Puerto Morelos Visitors Guide
Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies
Vanessa Howard
Vanessa Howard
Puerto Morelos is a charming and authentic beach town and quaint fishing village. With warm and welcoming locals, Puerto Morelos offers off-the-radar beach destinations that are just as beautiful as the more extensive resort town beaches. Puerto Morelos is also full of adventure opportunities like snorkeling and exploring ancient cenotes. Come experience all that this charming destination has to offer.
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Contents
A Bit Of History
Originally inhabited by the ancient Maya from the 9th to the 14th centuries A.D, remains of the settlements have been found belonging to the Chiefdom of Ekab, who ruled over the region stretching from modern day Cape Catoche to Tulum. By 1594, Puerto Morelos had been conquered by the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo y León, or “el Mozo”. The town remained under Spanish control until the late 1800s when the land was agriculturally developed and forested for its plentiful gum, cedar, tobacco, and vanilla.
In the late 1920s, the town transitioned into a fishing village complete with wooden houses, a lighthouse, a pier and a street parallel to the coast for shopping and entertainment.
Puerto Morelos Today
Puerto Morelos remains an undiscovered hidden gem only 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen and 15 minutes South of the Cancun Airport. This lesser-known fishing village is praised for its beautiful beach and coral reef. You’ll love the casual coastal feel of Puerto Morelos, where there is plenty to keep you busy.
Is Puerto Morelos Safe?
Puerto Morelos is widely considered a safe town like most of the Yucatan Peninsula. Most visitors to this chill beach town say they feel super safe at any time of the day or night.
However, a good rule of thumb is to remain aware of your surroundings and never leave your valuables unattended. Also, be aware that due to the high volume of tourists, pickpocketing does occasionally happen. For added safety, police and government protect tourism in this region and contribute to its security.
Where is Puerto Morelos?
Puerto Morelos is a small beach town located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is on the Caribbean Sea, situated roughly halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Adjacent to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-longest coral reef system in the world), Puerto Morelos is in a perfect spot for turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling. This is DEFINITELY the island life!
When Is Puerto Morelos Hurricane Season?
Puerto Morelos hurricane season begins in late May and lasts until early November, with the peak occurring between September and October. The odds of a hurricane hitting Puerto Morelos are fairly low, but hurricanes traveling near Puerto Morelos can cause inclement and severe weather. Be sure to check weather reports ahead of time and we always suggest getting travel insurance during these months just in case.
How To Get to Puerto Morelos
Getting to Puerto Morelos, particularly from the United States, is incredibly easy. Once you’re in town it’s easy to navigate on foot, in a taxi, or in a rental car. Keep in mind while exploring on foot that in Puerto Morelos pedestrians may not have the right-of-way.
Arrival By Air
The easiest way to get to Puerto Morelos is to fly into the Cancun Airport. Cancun International Airport (CUN) is in Cancun City (Centro) and it is the largest airport in the region. It greets more than 20 million visitors a year. The Cancun International Airport is only about 20-25 minutes from Puerto Morelos, making for an easy and beautiful drive to this gorgeous beach town. You’ll need a valid passport to travel to Puerto Morelos, Mexico.
Search for great deals on flights to Cancun here.
Airport Shuttles in Puerto Morelos
Airport shuttles are a budget friendly way to get to Puerto Morelos. These are small air-conditioned vans that take you right to your accommodations. The vans are typically shared, so often there are other stops before yours.
It’s a good idea to book an airport shuttle before you arrive. Shared shuttles cost around $15 per person, making them one of the most budget friendly ways to get to your accommodations.
You can easily book ground transportation from the Cancun airport to your Puerto Morelos hotel here.
Car Rental
Renting a vehicle at the Cancun airport may be the most convenient choice depending on how much exploring you plan to do on your own. It is an easy and affordable option. Rental cars typically cost between $35 to $40 per day at the Cancun airport or in Puerto Morelos.
You’ll need a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years of age to rent a car in Mexico, and anyone between the ages of 21-24 may need to pay an additional daily fee. Puerto Morelos is about a 20-25 minute drive south from the Cancun Airport.
Search for great deals on rental cars at the Cancun airport here.
Taxi
Puerto Morelos may be a small town but there are more than 100 taxis. Rates are set and not metered. You’ll want to agree on a price before you get into a taxi. There should be a rate card in the taxi, and you can ask to see it. You are not expected to tip, but it’s appreciated once you reach your destination safely.
Taxis typically cost somewhere around $4.50 for 10 miles and $16 for 25 miles.
Keep in mind that at the Cancun Airport, regular taxis are prohibited, so only official airport taxis are allowed. This often makes them quite overpriced.
ADO Bus
Buses can be an affordable way to get around Puerto Morelos. It’s a good idea to buy the best class ticket you possibly can in order to get the most direct and best service. You will need to go to the bus terminal in Playa or Cancun to get a ticket and hours.
There are also colectivos that run up and down the highway that charge between $1.18 to $2.37 per person depending on your destination.
Things To Do in Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos Top Highlights
Puerto Morelos has the undeniable charm of a fishing village along with its beautiful white sand beaches, year-round sun, and an incredible number of things to do!
1. Relax on The Low Key Beaches
It can’t be overstated that the beaches of Puerto Morelos are amazingly low-key compared to neighboring tourist areas and beaches. People often visit the Riviera Maya region for one reason, the amazing Caribbean beaches which will take your breath away.
Beachgoers find the Puerto Morelos beaches to be the perfect place to swim, build sandcastles and enjoy the Caribbean breezes. Playa Del Coral is one of the most popular beaches in the area for good reason, it boasts turquoise waters, plenty of palm trees for shade, a small beachside eatery offering snacks, and a bar where you can enjoy a drink while taking in some local culture.
Some other amazing beaches in the area include Playa Caracol, Playa Secreto and Playa La Entrega.
*Note: Since 2008, Sargassum (seaweed) has regularly arrived on the Caribbean coast of Mexico (Puerto Morelos, Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, etc.) from April to August. Many resorts and beaches remove the seaweed from the sand daily, but it can pile up by the water’s edge and be stinky in places where it’s not removed. For this reason, we suggest getting a hotel with a nice pool area for guaranteed nice swimming or spending some time on the islands of Cozumel or Isla Mujeres which are largely protected from the seaweed.
2. Swim In Cenotes
There is an entire region filled with cenotes near Puerto Morelos and they shouldn’t be missed! It is called Ruta de Los Cenotes and you’ll need to either rent a car or book a tour to get to it.
You could also just take a taxi, but if you do that make sure you plan ahead so you know which of the Cenotes you want to visit. The Cenotes Kin Ha is one of the most beautiful on the route, but it does cost a little more than other cenotes, at $23 to swim and $55 for an ATV tour.
There are dozens of cenotes on the Ruta de Los Cenotes and you can’t go wrong visiting any of them! Some of the best include Cenote Le Nora, Cenote Majarres and Cenote Sol y Luna.
3. Snorkel on The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
Puerto Morelos is home to the National Reef Park and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This reef offers some of the best snorkeling in the Riviera Maya. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is a quarter mile offshore and easy to get to via boat.
You’ll have the opportunity to see tons of marine life including vivid coral reefs, sting rays, sea turtles, and maybe even a small shark or two.
One of the best ways to experience snorkeling in Puerto Morelos is by joining a snorkeling boat tour. Check out this Snorkeling Tour, this Half Day Snorkeling With Lunch, or this Small Group Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Tour.
ISLAND LIFE TRAVEL TIP : GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is a must in our opinion. Standard health insurance likely doesn’t cover you while outside of the country so travel insurance will cover any emergency medical needs as well as trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage (it happens), flight delays, missed connections and more. You can easily compare the top-rated travel insurance plans here.
4. Check Out the Botanical Garden
Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden is one the largest botanical gardens in all of Mexico. This protected area is home to a variety of native mangroves and plant species as well as animals such as butterflies, birds, iguanas and spider monkeys.
You can do a 1.2 mile self-guided tour along the jungle boardwalk, an easy and beautiful walk. Or you can book a guided tour with the botanical garden staff. Bring plenty of bug spray as the mosquitos can be a nuisance at the botanical gardens.
5. Go On A Catamaran Sail
The National Reef Park isn’t just for snorkeling, it’s also a great place to go sailing. Visitors can board a catamaran and cruise through the clear Caribbean waters of the Puerto Morelos lagoon.
Want some adventure in the water? A trip to a secret sandbar and snorkeling with vibrant marine life are just a few of the options. Catamaran sailing tours are definitely worth exploring for your time in Puerto Morelos!
Enjoy a Catamaran Reef Sail and Snorkel, or check out this Catamaran Tour to a secret sandbar with lunch and drinks provided.
6. Stroll Around the Town
Puerto Morelos has the charm and authenticity of old Mexico. The quaint town itself is a very low-key destination, with welcoming energy and a slow island pace. It has that small fishing village vibe that makes it fantastic to explore.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants in town and you won’t have to deal with the swarms of people that you find in many other Riviera Maya destinations. Make sure to stop at a seafood restaurant, it’s what the town is famous for, and the daily catch is almost guaranteed to be scrumptious here!
7. Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is one of the best and most popular things you can do in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean. Whether you are certified and want to go it alone or take a scuba diving tour, you’ll love the array of dive opportunities in Puerto Morelos. The reef near Puerto Morelos is one of Mexico’s most popular scuba diving sites. There are plenty of dive shops in town that offer Puerto Morelos diving lessons and tours.
If you’re a certified diver, you can book a dive to explore over 20 nearby Puerto Morelos scuba diving sites with clear waters and an abundance of sea life. Some of the scuba shops even take you diving in cenotes. If you aren’t certified you could try a discover scuba tour, join a scuba tour and just snorkel or take a separate water adventure tour.
These are some of the amazing tours available at Puerto Morelos Reef National Park.
8. Have an Amazing Adventure
Get ready for an exciting adventure filled with adrenaline in Puerto Morelos. The island is packed with adventure options for everyone! In addition to fun in the sand and water, you’ll discover fantastic hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing, ATV adventures, and much more.
While visiting Puerto Morelos, you can venture into the depths of the tropical forest aboard a powerful 4×4 and speed through beautiful tropical scenery. Or take a romantic sunset horseback ride on the pristine white sand beach. Are you looking for a bit more adrenaline?
Check out the Selvatica Ziplining Adventure Park in Puerto Morelos and get your adrenaline pumping with their human roller coaster zipline circuit, better known as Tarzania. Tour packages include zip lining, bungee swings, ATVs, and cenote swimming. The tour packages range from $76 to $139, depending on your adventure activities.
9. Check Out The Artisan Market
Unlike most souvenir shops in the Riviera Maya, the Puerto Morelos Artisans Market is a low-key authentic marketplace. You will find handmade keepsakes, jewelry, and art, much of which is created right in front of you.
The Puerto Morelos Artisan Market is just north of Parroquia San Jose Obrero. The quaint, colorful area is perfect for mingling with the locals. Purchase locally grown fruit and handmade hammocks, or you can try on unique Mexican-inspired clothing.
Visit the Puerto Morelos Artisans Market on the weekends for a lively and vibrant scene featuring live music and food trucks lining the street.
10. Visit Toolok Ka'an Animal Sanctuary
Are you looking for an activity that the whole family can enjoy? Toolok Ka’an is a jungle wildlife sanctuary about 10 minutes from Puerto Morelos. The sanctuary offers a great, family-friendly day out and the opportunity to be immersed in the authentic side of the Yucatan. You and your family will have the chance to learn about wildlife rescue and connect with the animals from the region more personally.
Tours of the center cost around $10 USD for adults and $5 USD for children. During the tour, you can learn about the animals that call the sanctuary home, and you may even get the chance to hold them. Reptiles such as turtles, baby crocodiles, and snakes are just a few animals you may get the opportunity to interact with.
We recommend visiting early in the morning to beat the heat or later in the afternoon. The sanctuary is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
11. Lounge In The Sun At A Beach Club
If you want to unwind and enjoy the beautiful beaches in Puerto Morelos, then head to a beach club for lounge bed rentals and beachside food and beverage service. This is the ultimate way to relax during your time in Puerto Morelos.
Check out My Paradise Beach Club in Puerto Morelos for a fun local beach club. You’ll find plenty of tropical cocktails, cold beer, ceviche, and burgers. You can’t beat the great beach view from your lounge chair, good service, and a phenomenal mix of pop and rock music.
Or visit the amazing Unico Beach Club to indulge in culinary delights and mezcal-infused drinks. This beachfront seafood restaurant and bar allows you to relish in the relaxing atmosphere, complemented by live music. Unico Beach Club is a favorite because its fusion of coastal charm, savory flavors, and music creates a unique experience.
Another great option is the rustic Dia & Noche Beach Club. This unpretentious Puerto Morelos beach club is budget-friendly and located on a great stretch of sand with beautiful ocean views. Rent a palapa with beach chairs for the day, and bring your own food and drinks. We recommend the ceviche, cold beer, and checking out their dessert options. Keep in mind that the restrooms are within walking distance from the actual beach club.
12. Get a Massage at the Mayan Jungle Spa
Enjoy the zen of a unique spa experience by visiting the Los Colibries Mayan Jungle Spa. Located in the middle of the jungle near Puerto Morelos, this spa is an outdoor experience that will immerse you in a lush open-air environment. You can submerge yourself into a relaxing and exotic calm space, surrounded by trees, tropical plants, and birdsong.
To keep your experience authentic, you will start with a Temazcal, which is a native outdoor sweat lodge. Next, you will receive a clay treatment and an outdoor hot bath with a face and scalp massage.
Your Mayan Jungle Spa experience continues with a 1-hour traditional Mayan massage that concludes with fresh fruit and a tropical drink. This unique spa experience can be booked as a couples massage, solo or with friends.
13. Taste The Local Flavors
Calling all foodies! There is no better way to experience the local culture and traditional cuisine than to taste many of the local flavors of the Yucatan. One of the best ways to experience the tastes of the region is this top-rated Puerto Morelos Foodie Tour. This tour skips the tourist restaurant scene to check out local spots throughout Puerto Morelos. During the tour, you will visit around 5 or 6 local neighborhood eateries, including family restaurants, street taco stalls, and more. As you walk the streets of Puerto Morelos and sample food, listen as your guide tells stories about the local cooking methods and traditional Mexican culture.
Another fun way to get started is to try taking a Taco and Tequila Tasting Tour. This tour offers insight into the laid-back vibes of Puerto Morelos while sampling three different taco types and partaking in a professional tequila tasting. Book it, and thank us later!
14. Visit Crococun Zoo
One way to get to know the local animal inhabitants of Puerto Morelos more intimately is by visiting the Crococun Zoo. This wild animal sanctuary features spider monkeys, parrots, crocodiles, and more. This unique sanctuary’s goal is to inspire a passion for nature and wildlife through their guided interactive animal tours.
The Crococun Zoo has an entrance fee of around $36 USD for adults and $26 USD for kids from 6 to 12 years of age. Tickets include a 60 to 75-minute guided tour where you can walk among the crocodiles, snakes, and other jungle creatures. You can also add activities to your tour, such as feeding the animals yourself.
Leave plenty of time to experience the guided interactive tour and enjoy the animals and nature in this incredible spot.
15. Dine At El Charro
El Charro Mexican Kitchen and Seafood is nestled right in the heart of Puerto Morelos and is your passport to an authentic Mexican culinary experience. The restaurant and bar specializes in fresh seafood and offers a fantastic ambiance complete with live music for your dining experience. Savor local delicacies crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and enjoy a wide selection of fun drinks and spirits.
Whether you’re seeking traditional Mexican flavors or local seafood specials, El Charro delivers a fiesta for your taste buds.
Where To Stay In Puerto Morelos
There are all types of accommodations in Puerto Morelos. From all inclusive resorts to boutique hotels and more. Location and amenities are the two top things to look for. For the best all inclusive resorts in Puerto Morelos, check out our Puerto Morelos All Inclusive Resort Guide.
Check out our Puerto Morelos All Inclusive Resorts Guide
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The Mexican Caribbean is an enchanting wonderland of relaxation and adventure, one can easily have the trip of a lifetime here. Packing for such a vacation shouldn’t be hard, so we’ve put together a list to help you pack and included some of our favorites as well. Check out our What To Pack For Your Mexico Vacation Guide.
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