Welcome to your go-to guide for visiting Isla Columpios, a hidden gem in Chuburná, Yucatán. Known for its serene beauty and charming swings hanging over crystal-clear waters, this spot is perfect for a tranquil getaway. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Understanding Tides at Isla Columpios
Isla Columpios is influenced by the Gulf of Mexico’s tidal system. During high tide, the islands are covered creating a bed of warm clear water making it feel like you are lounging in an aquarium. During low tide, the island’s sand become exposed leaving you exploring sandy islands in a more traditional sense. Whichever time of day you visit, the trip is well worth it and I do not recommend one over the other. If the islands being submersed or not is an important factor to you, I recommend checking tide charts for Chuburná Puerto.
Getting to Isla Columpios
From Merida:
- Take a tour leaving from Progreso (includes Pig Beach) or from your hotel in Merida (group tour includes fishing).
- By Car: The quickest route is via car. Drive north on Highway 261. Before reaching Progreso, take the exit for ‘Chuburna’. When the road comes to an end, take a left on Calle 15 and drive along the coast. Before reaching playa ‘Las Dunas’, you will see a parking lot on your left where you will pay for parking. Parking is 20 pesos as of May 14th 2024 *Note: the price of parking does not include the tour out to the islands.
- With public transportation: Take the ‘Autoprogreso’ bus ($25 pesos per person). There are busses that leave multiple times every hour to and from Progreso. The bus leaves from the Autoprogreso terminal in Merida Centro, with stops along 261 through the north side of Merida. Once in Progreso, wait for a Colectivo in Centro Progeso on Calle 82, between Calle 27 and 29 ($15 pesos per person). Take the colectivo to centro Chuburná Puerto. From there, take a moto taxi from centro chuburna to Isla Columpios (around $25 pesos per person). Once you arrive, coordinate with your tour operator to ensure a taxi will be available for a ride back to Chuburná Puerto, where you will take the trip back in reverse order. *Note: During the hot months in Merida (March – June) temperatures are extreme. Use caution if taking public transportation during the hottest months as Isla Columpios is located in a remote part of the Yucatan.
Finding a Boat to the Islands
Once you enter the parking lot for Isla Columpios, there are several different tour operators with different pricing structures. When entering the parking lot you will likely be approached by a tour guide who will ask you if you have a reservation, and if not, offer their tour services. You can choose for a boat ride directly to the islands (2 hours duration/15 minute boat ride there and back) that ranges from 250-350 per person depending on the company. You can also choose for a private group tour that includes a visit to an ‘ojo de agua’ (swimming hole in the mangroves). Private tours are 5+ hours and range from 3500-4500 pesos depending on the company. For the private tours it’s recommended to set that up in advance to ensure availability.
Tour operators from the Hola Adventures video:
- Tours “Isla Delfines”
- Kayak Kay
- Book a tour to Isla Columpios + Pig Beach (meet in Progreso)
- Book a private group fishing tour + Isla Columpios (pickup in Merida)
Tips for Visitors
- Once you arrive at the islands, Kayaks can be rented for $200 pesos per person per hour. There is a mangrove tunnel off of the main ‘columpios island’ that you won’t want to miss.
- You can bring food and drinks but be sure to pack your garbage to ensure this area remains pristine and clean.
- Fresh Ceviche, beer and drinks can be purchased on the islands. I highly recommend trying the Ceviche.
- While there are shaded huts with chairs and hammocks, when exploring you will primarily be in the hot Yucatecan sun. Wear UV protection clothing, or reef safe sunscreen (avoid sunscreen with ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate).
- Tour operators typically do not speak english, however are very patient and kind. Be sure to show the same respect back.
- Have fun and make memories!