What Isla Columpios is
Isla Columpios isn't an island in the classic sense. It's a sandbar surrounded by very shallow water and mangroves, in the wetland behind the coast of Chuburná Puerto. What made it famous on social media are the swings and hammocks hung over the turquoise water: you sit down and your feet nearly touch the sea.
According to the Diario de Yucatán newspaper, it's about 55 km from Mérida and 10 km from Progreso, and belongs to the municipality of Progreso.
A landscape reshaped by a hurricane
Chuburná's coastline has a recent history. Before Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, salt production was locals' main livelihood. The hurricane reshaped the landscape: among other changes, it left behind the Chuburná dunes, where there used to be a pond. Over time, residents looked for new ways to make a living, and trips through the wetland and mangroves became one of them.
What to expect
- Shallow water: in much of the area it's barely knee-deep, so it's comfortable even for weaker swimmers. Still, keep an eye on kids.
- Mangroves all around: you may spot birds on the boat ride.
- Photos: the swings are the main draw; on busy days you may have to wait your turn.
- Little shade: plan on being in the sun.
Practical tips
- Hat, sunglasses, a light shirt and water.
- Sandals that can get wet.
- A waterproof phone pouch.
- Leave no trash: mangroves trap plastic for years.
- Respect the birds and don't climb on mangrove roots.
Isla Columpios from Mérida
Mary Tours' North Coast and Isla Columpios trip runs from Mérida to Chuburná's harbor, where you board the boat to Isla Columpios; it then stops at the Chuburná dunes and leaves the afternoon free in Progreso to eat on the boardwalk, stroll the pier or stay on the beach. If you'd rather set your own pace, there's also a private transfer to Isla Columpios and Progreso.
Mary Tours has its office on Calle 61 in Mérida's historic center; schedule and price are in the booking section.
Fun facts
- The Chuburná dunes formed after Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
- Before the hurricane, Chuburná lived mainly off salt production.
- Isla Columpios is only about 10 km from Progreso.
Related tours
Beach · 8 h
North Coast and Isla Columpios
Wooden swings driven straight into the sea
from $1,250 MXN per person
See itinerary
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM · daily
- 10:00 AM Departure from the office — An hour and a quarter to the Chuburná harbour, where the boat leaves from.
- 11:30 AM Isla Columpios — Turquoise water barely past your knees, swings and hammocks over the sea, and mangrove all around full of birds.
- 1:00 PM Chuburná dunes — White sand mounds shaped by the wind, with nobody around. Good for walking and for photos.
- 2:30 PM Puerto Progreso — Free afternoon: eat on the seafront, walk the pier or stay on the beach.
- 5:30 PM Back to Mérida — Half an hour back, arriving around six.
Included: Transport, Certified guide, Boat and Isla Columpios entry
Not included: Food, Drinks
Transfers · 9.5 h
Transfer to Isla Columpios and Progreso
We drive you to the coast, wait for you and bring you back
from $2,550 MXN per vehicle
Beach · 9.5 h
Sisal: kayak, flamingos and beach
A magic town that is still a fishing port
from $1,500 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Departure from the office — An hour and a half on the road to the port.
- 10:00 AM Kayaking in the coastal wetland — A paddle by kayak or flat-bottomed boat through the mangrove, with birdwatching — pink flamingos included — and a dip in a freshwater spring.
- 11:45 AM Sisal beach — Over four hours free. There are seafood places along the shore and palapas you can rent for shade.
- 4:00 PM Back to Mérida — An hour and a half back.
Included: Transport, Kayaking in the coastal wetlands, Free time on the beach
Not included: Food, Drinks, Palapa rental
Frequently asked questions
Where is Isla Columpios?
In the wetlands and mangroves of Chuburná Puerto, in the municipality of Progreso, about 55 km from Mérida.
How do you get to Isla Columpios?
By boat from Chuburná's harbor. From Mérida, take Mary Tours' North Coast trip or its private transfer.
How deep is the water?
Most of it is very shallow, around knee height, but always watch children.
What else is nearby?
The Chuburná dunes and the port of Progreso, with its boardwalk and pier.
