Puerto Morelos is a relaxing village that has escaped the proliferation of mega resorts in the Mayan Riviera. This small sleepy coastal town (there’s a not-so-pretty side inland, west of the highway) is located between the two busy tourist centres of Playa del Carmen and Cancun. It’s a far cry from party spots like Tulum. Here, life moves at a slower pace.
You won’t find nightclubs playing loud music until the wee hours. Quieter, yes. But not boring.
A beautiful beach, a lush jungle, and a decent bar and restaurant scene are some of the attractions that you can enjoy in the area.
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This is what to do and see in Puerto Morelos
Table of Contents
Have a Beach Day
Right across the main square you can dip your toes in the sand of Ventana al Mar Beach, a small Blue Flag beach.
But it doesn’t end there. Walk north to find Puerto Morelos’ public beach, ideal for long relaxing walks on powdery white sand. You can either bring your towel and umbrella as it’s quite wide (although there’s barely any shade) or you can go to one of the beach clubs where you can rent a sun lounger and the fee goes towards your food and drinks.
There are (paid) bathrooms and showers in the main square (Parque Fundadores).
Note: the sargassum that affects the Mayan Riviera is also present in Puerto Morelos, albeit in a less dramatic way. To avoid the smelly algae try to visit between October and March. Keep in mind that sargassum comes in waves and that it may not be a permanent, every day nuisance.
Take Your Pictures at Puerto Morelos’ Boardwalk (Malecón)
The boardwalk may be short, but it offers several scenic spots to take cool pictures:
The Leaning Lighthouse (Faro Inclinado)
The hurricane of 1967 left its mark on this lighthouse, tilting it after compromising its foundation. The town tried to remove it, but it didn’t work so they kept it as a sign of resilience and a popular spot for pics.
Just steps from the lighthouse you’ll find a big heart where you can strike a pose.
Puerto Morelos Pier
Walk to the end of the new dock for a panorama of Puerto Morelos’ coastline and an uninterrupted view of the turquoise and deep blue shades.
Puerto Morelos Letters
You’ll find the emblematic letters southeast of the main square, with boats and palm trees in the background.
Snorkel the Barrier Reef
Did you know that across Puerto Morelos lies the second largest barrier reef in the world and the largest on this side of the planet? The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System extends from north of Playa del Carmen, all the way down to the coast of Belize and past the Atlantic side of Guatemala.
This protected area is known as the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park and it has been designated a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to see corals, many species of fish and turtles, rays, and sharks.
SNORKEL IN PUERTO MORELOS: this small boat tour makes (2) 45-minute stops at the reef for a guided experience. All equipment included. 10 people max.
Join this snorkeling excursion, with a rating of 4.9/5 based on more than 480 reviews.
Do you prefer to relax in a catamaran and hop on a Stand Up Paddleboard or just swim or float in a shallow sandbar? Sail with this tour, with a rating of 4.7/5 based on more than 380 reviews.
Learn about Wildlife at Croco Cun
At this animal sanctuary (even though it’s labeled as a zoo) you can interact with a few of the rescue animals they shelter and learn about local species.
A bilingual guide met us at the entrance for a tour of the facilities, explaining in detail interesting characteristics and behaviours of the animals, their habitat, and how they ended up at Croco Cun.
Many were confiscated from the illegal trade, suffered an injury, were donated to the shelter, or were surrendered by owners who couldn’t figure out that the cute ocelot kitty or the baby croc they acquired as a novelty could one day grow up and see them as dinner. Wildlife should remain wild.
Under supervision we fed parrots, interacted with macaws, touched a baby croc, held snakes, pet xoloitzcuintles (the hairless Mexican dogs), and for a few more pesos, hand-fed deer.
We also saw turtles, big lizards, iguanas, and coatis. Since this place is surrounded by a jungle -this is your cue to bring insect repellant- you may see spider monkeys, agoutis, and birds roaming around.
The enclosures and the entire facilities (including bathrooms) are clean and the animals are well looked after. There’s a souvenir shop and a café. The visit lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours.
CrococunZoo is close to the town, off Highway 307 (east side); Open daily: 9:30AM-4:30PM; General admission (adult foreigners): MXN $839p/p. Tips for the knowledgeable guides are well appreciated.
Walk the Trails at the Botanical Garden Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín
Don’t expect a walk through manicured gardens with flower beds along paved pathways, this is a wilder environment.
Four interconnected trails (approx. 2 kilometres -1.2 miles) form a loop that takes you through a jungle with botanical collections, emblematic trees, a tiny archaeological site and a reconstruction of a Mayan solar.
There are plenty of mature native trees and educational signs (some in English) pointing to the five ecosystems that span across this area and the role they play in the life of people from the Yucatan Peninsula.
You’ll learn about the significance of plants in the Mayan culture and their use in spiritual ceremonies, in medicine, and their role in the local economy and environment.
For example, did you know that during the first half of the 20th century Mexico was the leading producer in the world of chewing gum? And that it came from this tree?
At the Mayan solar you’ll find out about life in pre-Hispanic times in the Mayab. The solar is a self-sustained multifamily unit (imagine a harmonious mini-village of houses built of natural materials) where they raise farm animals, cultivate crops and medicinal plants. Beekeeping of Melipona bees produced a honey with antibacterial and antifungal properties that strengthens the immune system.
Go back in time when you stop at the remains of El Altar, an East Coast-style archaeological site from the post-classic period, when the main activity was the maritime trade that reached all the way to Central America.
This was a ceremonial centre, with altars and temples to present offerings.
It’s tiny and it’s not in the best shape (don’t expect anything like the nearby site of Cobá), but I think it’s cool to see something that has been in this place since 1400 A.D. You can also read signs about how Mayans predicted the weather.
There’s a palm and cacti collection and many trees with interesting markings and shapes.
When I reached the boundaries of the extensive mangrove forest I loved to see the patterns created by the entangled roots. Mangroves act as a natural filtration system and protective barrier against floods during storms, as well as a habitat for birds and juvenile fish.
I also had fun going up the -kind of shaky- observation tower for a panoramic view of the extensive forest.
During your walk you may or may not see some wildlife roaming around: spider monkeys, deer, raccoon, wild hogs, and coatís. Of course, the earlier you go the more birds you’ll see, but sightings are not guaranteed; animals don’t punch in and out.
Here and there you’ll find some pretty outdoor sculptures.
The botanical garden has a small visitor centre where groups can hire a guide for an additional fee.
The temperature was pleasant when I visited the garden in January. If you visit in July, it will be a different story so try to arrive first thing in the morning to make it bearable. Bring water, good walking shoes, and douse yourself in insect repellant.
The botanical garden is off Highway 307 (Km.320, east side), right before arriving at Puerto Morelos from Playa del Carmen. Open Mon. to Fri.: 8AM-4PM. General admission (foreigners): MXN$220 (cash only).
Walk Around Town
Explore the tree-lined streets of Puerto Morelos beyond the town square to find many cafés, small eateries, artisans’ shops, and some quirky and colourful façades. The town isn’t big so you can probably do it in an hour or so.
After 4PM, one block of Javier Rojo Gómez St. (north of the main square) becomes a pedestrian corridor where cafés set up tables and chairs.
You can also see some nice street art like these ones:
Eat with a View at Puerto Knna
This casual eatery is a great setting to raise your glass to the big blue ocean in the background and try interesting concoctions. We tried the mezcalitas and some appetizers, like the delicious octopus al pastor style, served on tostadas with cheese, onion, and caramelized pineapple.
They’re located on the Rafael E. Melgar St., in front of the Chedraui Selecto Supermarket.
PUERTO MORELOS FOOD TOUR: explore a fruit market, food stands, and family restaurants in this walking tour while you learn about Mexican culture and history. This small group tour takes you to the west side of town (near the highway) for an even more local experience.
Join this culinary tour, with a 5/5 rating based on more than 225 reviews.
Eat at Punta Corcho
This lovely restaurant is on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, a directory with places that serve good quality food at good prices.
Not only are the cocktails and the food good, but the presentation is next level and the design of the place is fun and colourful. The Sweet Corn Flan with popcorn and coconut ice cream tastes as stunning as it looks.
They’re located on a second floor, with a panoramic view of Puerto Morelos’ main square and the sea in the distance.
Check Out What’s Up at the Main Square (Parque Fundadores)
Like Parque Los Fundadores in downtown Playa del Carmen, this park is more like a square with some trees. And like the one in PDC, it also comes with a seaview.
What’s more remarkable about this space is the cultural events and the markets that pop up here. Concerts, National Holiday celebrations, dance fests, you name it.
Stop at the Parroquia San Jose Obrero Church
It may not be an architectural wonder, but this small church with palm trees lining up the front patio has interesting and cute details that make it unique and are worth a quick stop.
The sea and the sand in the lower section of the apse mural, which depicts the Father and the Holy Spirit looking over the Son, brings a marine theme to the décor.
The ceiling lamps are framed in wood, blending in with the wooden arches that go over the nave. The lattice on the clerestories gives the space an airy feeling.
The marine theme is reinforced on the entrance wall by the simple mosaics done with seashells.
This cute church is located at the intersection of Av. Tulum and Javier Rojo Gómez, across Parque Fundadores.
Visit the Puerto Morelos’ Cultural Centre and Museum
See what’s going on with the local arts and cultural scene at this new cultural centre which opened in 2024.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything going on when I visited, but I’m glad I stopped by because otherwise I would have missed the beautiful mural adorning the entrance.
It depicts a ceiba tree, the sacred Tree of Life in the Mayan culture that connects the heavens, the earth, and the underworld, surrounded by what looks like Mayan glyphs.
The artwork, painted in muted tones resembling stones, was completed by Nora Jacobs, Carlos D. Alvarado, and Judith Vicencio, in collaboration with other artists.
Browse the Artisan’s Markets
Puerto Morelos’ “permanent” artisan’s market can be a hit and miss. On one hand they have a large selection but, on the other hand, prices can be on the high side and the level of craftsmanship in some items can’t be compared to handicrafts you find in other places in Mexico.
You also have to deal with overwhelmingly pushy sellers who don’t understand the meaning of “No”. You may have a more relaxed experience at the market that pops up on the main square or in the little stores around.
But if you can put up with the above you may find something nice, hopefully at a reasonable price. The market is located along the intersection of Calle Rafael E. Melgar and Av. Tulum.
Where to Stay in Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a great location if you want to stay away from the crowds, but close to popular destinations like Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
PORTOBLU APARTMENTS: choose between seaview and garden view modern apartments of different sizes. The stylish units come with a full kitchen, a flat-screen TV, a washer, and AC. The building has a rooftop swimming pool and a sun terrace
Stay at PortoBlu, with a rating of 9.2/10 based on more than 175 reviews
RIGHETTO RENTALS: located 2 blocks from the beach, these suites come with a full kitchen, living/dining room, TV and AC, and an exceptional service. The property has a pool and free parking on site.
Book at Righetto, with a rating of 9.7/10 based on more than 280 reviews
HOTEL MARINA EL CID: if you prefer an all-inclusive resort this hotel, located less than 2 kilometres from downtown, offers modern and stylish rooms. There are 4 restaurants, a gym, a large pool, and beach access.
Book this resort, with a rating of 9.1/10 based on more than 35 reviews
How to Get to Puerto Morelos
BY AIR: the closest airport to Puerto Morelos is the Cancun International Airport (CUN).
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There are several ways to get to Puerto Morelos from the airport. The fastest and more comfortable? Booking a shuttle. This service offers one-way transfers and has a rating of 4.9/5 based on more than 775 reviews.
Some accommodations offer airport transfers.
Stay away from the airport taxis as they’re well known for charging absolutely ridiculous prices.
Do you prefer to take a bus? Read below
BY BUS: ADO buses to Puerto Morelos depart frequently from the Cancun airport (located right at the exit), from the ADO station in downtown Cancun, and from the one in Playa del Carmen. I’m glad they resumed trips to Puerto Morelos as they stopped for a couple of years right after the big C.
These are clean coach buses (painted in red with the letters ADO in white) with plenty of leg room, comfortable seats, AC, and with a compartment for suitcases.
Be aware that the Puerto Morelos ADO station isn’t located on the seaside, but near the highway. You’ll need to take a 10-minute taxi ride to the coast.
You can’t buy the tickets on the bus. You either buy them at the station or in advance through the ADO app (it’s kind of clunky) or through Busbud.
BY CAR: if you rent a car to have more freedom you’ll arrive via Highway 307, which connects Puerto Morelos with Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It’s not a mega highway (it only has two lanes each way), but the road is in good condition. Traffic is slow during rush hour.
Puerto Morelos is a great alternative to be near all the action in the Mayan Riviera without being in the centre of it. You can still enjoy the small town feeling that’s becoming harder to find by the minute.
Looking for another “small town feeling” destination? The island of Holbox may be next on your list.
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