All about San Crisanto in Yucatán, Mexico (2025 Guide)

Of course, I started out with the usual suspects – Progreso, Sisal, and Celestún. But once you dig a little deeper into what the Emerald Coast has to offer, San Crisanto quickly pops up on the radar.

The small beach town San Crisanto on the Yucatán Peninsula has much to offer, from picturesque beaches (about 3km long) with hundreds of coconut palm trees to jungle-like mangroves and pink lakes.

Especially if you want to spend some undisturbed time on one of the most beautiful beaches on the Emerald Coast, San Crisanto is worth considering. During low season, you may even be the only one on the beach.

San Crisanto was originally a fishing village. Then the production of coconuts and salt was added. As in various other places, there are also pink lakes here. Today, tourism is also a source of income for the community.

There are also a few restaurants on the beach section directly in front of San Crisanto. About ten minutes away in Telchac, there are many more food options.

San Crisanto and the Emerald Coast

San Crisanto is part of the Emerald Coast, which runs from the port of Progreso to Dzilam de Bravo. Compared to Progreso, San Crisanto is a little further north-east of Mérida, behind Telchac Puerto.

The Emerald Coast, known in Spanish as Costa Esmeralda, refers to a 98-kilometer stretch of coastline in the northern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. It gets its name from the striking emerald hue of its waters.

Some interesting figures:

A Beach Day at Balneario Zac-Há

Of course, you can find a public place on the beach and make yourself comfortable. If you want at least a little infrastructure (toilets, showers, etc.), there are also appropriate options. Between Telchac Puerto and San Crisanto lies for example Balneario Zac-Há.

The Balneo ("spa") offers palapas (small sun canopies) that provide shade and you might also want to hang up a hammock. There is no electricity, but you will find simple bathroom facilities .

For a small entrance fee you can spend the whole day here enjoying the many coconut trees and crystal-clear waters. To be more precise, the opening hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is one if the cleanest, clearest and quietest beaches in Yucatán.

Mangrove Forests & Pink Salt Lakes

If you're in the mood for more activity, head to the village and book a tour to see the mangroves. Visiting the mangroves is not only a great experience, but also supports the local community.

The tour usually also passes by the clear water cenote "Ojo de agua Dzonot-Tzik", a waterhole where you can swim. Along the mangrove forests you can also see the pink salt lakes.

Things to Know Before You Go

Depending on where you are exactly, there are few restaurants or shopping facilities. Therefore, it is best to take a cooler with you and provide for yourself. Mérida is famous for its hammocks, which are handmade by the locals.

Take one with you and choose two palm trees to match. Mosquito repellent is recommended in the mangroves, and if you want to swim there, please use a biodegradable sunscreen.

If you want to snorkel, you can, of course, but the water is not ideal. Due to the conditions in the Gulf of Mexico, the water is a bit murky and you don't have very good visibility underwater.

How to Get to San Crisanto?

If you are travelling by car, drive towards Progreso and then turn right towards Telchac Puerto following the coastal road. Or you can also go via Motul.

It is also possible to get there by bus. Buses are leaving from the Noreste Bus Terminal located on Calle 69 x Calle 50. However, the bus ride takes around 2 hours.