Progreso Misnebalam Ghost Town ATV excursion and Break at Silcer Beach Club

Progreso Misnebalam Ghost Town ATV Excursion and Break at Silcer Beach Club: An Honest Look

If you’re considering the Progreso Misnebalam Ghost Town ATV tour, you’re probably after a bit of adventure, unique sights, and a relaxing beach break—all rolled into one. While this tour offers a fun mix of thrill-seeking and downtime, it’s not perfect for everyone. We’ll break down what makes this experience interesting, where it might fall short, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Two things we genuinely like about this excursion are its combination of spooky sightseeing with a beach relaxation and the fact that guides are knowledgeable and can enhance the experience. On the flip side, the tour’s quality can be inconsistent—some reviews highlight disappointment with the beach club or overall value—so it’s worth weighing these factors before booking.

This tour appeals most to travelers who love a bit of a thrill on their outings but also want a peaceful spot to unwind afterward. If you’re after an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure that’s not overly polished but offers some local flavor, this might work for you. However, if you’re expecting luxury or a perfectly maintained venue, you could be disappointed.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of adventure and relaxation makes this tour appealing for varied interests.
• Guides are knowledgeable, adding local lore and safety instructions that enhance the visit.
• Cost can seem high at $175 per person, but it includes transportation, gear, and access to the beach club.
• The ghost town of Misnebalam offers an unusual peek into abandoned architecture and stories, with some guests claiming they might even see “ghosts.”
• The beach club’s facilities are basic; some reviews mention the pool is small and the experience limited.
• Timing is flexible, with around 3 to 5 hours total, fitting nicely into a cruise day or a half-day adventure.
• Group size is small (up to 7 travelers), making it more personal but also more dependent on individual expectations.
• Review feedback is mixed, with some travelers loving the thrill and others disappointed, especially at the beach club.

What Is Included and How It Breaks Down

This tour kicks off with pick-up from your Progreso cruise terminal, making logistics easier. You’ll be transported in a fully licensed and insured vehicle, so no worries about safety or paperwork. Once you arrive in Paraiso, a local mayan town, you’ll get a practice session on ATVs—a smart move to ensure everyone’s comfortable before heading out.

The main event takes you to Misnebalam, the ghost town famed for its eerie abandoned buildings and 19th-century architecture. Your guide provides insights into the town’s haunted reputation and history, which adds an extra layer of intrigue—though some reviews suggest that the ghost sightings might be more fun stories than reality. Expect about 2 hours exploring the ruins, with the chance to take some memorable photos and imagine what life was like back in the day.

After the ghost town, the tour takes you to Silcer Beach Club for some well-deserved relaxation. The beach is described as having white sand and emerald green waters—classic Caribbean dream stuff. The facilities are included, so you can lounge, swim, and snack without additional costs. For those upgrading, an all-inclusive option is available, but it’s worth noting that some guests found the offerings limited and felt pressured to buy the add-ons.

The Ride and the Misnebalam Tour Experience

The ATV ride is a highlight for many—it’s a chance to see the Yucatan countryside from a different perspective. The ATVs provided are automatic Yamaha or Italika models, which are generally easy to operate even for beginners. You’ll be guided along off-road paths, giving you a taste of local terrain that’s a bit more rugged than typical tourist spots.

The guide’s role is crucial—they not only keep you safe but also share stories about the ghost town and surrounding area. We appreciate guides who make the experience more vivid, and from reviews, it seems this tour often benefits from guides who know their stuff. However, some reviews mention that the guides’ explanations can be limited or overly focused on the negative side of things, so expectations for storytelling should be realistic.

The practice lesson at the start helps first-timers get comfortable with the ATV controls. Even if you’ve never ridden one before, you should be able to get the hang of it fairly quickly, making the exploration of Misnebalam more fun and less stressful.

Exploring Misnebalam: The Ghost Town

Misnebalam is the star of this tour. Once a thriving mining town, it’s now a haunting shell of its former self—perfect for those interested in seeing abandoned architecture and hearing stories that may or may not involve spirits. Some guests joked about “tipping the ghosts,” acknowledging the playful or spooky reputation the town has.

The two-hour window allows enough time to wander around, snap photos, and soak in the eerie atmosphere. The architecture is from the 19th century, offering a glimpse into the past that feels both nostalgic and slightly unsettling. According to reviews, some visitors really enjoy the historic charm, while others find the town a bit rundown and unimpressive.

A particularly interesting point from reviews is that some guests felt the town was more about the adventure and stories rather than tangible sights—so if you’re into ghost stories or unusual history, you’ll find this part of the tour engaging.

The Beach Break at Silcer Beach Club

After the adventure and exploration, the tour winds down with a trip to Silcer Beach Club. The setting features white sand and clear waters, ideal for a relaxing swim or lounging in the sun. Facilities are included, making it convenient for a no-hassle break.

However, some reviews suggest the beach club’s amenities are quite limited—the pool is tiny, and the overall vibe is somewhat underwhelming. One reviewer even called it “super small & kinda skanky,” though others enjoyed the peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. Food and drinks are available, but they aren’t included unless you opt for the all-inclusive upgrade, which some found to be a bit pushy or expensive. For example, charges like $28 for a few sodas and chips seemed steep to some.

If you’re craving a lively beach scene or high-end facilities, this may not meet your expectations, but if a quiet, scenic spot appeals, it’s a decent place to relax after your ATV adventure.

How Does the Price Add Up?

At $175 per person, this tour isn’t cheap—especially considering some reviews point out that food and drinks at the beach club are extra and can be costly. The fee covers transportation, ATV gear, a guide, and entry to the beach club, which adds value, but it’s worthwhile to gauge whether what’s included aligns with your expectations.

Some travelers feel the experience is worth the price if they’re into off-road adventures, exploring ghost towns, and getting a taste of local scenery. Others, however, mention feeling a bit disappointed—particularly if they expected more from the beach club or better organization.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participating

• Book in advance—this tour tends to be booked around 35 days ahead on average, so plan accordingly.
• Arrive prepared—bring towels or lockers if needed, as these aren’t included.
• Wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes suitable for ATV riding and exploring ruins.
• Keep an eye on the weather, as poor weather might lead to cancellations.
• Bring cash or card if you plan to purchase food, drinks, or additional gear at the beach club.
• Group size is small—up to 7 travelers—so it feels more intimate, but it also means your experience depends heavily on your guide and fellow travelers.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after an adventure that mixes history, thrill, and relaxation, this tour offers a fair deal. The ATV ride through rural Yucatan and the chance to explore a ghost town could be memorable, especially if you’re into stories about haunted places and abandoned buildings. The beach stop provides a break from adventure, letting you soak in some sun and sea, though don’t expect a luxury resort experience.

The tour’s biggest strengths are its guides and the sense of stepping off the beaten path. But be prepared for some uneven reviews—some travelers love the quirky charm, while others find the facilities and overall value lacking.

In the end, this experience suits those open to a rougher, more authentic adventure and who don’t mind basic amenities. If you’re expecting a polished, all-inclusive beach day, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re up for a bit of history, a dash of thrill, and a peaceful beach to unwind, this tour could be a good fit.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your Progreso cruise ship terminal is included, making for a hassle-free experience.

What’s the minimum age for participating?
Participants must be at least 18 years old to join the tour.

Are the ATVs easy to operate?
The ATVs are automatic Yamaha or Italika models, and a practice lesson is provided at the start to familiarize you with their controls.

How long does the entire tour last?
Expect the total experience to take about 3 to 5 hours, including travel, exploration, and beach time.

What is the experience like at Misnebalam?
You’ll explore the abandoned town’s architecture and hear stories about its haunted reputation. Some guests find it atmospheric; others feel it’s somewhat rundown.

Can I upgrade to all-inclusive at the beach club?
Yes, an all-inclusive option is available, but some reviews mention the offerings are limited and that staff push for upgrades.

What should I bring?
Towels, sunscreen, and possibly a lock if you want to store valuables, as these are not included. Bring cash or cards for additional purchases.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour offers a blend of adventure, history, and relaxation—perfect for travelers craving something different from the typical beach day. Just keep expectations realistic, and you’ll likely enjoy this quirky, off-the-beaten-path experience.