Things to do in Puerto Morelos: The 14 Best Places to Visit

Puerto Morelos is a coastal town that has escaped the mass tourism that surrounds it, even though it’s located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen!

It is a relaxing oasis that offers easy access to the famous Cenotes Route and the second largest coral reef in the world with clear waters, animal sanctuaries and ecotourism parks.

To help you plan your trip, here is my Ultimate Guide to Puerto Morelos with the 14 best things to do, places to visit, and my recommendations for the best restaurants and hotels for all budgets.

So, what are the best things to do in Puerto Morelos? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. Strolling around town

Puerto Morelos has kept its traditional fishing village vibe.

Its heart is the Javier Rojo Gomez square, on the main street of the same name, with a church, shops, restaurants, cafes and the Hunab-Ku handicrafts market.

From the market you can walk to the beach and see the Puerto Morelos lighthouse, which has become the symbol of the city.

It is tilted because of the many hurricanes it has endured, but it is still standing! 💪

2. Dive in Puerto Morelos Reef

Puerto Morelos is close to the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world, which stretches along the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Puerto Morelos reef is a national park and has one of the most beautiful and well-preserved reefs in the Riviera Maya.

The area between the beach and the reef is filled with seagrass and is a great spot to see sea turtles, although they are a bit more timid than in Akumal.

The reef bottom is rich in corals, including some stunning gorgonias and elkhorns.

You can also see flamingo tongues snails and many colorful fish: bluestriped grunt, butterflyfish, parrotfish, triggerfish and even large barracudas.

Of course, with such an ecosystem, diving or snorkeling is a must-do in Puerto Morelos!

3. Explore the wreck of the C-56 Juan Escutia

Besides the coral reef, another place to dive in Puerto Morelos is the Juan Escutia wreck.

There are many stories of pirates and ships sinking with their treasure, but this one ended up at the bottom of the sea for a more noble cause.

In 2000, this former warship was sunk 1,2 miles off the coast to turn it into an artificial reef .😊

Over the years, it has developed a rich ecosystem (rays, corals, barracudas, moray eels, etc.) and has become a must-see in Puerto Morelos, 100 ft deep.

It is easily accessible and you can explore parts of the boat such as the engine room, which makes the experience truly unique.

4. Enjoy the beach

With its soft sand and calm waters, you don’t want to miss the beaches of Puerto Morelos.

They are perfect for families with kids and those who want to enjoy water activities (kayaking, windsurfing, standup paddle). Plus, they are not crowded with people!

• The main beach: Puerto Morelos’ main beach is public and free. It is surrounded by bars and restaurants, perfect for a cold beer.

• Ojo de Agua Beach: a beautiful and lively beach, easy to reach from Javier Rojo Gomez Avenue, and located between the Ojo de Agua hotel and the Único beach club. It gets its name from the spring of water found there.

• Playa del Secreto: 7 miles south of Puerto Morelos, the “secret” beach lives up to its name, as it is not very touristy. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya and is a sanctuary where turtles come to lay their eggs.

5. Try Pescadores Beer

Mexico is a great producer of craft beers, and there are some very good ones!

Puerto Morelos has its own beer: Pescadores, a beer without chemicals or preservatives.

You can find it in some restaurants in Puerto Morelos and other places in the state of Quintana Roo, but if you are a fan of craft beer I recommend you visit their brewery where you can try all their styles and eat there.

Normally my favorite beer is their IPA, but the Mango Blonde on tap was very tasty.

• The Pescadores Brewery is located here 10 minutes drive from Puerto Morelos
• Brewery open Monday to Saturday 11:30am to 7:00pm, Sunday 11:30am to 5:00pm

6. Punta Maroma

Playa Maroma is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cancun, and it is only 12 miles south of Puerto Morelos.

You will be amazed by the wide and gorgeous white sand beach and the crystal clear and clean water. It is a perfect place to dive or snorkel and see the colorful marine life. You can also relax and enjoy the peaceful and pristine environment, away from the crowds.

There are some very nice hotels on the beach, where you can stay and have a wonderful time.

If you are not staying there, you can still visit the beach by taking a tour or going to the Marina Adventure beach club. The beach club has an entrance fee of 200 pesos, which gives you access to sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurant, toilets with shower, and other facilities.

How to get to Punta Maroma

• By car: from Puerto Morelos, follow the 307 (24 min) to Playa del Carmen
• By public transportation: bus to Playa del Carmen (45 pesos). Note that you will then have to walk 2 miles to Playa Maroma or take a taxi (120 pesos)

 

7. Sailing on a catamaran

Out of all the things to see and do in Puerto Morelos, the catamaran tour is the most magical experience!

It is a 3 hour catamaran tour in the bay of Punta Maroma that takes you to the great Mayan reef where you can swim and snorkel.

It includes pick up at your hotel, equipment, lunch and free time at Playa Maroma . You can also choose the open bar option by booking here:

8. Tour the Route of the cenotes

From Puerto Morelos towards Leona Vicario there is a 22-miles road full of cenotes known as the “Ruta de los Cenotes”.

There are many cenotes from Puerto Morelos:

• Cenote Las Mojarras: this outdoor cenote is the largest in Puerto Morelos. There are several activities you can do here, but I found it lacking in maintenance. 200 pesos
• Cenote Boca del Puma: it is a large natural park with open cenotes and other underground ones (stalactites, stalagmites, fossils). There are 7 zip lines, ATVs, rappel and horseback riding. 300 pesos
• Cenote Siete Bocas: has 7 different entrances and a network of underground galleries. With its rock formations, roots and light effects, it is one of the most beautiful cenotes in Puerto Morelos! 400 pesos
• Cenote Verde Lucero: is a large open cenote that I like because it is very well kept, the staff is very friendly, and you will see little monkeys! 🐵 200 pesos
• Cenote La Noria: is a large underground cenote 60ft deep and 155ft wide that is home to bats and small fish. 450 pesos (650 pesos with zip line and food; camping 250 pesos)
• Cenote Kin Ha: one of the best places for families with 2 cenotes, zip lines, horseback and ATV rides. The price depends on the package you choose. 300 pesos or 100 pesos more to also access the Blanca Flor cenote.
• Cenote Zapote: near Kin Ha is this beautiful open cenote with a 33 ft platform to jump into the water. It is also known as Hells Bells because of a strange bell-shaped rock formation that you can see while diving. 300 pesos
• Cenote Popol Vuh: it is the farthest from Puerto Morelos on the route of the cenotes. It is an open cenote with a restaurant and you can sleep there. 320 pesos

9. Selvatica Park

Selvatica is an amazing adventure park in Puerto Morelos that you should not miss if you love adrenaline. It has been awarded as the best adventure park in Latin America by the World Travel Awards and one of the 35 best adventure parks in the world by Travel+Leisure magazine!

You can have a blast at Selvatica, where you can experience different activities, such as:

• Flying over the jungle with a circuit of 12 zip lines, which are safe and exciting.
• Exploring a hidden cenote, which you can reach by driving an ATV through the forest.
• Trying Tarzania, which is a unique combination of roller coaster and zip line (and a lot of fun!)

Visit Selvatica

• If you want to visit Selvatica, you can find it on the Cenotes Route. You just need to take the road to Leona Vicario from Puerto Morelos, and it will take you about 20 minutes to get there.
• You can also choose a more convenient option and book the Selvatica day tour

This is a 5-hour tour that includes pick-up from your hotel. You will enjoy all the activities that Selvatica offers, such as zip lines, Tarzania, a safari truck ride to the cenote, and a light lunch. This is a great way to have an adventure without any hassle! Book it here:

10. Diving into the jungle of Xenotes

Xenotes Park is perfect if you want to enjoy the cenotes of Puerto Morelos with some adventure: zip line, slide, rappel, kayak.

It is a small park with 4 private cenotes of different types (open, underground, semi-open): Cenote K’aak, Cenote Lu’um, Cenote Ha’ and Cenote Iik.

With its tree roots, stalactites and bats in an 8 million year old cave, Cenote Lu’um is my favorite, but they are all amazing!

• To get to Xenotes: take the Ruta de los Cenotes towards Leona Vicario, then turn left towards Kin Ha (30 min)
• If you don’t want to worry about transportation, you can also book the entrance to Xenotes with pick up at your hotel, which includes access to the 4 cenotes with activities and lunch. You can book it here:

Xenotes is part of the Xcaret group, whose ecotourism parks are considered must-do places to visit in Yucatan, each one with its own style:

• Xel-Ha is a water park (with a children’s section) with a river, lakes, caves, and a large observation tower at 131m. Book your tickets to Xel-Ha here
• Xcaret is a large park dedicated to nature (hiking, caves, diving) and Mexican culture. Here you can see the famous Xcaret Mexico Espectacular show. Buy your tickets to Xcaret here!
• The Xplor Park is perfect to spend the whole day with the kids, with its water slides, hanging bridges and zip lines, etc. Buy your all-inclusive Xplor tickets

11. Birdwatching in the Toh Reserve

• Entrance fee 200 pesos (reservations are required to visit: reservadelpajarotoh@gmail.com)
• Reserva del Pájaro TOH Facebook Page

12. Strolling through the botanical garden

If you are a nature lover, you can go to the Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden. It is a huge park that covers 65 hectares of land, where you can see a rich biodiversity of plants and animals.

You can walk among the mangroves and the Caribbean jungle, and spot monkeys, coatis, cacti, palm trees, and medicinal plants. You can also learn about the history and culture of the region, as you visit different attractions in the park, such as:

-The rubber extraction process, which was very important for Puerto Morelos in the past.

-The reconstruction of a Mayan village, where you can see how the ancient people lived and worked.

-The suspension bridge and the lookout point, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the park and the surrounding area.

-The road to the Mayan archaeological site “El Altar”, where you can admire the remains of a ceremonial center.

-The area dedicated to the melipona bees, which were sacred to the ancient Mayas and produce a special honey with healing properties.

• Admission 120 pesos, children 50 pesos
• Bring mosquito repellent
• Puerto Morelos Botanical Garden Facebook Page

13. Visiting an animal sanctuary

If you are looking for a fun and meaningful activity to do with your kids in Puerto Morelos, you should consider visiting an animal sanctuary. You will not only have a great time, but also support the conservation of wildlife.

There are two places that are dedicated to this noble cause: Croco Cun Zoo and Toolok Kaa’n.

Croco Cun Zoo

Croco Cun Zoo is more than just a zoo. It is a natural park that offers a sanctuary for animals that are well cared for and fed.

You can see a variety of animals, such as crocodiles, ocelots, deer, boas, monkeys, parrots, and turtles.

You can take a mandatory guided tour that lasts about 75 minutes. The tour will teach you more about the local wildlife, let you feed and even touch some animals, and ensure that you respect their comfort and well-being.

• Admission $32usd, $22usd for 6 to 12 years old, free for 0 to 5 years old
• Open from 9am to 5pm
• Croco Cun website

Toolok Kaa’n

Toolok Kaa’n is located just 1.5 miles from the Cenote Route.

It is a sanctuary founded by the government to support wildlife protection initiatives, including some endemic species in danger of extinction.

A specialized guide takes you through the trails to learn about the fauna, mainly reptiles (crocodiles, caimans, iguanas, snakes), and you will be able to interact with some of the animals.

• Admission 200 pesos, 100 for children
• Toolok Kaa’n Facebook Page

  

14. Delphinus: avoid it!

The Delphinus in Puerto Morelos is located in the marina of El Cid Hotel and offers several packages to swim with dolphins.

I know that many families love to see dolphins but they may not be aware of the cruelty and suffering that these animals endure in captivity. I think it is shocking and sad that these attractions that exploit animals are still legal and popular in our society.

If you love animals, visit one of the refuges in Puerto Morelos or just watch them in the wild 😉

15. Bonus: the trilobite museum

The Back to the Past museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to trilobites trilobites and it is free of charge.

Trilobites lived more than 500 million years ago and were the first complex living beings on our planet.

The museum displays the largest collection with 300 different species from 14 countries, accompanied by a video showing the underwater world of the time.

• The museum is accessible through the lobby of the Hotel Azul Sensatori
• Free admission, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
• Museum page on Facebook

Puerto Morelos: more information

There are several ATMs in Puerto Morelos around the main square, but I recommend going to Chedraui Selecto where you will find Citibanamex and Scotiabank ATMs.

They are safer than the private ATMs (which don’t even always work), you can withdraw more money and they also give 200 pesos bills, not just 500.

Besides the big supermarket Chedraui Selecto, for quick shopping there are several Oxxo, 7Eleven, Six.

One block from the main square, on Niños Heroes street, is the Farmacia Similares, the only pharmacy near the port, the others seem to be in the Colonia area (about 1 mile away). It is practically next to the entrance of Hostal Cuca Macuca!

Where to stay in Puerto Morelos?

Puerto Morelos has hotels for every budget and taste, from affordable and cozy to luxury hotels with beachfront spas.

Here are my recommendations of the best hotels in Puerto Morelos for all budgets:

• Hacienda Morelos Beachfront Hotel: beachfront hotel with swimming pool, very well located just 110 yards from the main square, across the street from a supermarket, and near many restaurants, bars, and cafes. Very good on-site restaurant. From 87 $usd per night!

• Maya-Ha Village: comfortable cabins for up to 4 people, located in a lush nature with private cenotes. Ideal for relaxation and meditation, with a spa and a restaurant, from 122 $usd per night!

• Oom Bubble Boutique Riviera Cancun: a unique and romantic getaway, where you can sleep in transparent bubbles in the Mayan jungle with air conditioning. You can also enjoy the swimming pool and a good restaurant. From 280 $usd per night!

• Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort: this is the perfect choice for families with children. This all-inclusive hotel offers a children’s playroom, a water slide, 4 restaurants, a large swimming pool, and a beach with beds, sun loungers, and hammocks. From 580 $usd per night!

How to get to Puerto Morelos

It is very easy to get to Puerto Morelos, as it is located on the road that runs along the Riviera Maya, halfway between Cancun (25 miles) and Playa del Carmen (22 miles).

From Cancun

• By car: 35 min on the Tulum-Cancun/Mexico 307 highway
• By public transportation: “Playa Express” bus to Playa del Carmen and get off in Puerto Morelos (40$mxn). Then you can take a colectivo or a cab to the beach.
• By private transportation: the fastest and most comfortable way to get to your hotel in Puerto Morelos is to hire a private transfer from Cancun airport, in an air-conditioned van.

Make your reservation here, choosing the one way or round trip option:

From Playa del Carmen

• By car: 30 minutes, using the Cancun-Tulum/Chetumal-Cancun/Mexico 307 highway
• By public transportation: take a colectivo in the direction of Cancun to Puerto Morelos (30 pesos) at the intersection of Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 45 Norte and then take a cab or another colectivo to the beach (but BEWARE: I had to walk 30 min because no colectivos passed by and the same thing to go back).

Rent a car in Mexico

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Puerto Morelos and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

How to get to Puerto Morelos by plane

The closest airport to Puerto Morelos is Cancun. It is a large airport that receives many domestic and international flights from major cities in Europe and North America.

To find cheap flight to Cancun, I recommend you to use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner: it’s the guarantee to pay the best price!

Getting around in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is divided into two parts:

• The area near the sea: where you will find most of the hotels, nice restaurants, with a cozy seaside atmosphere.
• La Colonia area: much more local vibe, with more affordable prices.<

The two areas are separated by the highway 307 and the mangroves, which are home to a rich and diverse ecosystem.

Puerto Morelos has been protected by the local government from overdevelopment and has preserved its cozy and charming character. This is a rare opportunity that many other places in Yucatan have missed!

You can travel between the beach and the town by taking a van (combi or colectivo) that runs every 10 minutes until 10 pm. The van stops near the ADO bus station (Multiplaza) and the main square. The ticket costs only 8 pesos.

You can also take a taxi if you prefer, which will cost you 40 pesos (for up to 4 people) and drop you off at the town entrance.

Where to eat in Puerto Morelos

For a good breakfast, head to Cafe Layla.

Relaxed atmosphere, wifi, very friendly service, delicious eggs benedict with smoked salmon (230 pesos), juices and smoothies, several vegan options for breakfast and lunch. Apparently, vegan pizzas are THE specialty.

For local food, cheap and very good, I recommend Amor y Pez. Delicious shrimp taco (45 pesos), fish taco (45 pesos) and cheese and shrimp burrito (115 pesos – well served).

To eat by the sea and enjoy the beach: I recommend Boquinete and Muelle Once.

Both are next to each other, in the center of Puerto Morelos, with a great ocean view, excellent service, a covered terrace and a beach area with loungers and tables.

• I suggest you try at Boquinete: the Mezcalita Piña Spicy cocktail (150 pesos), the linguine with clams (255 pesos) and for dessert the delicious apple pie with ice cream (135 pesos)

• What to try at Muelle Once: the margarita, guacamole (125 pesos), tuna tartar (225 pesos), fresh oysters au gratin with gruyere and parmesan cheese (6 for 290 pesos), seafood flatbread (320 pesos)

One more recommendation for the beach: on my first visit, I went to Unico Beach Club. Good vibe, no entrance fee, you can rent a beach chair + umbrella for 150 pesos, the margaritas were really good!

If you need a coffee shop with wifi, the best place is Local Coffee + Shop. It’s not very local, as most of the customers are foreigners, but it has a nice terrace, good coffee, fast wifi and early opening hours (7am). It’s a great spot if you want to work remotely.

The tourist map of Puerto Morelos

Here is the map with the tourist attractions of Puerto Morelos, mentioned in the article.

When to go to Puerto Morelos?

You can visit Puerto Morelos any time of the year, but the Riviera Maya has the hottest, most humid and rainy months from June to November, and the risk of hurricanes from September to October.

Rainfall is short, but intense.

On the other hand, it’s the low season for international tourism, so it’s much quieter, except for weekends when national travelers and locals come.

As for the weather, from December to April is ideal, but it’s also the high season for tourism from December to February.

In my opinion, the best time to go to Puerto Morelos is when it’s dry and not too crowded: late November to mid-December and March-April.

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

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• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Yucatan Peninsula: Top 20 things to Do and See
• Riviera Maya: The 35 Epic Things to Do!

• Akumal: 17 best things to do + How to swim with turtles?
• Bacalar: The 18 Best Places to Visit
• Cancun: the 35 Best Things to Discover
• Playa del Carmen: Top 30 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Tulum: 21 Best Things to Do + All My Best Tips!
• Isla Contoy (Cancun): Everything You Need to Know For Your Visit

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