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

Planning a day trip around Mérida that combines stunning seaside views, a laid-back island experience, and a tasty lunch? This beach tour might just fit the bill. It’s designed to give you a different perspective of the Yucatecan Gulf—showcasing natural beauty, wildlife, and local flavors, all with the help of a knowledgeable guide.

What makes this tour stand out? First, we love how flexible it is—your guide is open to your special requests, making it feel personalized. Second, the chance to relax on Isla Columpios with hammocks, wildlife, and swimming opportunities is genuinely tempting. That said, one thing to keep in mind is the lack of dry areas on the island—so you’ll want to be comfortable walking in water and surrounded by nature.

Ultimately, this trip is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of nature, scenic photography, good food, and a relaxed pace. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even on your own and love discovering lesser-known spots, this experience could be just your style. Let’s take a closer look at what this tour involves and what you can expect.

Key Points

• Unique seaside experience: Visit Isla Columpios, a peaceful island perfect for relaxing and snapping photos.
• Scenic views and wildlife: Expect incredible coastal panoramas and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
• Flexible and personalized: The guide is open to special requests, making your day more enjoyable.
• Tasty oceanfront lunch: Enjoy a generous menu with drinks included, with options for more at your expense.
• Comfortable transportation: Travel in a small group with pickup from Mérida, making it intimate and manageable.
• All-included snacks and drinks: Refreshments are provided on the island, helping you stay energized.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point and Early Morning Departure

The tour kicks off at Parque de La Mejorada, a convenient central location in Mérida, where your guide will be easy to spot in the Experiencias con Goro uniform. From there, you’ll hop into a jeep or SUV for a scenic 45-minute drive to Puerto Chuburná, the gateway to your seaside adventure.

This initial drive is a good chance to get a feel for the Yucatan landscape—subtly changing from city streets to more coastal scenery as you approach the Gulf.

Isla Columpios – Relaxation and Wildlife

Once at Puerto Chuburná, you’ll access Isla Columpios. Here’s where the true charm of the tour begins. You’ll have two hours to soak in the atmosphere of this small island, which is actually a nature reserve.

Expect to find hammocks perfect for lounging, although the island has no dry zones—so you’ll likely be walking in or near the water. Many visitors mention the spectacular views and the opportunity to record wildlife—you might see birds or other creatures that call this place home.

Your guide will be handing out snacks and drinks, keeping you refreshed as you enjoy the peaceful environment. Some guests comment that the simplicity of the island—without luxury amenities—adds to its charm, offering a genuine nature fix.

Return to Puerto Progreso for Lunch

After your relaxing time on Isla Columpios, it’s back in the vehicle for a roughly 30-minute drive to Puerto Progreso. Here, you’ll find a restaurant perched right on the water, offering incredible ocean views.

The meal includes an extensive menu with plenty of options—you can choose any dish and a drink at no extra charge. The second dish or additional drinks are at your own expense, but the included items give you a good taste of local and international flavors.

Guests love the spectacular photo opportunities here—both of their food and the scenic backdrop. After lunch, you can enjoy an additional hour of free time—stroll the beach, browse local shops for souvenirs, or just relax with a cold beer.

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Journey Back and Reflection

The final leg is a 45-minute drive back to Mérida, wrapping up a day that balances adventure, relaxation, and good food. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, and you’ll arrive back with plenty of photos, new impressions, and a sense of having explored the Gulf from a different angle.

What Makes This Tour Special

The main draw of this experience is the chance to see the Gulf from a different perspective—by visiting Isla Columpios and enjoying its tranquil environment. The combination of wildlife, water-based walking, and scenic vistas makes it memorable.

Another highlight is the lunch with ocean views—a simple but delightful way to savor local flavors in a setting that’s both relaxing and picturesque. The included drinks and snacks make the experience feel homey without the need to worry about extra costs.

Plus, the flexibility of the guide can enhance your day, whether you want more time on the beach, photos, or specific requests during your visit.

The Practicalities

Timing and Group Size

The tour runs for about 7 hours, starting at 9 a.m., which makes it a good morning option. The small group limit of 6 participants means you won’t be lost in a crowd—more personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.

Price and Value

At $115 per person, you’re getting a decent package: transportation, access to Isla Columpios, snacks, drinks, and a substantial seafood or local dish lunch with a view. For a day that combines nature, scenery, and good food, many find this a fair deal—especially considering the intimate group size and flexible approach.

What to Bring

Travelers should pack essentials: change of clothes, towel, camera, water, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, beachwear, cash, daypack, and a charged smartphone. Since you’ll be walking in water, waterproof or quick-drying clothing is smart.

Remember, Isla Columpios is a nature reserve—so being respectful of wildlife and vegetation is important. No dry areas mean you’ll be walking in water often, so footwear and clothing choices are key.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Several reviews mention how peaceful and natural the island feels, with one noting, “We loved the way the guide made us feel comfortable and the views that were just stunning.” Others highlight the delicious food and the photo opportunities—”Both on Isla Columpios and at the restaurant, you can take spectacular photos for social media!”

Some visitors warn about the lack of dry areas—so if you’re not comfortable walking in water or prefer more structured activities, this might not be ideal. However, if you crave unspoiled nature and scenic tranquility, this tour hits the mark.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for adventurers who want a relaxed day by the sea, nature lovers eager to see wildlife in a peaceful setting, and anyone looking for a scenic, photo-friendly outing. It’s perfect for those who enjoy good food and stunning views without the fuss of a crowded or overly commercialized experience.

If you’re traveling with people who like a bit of adventure mixed with downtime, or if you’re into photography and wildlife, you’ll likely find this tour engaging.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for kids, children who are comfortable in water and nature settings may enjoy the relaxed vibe and scenic environment. Keep in mind, there are no dry areas on Isla Columpios, so water-walking is part of the experience.

What should I pack for the trip?
Bring a change of clothes, towel, camera, water, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, beachwear, cash, daypack, and a charged smartphone. A garbage bag for keeping your space tidy is also recommended.

How long is the drive from Mérida?
The drive to Puerto Chuburná is about 45 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the scenery en route.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, access to Isla Columpios, snacks and refreshing drinks, and lunch with a view are included. Additional dishes and drinks are at your own expense.

Can I customize the experience?
The guide is flexible and happy to accommodate special requests, ensuring your day is tailored to your preferences.

Is there any time for shopping or extra activities?
Yes, after lunch, you have about an hour for walking along the beach, buying souvenirs, or relaxing before heading back.

Is the tour physically demanding?
Not particularly, but walking in water and the outdoor environment require comfortable footwear and a relaxed attitude toward nature.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is available in Spanish, English, and Italian, making it accessible for many travelers.

What’s the best time of day to do this tour?
Starting at 9 a.m. works well for avoiding the heat and enjoying the full day’s activities.

Wrapping It Up

This beach tour from Mérida offers a charming mix of natural beauty, wildlife viewing, scenic photography, and delicious food—all while keeping the experience intimate with a small group. It’s a wonderful way to break away from city life and enjoy a relaxed day by the Gulf, feeling close to nature and the sea.

Ideal for those who love unspoiled landscapes, fresh seafood, and peace, this tour caters well to travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility. The flexibility of the guide and the inclusion of snacks and drinks make it comfortable and easy to enjoy from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a memorable, scenic day that’s not overwhelmed by crowds, this experience could be just what you need to add a touch of serenity to your Yucatecan adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: