Arrecife Alacranes National Park: planning guide
A coral reef and sand cays in the Gulf of Mexico off northern Yucatán. Remote, mostly boat access, and a major seabird and turtle nesting area.
Arrecife Alacranes National Park is in Yucatán, Mexico. The nearest town is Chicxulub Puerto — roughly 121 km (75.3 mi) out, about 2 hr 14 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Full seasonal breakdown for Arrecife Alacranes National Park
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Chicxulub Puerto | 121 km (75.3 mi) | 2 hr 14 min |
| Progreso | 122 km (76.1 mi) | 2 hr 15 min |
| Telchac Puerto | 124 km (76.8 mi) | 2 hr 16 min |
| Chelem | 124 km (77 mi) | 2 hr 16 min |
| Chuburná | 126 km (78.1 mi) | 2 hr 18 min |
| Campestre Flamboyanes | 130 km (81 mi) | 2 hr 22 min |
| Dzemul | 136 km (84.4 mi) | 2 hr 27 min |
| Dzilam de Bravo | 137 km (85.1 mi) | 2 hr 28 min |
Where Arrecife Alacranes National Park sits
Official Arrecife Alacranes National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- Dzibilchaltún National Park
A Maya archaeological site and cenote just north of Mérida, Yucatán. Ruins, tropical scrub, and a popular swimming sinkhole.
- Isla Contoy National Park
A small barrier island north of Isla Mujeres. Protected seabird and turtle nesting site — day visits by permit and boat only.
- Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park
Shallow reef and seagrass beds along the west coast of Isla Mujeres and nearby Cancún waters. Mostly marine — snorkeling and boat access.
- Tulum National Park
A walled Maya coastal site on cliffs above the Caribbean in Quintana Roo. Ruins, beaches, and busy day-trip crowds.
Common questions
Where is Arrecife Alacranes National Park?
Arrecife Alacranes National Park sits in Yucatán, Mexico, and the closest town of any size is Chicxulub Puerto — about 2 hr 14 min away.
When is the best time to visit Arrecife Alacranes National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.