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 Progreso — roughly 122 km (76.1 mi) out, about 2 hr 15 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Progreso | 122 km (76.1 mi) | 2 hr 15 min |
| Telchac Puerto | 124 km (76.8 mi) | 2 hr 16 min |
| Dzidzantun | 142 km (88.5 mi) | 2 hr 33 min |
| Dzilam González | 145 km (90.1 mi) | 2 hr 35 min |
| Motul | 149 km (92.5 mi) | 2 hr 38 min |
| Hunucmá | 153 km (95.2 mi) | 2 hr 42 min |
| Temax | 157 km (97.6 mi) | 2 hr 46 min |
| Mérida | 158 km (97.9 mi) | 2 hr 46 min |
Where Arrecife Alacranes National Park sits
Official Arrecife Alacranes National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Arrecife Alacranes National Park
Arrecife Alacranes National Park sits close enough to Dzibilchaltún National Park, Isla Contoy National Park, Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park, and Tulum National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Dzibilchaltún National Park | 144 km (89.5 mi) | 2 hr 34 min |
| Isla Contoy National Park | 313 km (195 mi) | 5 hr 3 min |
| Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park | 325 km (202 mi) | 5 hr 14 min |
| Tulum National Park | 336 km (209 mi) | 5 hr 23 min |
Parks close by
- 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. Progreso, about 122 km (76.1 mi) away — roughly 2 hr 15 min of driving.
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.