What should we do?

We will be in Progress 10/14 from 7a-3p. We would like to go to some ruins and then the beach, but we don't want to get suckered into the package prices. Can we just get on a bus at the dock and go see the ruins and come back and hang out at the beach till the boat leaves? Or should we plan on being more structured and going with the cruise line excursions? We want to see the city, but don't want to spend a ton of money. Any suggestions?

By city, if you mean Merida, the round trip bus fare is $3.00. Great city. Just keep reading this board and visit http://www.yucatantoday.com

Suckered? Or making a personal choice option.

You can take the free shuttle from the boat to the Casa de Cultura. AutoProgreso has inexpensive trips to the ruins and Merida. There are other companies with booths there as well. You'll be returned to Progreso in plenty of time to shop and enjoy the beach.

There are several ruins tours available depending on how much time you want to spend on a tour. You can spend a whole day at Chichen Itza and never see it all, plus it takes 4 or 5 hours to and from. Uxmal is impressive and is closer to Progreso than CI. Your best bet is Dzibilchaltun. It isn't far from town and you will still have time for beach and shopping. All of these can be booked in Progreso, but the trip to Chichen Itza is a loo-n-n-g ride. I would book this one thru the cruiseship.

Be sure too take a good camera.

Can we see Progreso & Merida both in the same day? We live at the beach so we aren't interested in that. Have been to the ruins. Love the Mexican Culture.

Thanks for suggestions

yes you can.

Where do you catch the bus from Progreso to Merida? How much is a taxi on the return from Merida to Progreso?

Taxi from Merida to Progreso is about $25.

According to other posters, the round-trip bus ticket is only $3.00. That's a deal!!:)