Expert: Ellen Fields - 7/6/2007

Question
We are flying in to Merida for a week in Mid-October.  I have spent the last several months researching various areas in Mexico to settle down in. So far from both cost an what sounds like a laid back life style, Merida and the beach area is rising to the top.  We think we would like to spend the week on the beach with trips in to Merida for exploration. I am not finding much in the way of vacation rentals on the beach.  Can you help with this.  Also, in your opinion are we doing this backwards? Would we be better off staying in Merida? We want to relax and learn as much as possible about the area as we can.  I would like to spend some time with a reputable realtor that don't mind investing some time for a sale a year or so away. One last question for now, I have read in your web site that there are several marinas in the area but I haven't found any other information.  If we were to move there full time we would want to bring our 34' sailboat.  Is if possible to get long term slip rentals and what kind of costs are involved? Maybe you can point me in the right direction.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.  I really enjoy reading yucatanliving.

Tom Gordon


Answer
Hola, Tom. Thank you for the compliment on our website, yucatanliving.

There are a number of vacation rentals along the beach. Don't just look at Progreso. Look at Chelem, Chuburna, Chicxulub, Telchac, Uaymitun, San Bruno, San Crisanto... there are a lot of little towns there. For maximum flexibility, you will want to have a car, in my opinion. Yes, there are buses and combis (vans) that can take you into Merida. But I personally like the flexibility of a car. It's easy to drive in the Yucatan. If you stay in Merida, you have more choices of places to stay (hotels, b&bs, vacation rentals) and you can go out at night without having to drive. For your first time here, I actually would recommend staying in town and driving to the beach.
As for real estate agents, we recommend a bunch on our website and I would point you to those. The season starts to heat up around October, so you might find the realtors rather busy. But don't let that discourage you. Just see as many houses as you can so you can get a feel for the market.
There is a marina called Marina Silcer. Here is their website: http://www.marinasilcer.com They are in Progreso. There is also one in Telchac that is small, but being expanded. It is certainly big enough for a 34' boat as it is now. I don't think they have a website though... you'll have to just go there. Ask someone to take you to Puerto Abrigo.

Buen Viaje!