About This Spot
Ria de Chelem, Mexico is one of the world's premier wind-sports destinations, located in Mexico.
Situated in North America, the spot offers Shallow and Flat water conditions, making it ideal for experienced riders pushing their limits.
With ESE–SE–SSE winds, peaking from February to May, Ria de Chelem, Mexico delivers the kind of sessions that keep riders coming back year after year.
Why Riders Love It
The best part of season is between February and May, when the Southeast winds are pulled up by the North fronts winds coming from the North Pole. The high pressure of the North front enhances the thermal effect in the mornings when the soil is cool and the water in the ocean is warm; the wind at the Ria just lasts a couple of hours (mostly from 8am to 12pm) until the soil is heated up by the sun and the water in the ocean is cooled down by the thermal inertia, then the wind starts to blow from the ocean to the shore and you must go to Progreso to continue kiting.
When to Go
The water is warm almost all year round at the Ria, but in winter a shorty could be needed. The wind at the Ria is very warm because it comes from the ground.
What to Expect
The water at the Ria de Chelem is warm and shallow, about 1.5 m almost everywhere at the Ria. There are no waves, but as the wind picks up it can get a little bit choppy, not too much. The water is clean but it looks a little bit brown because of the seaweed in the bottom. There's almost no current at the Ria. There are some stakes (maybe 3 or 4) in the water but you can see them clearly.
Wind & Conditions
ESE · SE · SSE · S · SSW · SW · WSW
Best wind direction
The best part of season is between February and May, when the Southeast winds are pulled up by the North fronts winds coming from the North Pole. The high pressure of the North front enhances the thermal effect in the mornings when the soil is cool and the water in the ocean is warm; the wind at the Ria just lasts a couple of hours (mostly from 8am to 12pm) until the soil is heated up by the sun and the water in the ocean is cooled down by the thermal inertia, then the wind starts to blow from the ocean to the shore and you must go to Progreso to continue kiting.
Best Months
Water Conditions
The water at the Ria de Chelem is warm and shallow, about 1.5 m almost everywhere at the Ria. There are no waves, but as the wind picks up it can get a little bit choppy, not too much. The water is clean but it looks a little bit brown because of the seaweed in the bottom. There's almost no current at the Ria. There are some stakes (maybe 3 or 4) in the water but you can see them clearly.
Check Conditions
Live Wind Forecast at Ria de Chelem, Mexico
Check real-time wind conditions before you head out.
Facilities & Access
📍 Getting There
🚗No walk to the beach
You can get to The Ria the Chelem by bus. If you are in Progreso (the nearest city with bus station) it should take about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the Ria the Chelem; if you are in Mérida (the capital city) it should take about 45 mins to 1 hour to get there. You can also contact the local Kiteschool "Yuckite" for transport service (info@yuckite.com, Cel. 9992790255). If you rent a car, it should take about 30 mins to get to the Ria de Chelem from Merida. The best way to get there is to take the highway that runs from Merida to Progreso, but before you get to Progreso you should take the turn to the right that takes you to the bridge that cross over the highway to Progreso; this road takes you directly to Chelem town.
Location
Travel Light
Travel Light to Ria de Chelem, Mexico
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Schools at Ria de Chelem, Mexico
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