful retreat, perfect for disconnecting.” Others appreciated the quiet nature of the island and the chance to kayak in calm waters. The inclusion of snacks added a nice touch, especially for those who enjoy a little seaside picnic.

Some reviewers mentioned that because the tour is quite short and simple, it might not satisfy thrill-seekers or those wanting a full-day adventure. The group size is usually small, which keeps things intimate, and the Spanish-speaking driver adds a local flavor to the experience.

A common comment was that the boat ride is relaxing, and the kayaking offers a nice opportunity to connect with the environment. However, a few mentioned that the lunch or drinks are not included, so bringing your own beverages might be a good idea if you’re thirsty or want something cold.

Analyzing the Cost & Value

At $101 per person, this tour is priced reasonably considering the transportation, boat ride, kayaking, and snacks. For those in Mérida wanting a quick escape, it offers a good balance of affordability and relaxation. The focus on a small island with minimal activities means you’re paying primarily for the peaceful setting and the experience of being on the water, which many find worthwhile.

If you’re craving a busy day with multiple sights, this might seem limited, but if your goal is to unwind and enjoy nature for a few hours, it’s a solid choice. The rating of 4.7 suggests that most travelers find the experience meets or exceeds expectations.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers in Mérida who want a brief, peaceful retreat—ideal for those who appreciate nature, quiet beaches, and light water activities. It’s suited for anyone looking to escape the city’s hustle for a few hours without committing to a long or complicated tour. If you enjoy kayaking, small island visits, and gentle boat rides, you’ll find this experience quite calming.

It’s not designed for adventure junkies or history buffs, but it offers a refreshing dose of nature that can beautifully complement a busy travel itinerary or serve as a relaxing break.

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The Sum Up

If your idea of travel includes moments of peace, scenic water views, and a gentle connection with nature, this Desde Mérida: Isla Columpios tour ticks those boxes comfortably. It’s straightforward, well-organized, and offers a quiet glimpse into coastal life near Progreso. For about four hours, you get to breathe in the sea air, paddle in calm waters, and enjoy a snack in a serene setting—simple pleasures that can be surprisingly restorative.

While it’s not for those seeking high-energy activities or cultural highlights, it suits anyone craving a peaceful, nature-inspired escape. It’s especially good if you’re in Mérida and need a quick, stress-free way to disconnect and recharge.

In short, this tour offers a quiet, scenic break with enough activities to keep it interesting without feeling busy. It’s a nice way to add a tranquil moment to your Yucatán trip, making it worth considering if your schedule allows for a restful day by the sea.

Ready to Book?

Desde Merida: Isla columpios

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, making it very convenient. You just need to communicate in advance to confirm your pickup time.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat cruise around Progreso is quite short—about five minutes—so most of your time will be spent on the island and kayaking.

What activities are included?
You’ll have the chance to visit the island, enjoy a 30-minute kayak session, and have a small snack. Drinks are not included, so consider bringing your own if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While children can enjoy the calm waters and beach experience, the tour is primarily focused on relaxing water activities. If they are comfortable with kayaking and boat rides, it can be a family-friendly option.

How much does it cost?
The price is $101 per person, which includes transportation, the boat ride, kayaking, and a snack. It offers good value for a short, scenic escape.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The driver operates in Spanish, so some basic understanding or a translator app could be helpful, but the experience itself is straightforward and visual.

If you’re craving an easygoing, peaceful day by the water close to Mérida, this tour is worth considering. It may not be the most adrenaline-filled adventure, but sometimes, a quiet moment in nature is exactly what you need.

You can check availability for your dates here: