All about Sisal in Yucatán, Mexico (2025 Travel Guide)

When our family council meets to plan a beach day, it usually comes down to this: Do we go for the quick 30-minute drive to Progreso, or spend an hour getting to Sisal, where the beach is just a little more beautiful?

Let’s take a closer look at Sisal together. Sisal is a port city near to Mérida on the Emerald Coast. Compared to Progreso, It is a little further northwest of Mérida on the Yucatán Peninsula and one of the nicest places on the north coast.

Until the construction of the modern port in Progreso, Sisal was considered the most important port during the henequen boom, through which large quantities of henequen were shipped.

The name "Sisal" comes from the sisal fiber, extracted from the agaves. In the past, sisal, or henequen, was an essential industry for the region, driving the economy and providing employment through its production of rope, textiles, and other goods.

Due to Progreso, Sisal quickly lost its importance and is now a small fishing village with only about 2,000 inhabitants. In the town itself there are a few small hotels, a few restaurants and some souvenir stores.

Sisal also has a beautiful main street that goes perpendicular to the beach. But it's only about three or four blocks long, so it's just a short walk.

Of course you will also find the obligatory "Sisal" lettering on the beach. Today, Sisal is mostly known for its beautiful and widespread beach with its soft, powdery white sand and its translucent turquoise waters.

If you're traveling with young children who love collecting shells, they'll surely have a fantastic time. The shell mound in the photo is actually a common sight on the beach, and flip-flops are a great choice for walking around.

In fact, from my perspective, the beach at Sisal is one of the most beautiful in the north of Yucatán, along with the beaches at Celestún and San Crisanto. You can relax along the promenade, grab a bite to eat and drink, and simply enjoy the beautiful view.

Fortress of Santiago

During the colonial period, the fortress of Santiago ("Fuerte de Santiago") was built to protect the port from pirate attacks. The iconic red and white lighthouse, "Faro de Sisal," was added in 1845 and has since become a symbol of the area.

The lighthouse still functions today, guiding ships safely along the coast. When I’m in Sisal, I always stop by for the view – there’s a great lookout over the beach and landscape. The old fortress is also worth a quick visit if you’re into local history.

Bird Watching in Sisal

The area of Sisal is also an important habitat for various species of birds and in the vicinity of Sisal there are mangrove forests and lagoons, which are excellent for bird watching.

The beach of Sisal is on the route of the American Flamingos, which fly to the east, from Celestun to Rio Lagartos. Therefore, depending on the season, a large swarm of flamingos flies over Sisal from time to time.

Aside from Sisal, the entire area is home to a wide variety of bird species, particularly during the migratory season. Herons, pelicans, and numerous shorebirds can be spotted along the coast and in the nearby wetlands.

For the best experience, it’s worth venturing to the quieter spots away from the main tourist areas, where you can enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere and have better chances to observe the birds up close.

Early mornings are the perfect time, as the birds are most active then. If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, this place is definitely worth a visit.

Pueblos Mágicos

Sisal is one of the towns in Mexico that has been recognized as a "Pueblo Mágico" since 2002. This designation is given by Mexico's Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) to places that stand out for their unique cultural heritage, rich history, or impressive natural beauty.

On the Yucatán Peninsula, there are fourteen towns that proudly carry the "Pueblo Mágico" title, and each one offers its own special charm. The 14 Pueblos Magicós on the Yucatán Peninsula are (as of 2025):

• Campeche: Isla Aguada, Palizada and Candelaria

• Quintana Roo: Bacalar, Isla Mujeres, Tulum and Cozumel

• Yucatán: Izamal, Maní, Sisal, Valladolid, Espita, Motul and Tekax

Exploring Yucatán’s Emerald Coast

Sisal is situated on what’s known as the Emerald Coast, a stretch of coastline that spans 98 kilometers in the northern part of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The area gets its name from the vibrant, emerald-colored waters that surround it, making it a peaceful and picturesque destination.

Here are a few interesting facts:

Tips for Birdwatchers & Photographers

When planning your visit, keep in mind the travel time, especially if birdwatching is a big priority for you. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent, as the mangroves are full of mosquitoes, and you’ll want to stay comfortable while exploring.

If you’re planning to take photos of the flamingos or any birds, make sure to bring a zoom lens. Without one, those stunning flamingos might just look like a pink blur in your photos.

For capturing the scenery, an ultra-wide angle lens is a great choice to get those wide, beautiful landscape shots.

If you're thinking about snorkeling, you can definitely give it a try, but keep in mind that the water isn’t ideal for it. Due to the conditions in the Gulf of Mexico, the water tends to be a bit murky, which means visibility underwater is not the best.

How to Get to Sisal from Mérida?

By car, you drive along Highway 281 through the small town of Hunucmá to Sisal. If you would drive straight on at the end of the 281, you would land directly on the pier "Muelle De Pescadores Sisal", which leads into the sea.

There are only 2-3 blocks between the entrance of the town and the sea. There is also a direct bus from Mérida Noreste to Sisal. Connections run twice a day, and depart every day. The journey takes just over an hour.