Sisal

Known for its past as an important seaport in colonial times, Sisal is a picturesque town located on the northern coast of Yucatán, which retains its historic charm with its colonial houses and cobblestone streets. In addition to its rich history, Sisal offers beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature, from boating and sport fishing to bird watching and exploring the nearby reefs.

This destination offers an authentic and enriching experience on the Yucatan coast as you explore its tourist attractions, enjoy its local cuisine and immerse yourself in its culture.

Santiago Fort and its lighthouse

Also known as El Castillo, they were built in 1845. The lighthouse is located just a few meters from the beach and is one of the main attractions of Sisal. Climb to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the sea.

Sisal Pier and Beach

With miles of beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Sisal beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming and enjoying water activities. You'll also find the historic pier that was once Yucatán's main seaport. This iconic pier offers panoramic views of the sea, a reminder of its maritime and Mayan past.

Former Maritime Customs House

Built around 1813, this beautiful historic building in Sisal had the function of registering and storing imported goods. However, in 1871, when Progreso became the new main port of the region, the building lost its relevance as a center of maritime activity. It was then that a German company acquired the building and used it to store products such as dye stick and chili. After a period of abandonment, the building was restored and today you can visit it as the Centro Cultural de Sisal, a space that celebrates and promotes the rich history and culture of the region.

Empress Carlota's House

During her visit to Yucatan on November 22, 1865, Empress Carlota of Habsburg stayed in this historic house, known as the home that received the distinguished visitor. The house was the Empress' lodging place during her stay in Yucatan, and became a witness of her experiences and emotions. In one of the writings of the Empress upon her arrival in Sisal, you can appreciate a fragment that shows her impressions and reflections on the trip.

Coral reefs

Coral reefs are a natural treasure that harbors a great diversity of marine species. These ecosystems are ideal for activities such as sport fishing, snorkeling and diving, as they allow you to explore the marine life, corals and fish that inhabit them, you can also rent boats to explore their surroundings and enjoy the natural beauty they offer. Immerse yourself in this fascinating underwater world and discover the magic of the coral reefs.

Mangrove tours and crocodile sightings

The trip to the swamp takes about 30 minutes by boat. Once there, due to the depth of almost 50 centimeters, the tour continues in smaller boats known as “chalanas”.

The entrance to the mangrove swamp is really impressive, with a natural arch that narrows the path. At this point, the fresh waters of the spring meet the salty waters of the swamp.

El Palmar State Reserve

El Palmar is an impressive natural reserve in Yucatan, it was declared a Natural Protected Area in 1990, obtaining the status of State Reserve, this area is located in the municipalities of Hunucmá and Celestún.

The coal bunker

In 1988, Hurricane Gilberto caused the lagoon and the sea to merge, this combination of salt and fresh water gave rise to the formation of petenes and mangroves, and thus was born the ojo de agua La carbonera, home to a great diversity of flora and fauna.

Grouper closed season festival

The fishing community of Sisal keeps from catching fish to dedicate itself to tourism and offer boat rides, horseback riding, sightseeing tours and other activities that you can enjoy if you visit this port during the months of February to March, this on the occasion of the closed season of this fish.

Tikin xic

Its name means “dried fish” and it is made with whole grouper fish, it is seasoned with achiote and sour orange, plus other seasonings and at the end the fish is placed on a layer of banana leaves, adding slices of lemon, onion and tomato, at the end it is baked, originally in a wood-fired oven on the ground.

Yucatecan cuisine in Sisal

On the Sisal pier you will find a wide range of gastronomic offerings that stand out for their fresh seafood. Here you can enjoy a variety of dishes made with fish and seafood caught during the day, and enjoy a spectacular view while savoring these culinary delights.