The Ultimate Puerto Morelos Mexico Travel Guide for 2024

Do you want to visit Puerto Morelos Mexico? You’ve come to the right place!

Just 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos is a less well-known beach town with beautiful beaches and amazing coral reefs.

As a travel blogger that lives in nearby Playa del Carmen, I’ve visited Puerto Morelos plenty of times and have been able to experience many of the amazing things the town has to offer.

In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting Puerto Morelos including where it is, how to get there, what to do there, where to stay, and more!

Read on for my ultimate Puerto Morelos Mexico travel guide!

Puerto Morelos is a small beach town located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is situated on the Caribbean Sea, about halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Puerto Morelos is definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for a safe, quiet, and laid-back beach getaway as an alternative to the touristy beach towns of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

The small beach town and sleepy fishing village is considered a hidden gem of the Riviera Maya and consists of only 15 blocks of coastline along the Caribbean Sea, giving it a much smaller feel than the nearby bustling beach towns of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

In Puerto Morelos, you’ll find a more off-the-radar beach destination, while still having the advantages of being close to larger towns nearby. The locals are warm, friendly, and welcoming but not overly pushy.

In addition, there are many fun activities and jungle adventures to enjoy in Puerto Morelos, such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and exploring ancient cenotes.

Puerto Morelos is known for being a quiet beach town and quaint fishing village.

With the National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos located just 400 m (1/4 mile) off the shore, it’s perhaps best known for its world-renowned coral reefs and spectacular diving sites.

The town’s most famous landmark is the “El Faro Inclinado” (Leaning Lighthouse), which is a beachfront lighthouse that was damaged by Hurricane Beulah in 1967 but still stands at a significant slant as a town symbol of resilience.

You’ll also find a replacement lighthouse that was built just behind El Faro Inclinado so there are actually two lighthouses in Puerto Morelos.

Puerto Morelos is a relatively small beach town with a population of only 27,000 people (compared to the 300,000 people in Playa del Carmen and almost 1 million people in Cancun).

The main beachfront part of town is only about 15 blocks long and 4 blocks wide, giving it a small town kind of vibe.

Puerto Morelos is best suited for those looking for a low-key beach destination.

If you’re turned off by the highly commercialized tourist destinations of Cancun and Playa del Carmen but still want to experience some beautiful Mayan Riviera beaches, then Puerto Morelos will be perfect for you.

With its close proximity to some amazing coral reefs, it’s also suited for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts if you are interested in seeing the underwater world.

The closest airport to Puerto Morelos is Cancun International Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive away.

🚐 Note the ADO bus from Cancun Airport no longer stops in Puerto Morelos so you’ll have to rely on the below transportation options.

Here are the best ways to get to Puerto Morelos from the Cancun Airport:

The quickest and most hassle-free way to get to Puerto Morelos is by booking a private transfer with drop-off directly at your hotel.

This is what I personally use for airport pickups and recommend for all my friends and family that come to visit!

I recommend booking with Cancun Airport Transportation, a trusted local company with friendly bilingual drivers. 

Cancun Airport is known for its rental car scams so I would avoid renting directly from the airport if you can.

A safer option is to take the private transfer to Puerto Morelos and then rent a car from there if you plan on exploring.

I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.

During the dry season (December to April), there is less humidity and very little rainfall, which makes it the most popular time of year to visit.

The rainy season (May to October) brings more showers, but they are usually short and do not affect beach activities. Sea temperatures are warm enough to swim in all year round.

Here is a chart of the average monthly temperatures in Puerto Morelos:

There are occasional cold fronts, but the temperatures never really drop below 60^oF so you can feel comfortable wearing shorts and beachwear all year round.

During the winter months (December–February), it can sometimes get cooler at night, so you’ll want to add a sweater or light jacket to your Mexico packing list if you’re visiting during this time.

Be prepared for the humidity in Puerto Morelos, which is pretty intense all year round and only slightly subsides during the winter months.

Hot and humid weather means you’ll want to pack plenty of bug spray or mosquito repellent bracelets.

Here’s a map of the main beachfront area of Puerto Morelos town:

Since Puerto Morelos is a small town, it’s pretty walkable if you’re staying in the main downtown area near the beach.

If you want to get out and explore, here are the best transportation options:

Taxis are available in Puerto Morelos and can be easily hailed to get around town or go to Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or nearby Riviera Maya attractions.

Hotels can also provide assistance with calling for a taxi if you’re leaving directly from your hotel or resort.

If you want to get out and explore other parts of Riviera Maya, consider renting a car to explore at your a slower pace.

I recommend using Discover Cars where you can conveniently compare multiple car rental companies in one place.

Colectivos are shared vans that run continuously between Cancun and Playa del Carmen as a form of public transportation.

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get to Cancun or Playa del Carmen from Puerto Morelos, simply go to the main highway 307 and look for the colectivo or “Playa Express” station with white vans parked outside.

Colectivo vans headed north will be going to the Cancun ADO station and vans headed south will be going to downtown Playa del Carmen. The cost is usually less than $50 pesos and you’ll pay the driver upon exiting.

When choosing where to stay in Puerto Morelos, you can choose between staying in the small downtown area or at one of the many all inclusive resorts located just outside of town.

The hotels in downtown Puerto Morelos are typically smaller boutique properties, VRBOs, and vacation rentals that are more affordable if you’re on a budget.

On the other hand, the Puerto Morelos all inclusive resorts will be much larger with extensive amenities such as expansive pools, multiple restaurants, swim-up bars, pristine beachfronts, and resort activities.

Of course, these will come with a much higher price tag!

These are the best Puerto Morelos hotels in the downtown area (or nearby):

• Casa del Puerto by MIJ: This budget-friendly gem has incredible sea views right from your balcony, complete with an enticing pool and overwater hammocks. The rooms may not be the most modern, but they’re clean and spacious, and the staff goes above and beyond.

• Hotel Ojo de Agua Puerto Morelos: With its calming blue hues in the guestrooms and a refreshing pool nestled under thatched cabanas, this hotel is a step away from sandy shores and offers private sunbeds for ultimate beach days.

• Layla Guesthouse Puerto Morelos: This hotel is a quirky, intimate retreat offering ocean-view apartments, a rooftop pool, and yoga space, not to mention the incredible Layla Vegan Pizza. And its high speed internet makes it perfect for Puerto Morelos digital nomads.

• Hacienda Morelos Beachfront Hotel: This centrally located hotel offers affordable rates and comfortable Mexican-style rooms with easy access to the beach. Lounge in private beds on the beach or take a dip in the oceanfront pool–it’s all here!

These are the best Puerto Morelos resorts that are all inclusive and located just outside of town:

• The Fives Oceanfront Puerto Morelos: This chic, beachfront boutique hotel is the trendiest hotel in Puerto Morelos, offering an oceanfront pool and a swanky adults-only rooftop pool for the ultimate relaxation experience.

• Dreams Jade Resort and Spa: This luxury resort has a private beach, three outdoor pools, and an on-site hydrotherapy spa. Guests can also take advantage of free green fees at a local golf course and enjoy a variety of water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking.

• Grand Residences Riviera Cancun: With elegant hacienda-style architecture, oceanfront views, and spacious suites, this all inclusive resort is perfect for families. Plus, guests can enjoy countless amenities such as an infinity pool, gourmet restaurants, and 24-hour room service.

• Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa: Offering newly renovated rooms with private balconies or terraces, swim out rooms, a thrilling water park, and multiple dining options, this luxurious resort has something for everyone.

• Nickelodeon Resort Riviera Maya: This Nickelodeon-themed resort is perfect for families with its character meet-and-greets, themed activities, and Aqua Nick water park. With a private beach, multiple pools, and gourmet dining options, this resort is sure to keep everyone entertained.

There are tons of fun things to do in Puerto Morelos whether you’re looking for something adventurous, cultural, or simply want to relax at the beach.

In addition, the town’s close proximity to Playa del Carmen and Cancun make it quite easy to take a day trip if you want to experience some of the nearby attractions and cultural sites such as the Tulum Mayan Ruins, taking a tour to Chichen Itza, or Xcaret adventure parks.

Here are the top things to do in Puerto Morelos Mexico that are more exclusive to the destination:

Puerto Morelos is home to the National Reef Park and offers some of the best snorkeling near Playa del Carmen, whether you want to try some snorkeling off the beach or head out to the reef.

The National Reef Park is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System and is located just 400 m (1/4 mile) away from the shore, so it only takes a few minutes by boat to reach the reef from the downtown dock.

To get to the best Puerto Morelos snorkeling areas, I would recommend booking a guided Puerto Morelos reef snorkeling tour with a knowledgeable guide to take you out and show you the best spots.

I’ve been snorkeling at the Puerto Morelos reef and it has to be some of the best snorkeling I’ve done in Mexico.

We got to see tons of marine life such as colorful coral, tropical fish, sting rays, sea turtles, and even a small shark!

Travelista Tip: Wearing biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen while snorkeling is recommended to protect the coral reefs, but wearing a rash guard is even better!

In addition to snorkeling, the reef in Puerto Morelos is also one of Mexico’s most popular scuba diving sites.

There are many dive shops in the town center that offer Puerto Morelos diving lessons and tours.

Certified divers can book a dive to explore over 20 nearby Puerto Morelos scuba diving sites with clear waters and an abundance of sea life.

Or if you’re not scuba certified and have an interest in scuba diving, then consider booking a Discover Scuba course, which is an introductory lesson to the sport and includes a dive at the reef.

Puerto Morelos is near the famous “Ruta de los Cenotes” (Route of the Cenotes), a series of sinkholes on the road from Puerto Morelos to the small town of Leona Vicario.

Cenotes were once used by the Mayans for ceremonial purposes, and today they are popular tourist attractions.

Visitors can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in the clear waters of these Puerto Morelos cenotes, and explore the caves and rock formations that surround them.

The cenotes can be visited by renting a car, where you can take your time and stop at 2 or 3 different cenotes along the road. Or for a more hassle-free option, consider booking the Xenotes guided tour.

Cenote Zapote is an eco park near Puerto Morelos also along the famous “Ruta de los Cenotes.” 

The park is located pretty far off of the main highway so the easiest way to get there is by booking a guided tour.

Visiting Cenote Zapote is a full day adventure park experience where you can visit three stunning cenotes, as well as zipline through the jungle, explore the park on bikes, and cruise around on ATVs.

I visited Cenote Zapote with some blogger friends on this tour and it was one of my most memorable tour experiences in Riviera Maya!

If you simply want to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches in Puerto Morelos, then head to a beach club for lounge bed rentals and beachside food and beverage service.

I recommend checking out My Paradise Beach Club in Puerto Morelos, which is a fun local beach club with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a beach bar.

Plus, the staff is always on hand to keep the margaritas coming!

One of the most unique places to visit in Puerto Morelos is the Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden, which is one of the largest botanical gardens in Mexico.

This protected forest area is home to a variety of native plant species and mangroves, as well as animals such as birds, butterflies, iguanas, and spider monkeys.

You can take a self-guided tour along the 2 km of jungle trails and boardwalks or sign up for a guided tour led by one of the garden’s expert staff members.

Travelista Tip: Make sure to pack plenty of bug spray as the mosquitos at the botanical garden can be quite intense!

Located at Vidanta Resorts about 15 minutes south of Puerto Morelos, Joyà is the only Cirque du Soleil performance in Mexico.

I’ve seen the show twice and can honestly say it’s an excellent production with such a unique storyline–plus the acrobatic performances are just so impressive!

I even took my family when they came to visit and they said it was the highlight of their trip.

You can read my full Joya Cirque du Soleil review for all the details!

If you’re a foodie and want to learn how to cook Mexican food like a pro, Puerto Morelos is the perfect place to take a cooking class.

In this Mexican Cooking Class in Puerto Morelos, you’ll start by learning how to make tortillas on a comal (a traditional Mexican griddle), and then move on to preparing a 6-course gourmet meal.

During the feast, you’ll get to enjoy traditional drinks like hot chocolate, Mexican coffee, and snacks. And of course, you’ll be able to savor the amazing food you prepared!

Located in the middle of the Mayan jungle near Puerto Morelos, the Mayan Jungle Spa is an outdoor spa experience that will completely immerse you in a lush open-air environment surrounded by bird songs and jungle noises. 

The experience starts with a Temazcal, which is a native outdoor sweat lodge heated by hot stones. You’ll then receive a clay treatment and outdoor hot bath with a face and scalp massage. 

The experience continues with a traditional Mayan massage for 1 hour and concludes with fresh fruit and a typical drink.

This totally unique spa experience is one of the best massage experiences near Playa del Carmen and can be booked as a couples massage or with friends.

If you love being out on the water, Puerto Morelos is also the perfect place to go sailing and snorkeling near the National Reef Park!

On this small group catamaran sail and snorkeling excursion, you’ll get to set sail on a spacious and modern catamaran.

Plus, you’ll have experienced guides onboard and in the water so you can be sure that you’ll have a safe and fun time.

The tour is about 3.5 hours long, with all equipment is included, as well as brunch, beer, and beverages.

If you’re looking for adventurous activities in Puerto Morelos, the town’s close proximity to nearby jungle landscapes makes it a great place to ride ATVs in the Mayan jungle.

There are a number of adventure tours where you can participate in adrenaline-pumping Puerto Morelos activities.

On these tours, you’ll typically get to go snorkeling, ride ATVs, go ziplining, and go horseback riding–giving you a taste of both reef and jungle adventures.

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home from your trip to Puerto Morelos, there are many small shops and stalls in the main downtown area, where you can find all kinds of handmade goods, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles.

What’s great about Puerto Morelos shopping is that the shop owners are much less pushy than when shopping in Playa del Carmen or Cancun so you can have a more relaxed experience.

There is also a weekly local flea market in Puerto Morelos with fresh fruits, vegetables, local foods, and handicrafts that’s worth checking out.

As a fishing village, Puerto Morelos is primarily known for its seafood, and many of the local restaurants serve up fresh catch of the day.

Most Puerto Morelos restaurants are located around the main town square (Plaza Principal), but there are also beach clubs, restaurants, and coffee shops to explore along the beachfront and the outskirts of town.

Here are some of the best restaurants in Puerto Morelos:

• Boquinete Seafood and Grill: This seafood restaurant offers a beautiful ocean view for lunch or dinner and serves up delicious fish tacos and fresh seafood dishes featuring octopus, fish, and crab. They also have specialty cocktails to enjoy.

• El Nicho: This breakfast spot is perfect for enjoying classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and waffles, as well as freshly baked croissants. They also have indoor and outdoor seating options and are pet-friendly!

• Cafe Layla: For a healthy breakfast option, head to this cozy restaurant at Layla Guesthouse near a quiet beach. They offer vegetarian and vegan options, as well as live music and vegan pizza in the evenings.

• El Pesquero: This casual seafood restaurant offers great atmosphere and affordable yet delicious seafood dishes such as fried whole fish, grilled octopus ceviche, aguachiles, tuna tostadas, and shrimp quesadillas. Don’t forget to try their cocktails or cold beer with your meal!

• La Sirena: For a romantic dinner or night out with friends, this Greek and Mediterranean restaurant has the best rooftop seating in Puerto Morelos with stunning ocean views. Be sure to try their traditional Greek dishes and baclava for dessert.

• Le Chique: Located at the Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun, this upscale restaurant offers a 21-course tasting experience with avant-garde and inventive dishes inspired by Mexican cuisine. It’s perfect for food lovers looking for a unique and high-end dining experience.

Puerto Morelos is a quaint and sleepy coastal town in Mexico that is not known for its nightlife. There are few restaurants and bars open late and no nightclubs in the town.

If you’re looking to party, check out the nightclubs in Playa del Carmen or Cancun. Otherwise, expect to find peace and quiet in Puerto Morelos!

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Puerto Morelos:

🚨 Do you need travel insurance for Mexico? Yes! Most insurance plans in your home country will not cover incidents abroad. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy travel insurance marketplace where you can compare policies. Get a FREE quote by clicking here!

Overall, Puerto Morelos is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the more developed resort towns, and enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere.

The destination is a great choice for travelers who are looking for a relaxed and authentic Mexican experience, while getting to enjoy beautiful beaches and easy access to some amazing coral reefs.

If you prefer something more low-key, then consider adding Puerto Morelos to your next travel itinerary!

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