Puerto Morelos is a small coastal town between Cancún and Playa del Carmen.

Compared to the two better-known resorts, it has a more peaceful atmosphere, low-rise buildings, pleasant restaurants and one of the most easily accessible coral reefs in the whole of the Riviera Maya.

Don’t come here for the sights or the nightlife. The main reasons to visit are the snorkelling, the peaceful atmosphere and trips to the cenotes.

Choose Puerto Morelos if:

• you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Cancún and Playa del Carmen
• you prefer smaller hotels and restaurants to sprawling tourist areas
• you want to go snorkelling on a coral reef
• you’re travelling as a couple or looking for a place for a more laid-back holiday
• you want to stay near Cancún Airport

Choose somewhere else if:

• you’re looking for nightlife, shopping centres and a wide range of activities
• you want to go on day trips by public transport every day
• you’re expecting a perfectly maintained beach free from sargassum
• you’re travelling with children who need water parks, entertainment and extensive resort facilities

For a day trip, simply head to the cliffs in the morning, stroll through the town centre after lunch and spend the rest of the day on the beach. For a more relaxing holiday, we recommend staying for 2 to 4 nights.

The coast, the town centre and the sloping lighthouse

The tourist hub is the small Jardín Principal square, not far from the fishing pier.

Around it, you’ll find restaurants, cafés, shops and operators offering snorkelling trips.

The symbol of Puerto Morelos is the old leaning lighthouse, Faro Inclinado, which was tilted by a hurricane. A new, functioning lighthouse now stands next to it.

You can walk through the entire coastal centre in about 30 minutes. Most of the restaurants are located around the square and in the few surrounding streets. In the evening, the centre is lively but not noisy. Don’t expect any traditional nightclubs here.

Puerto Morelos is geographically divided into two distinct parts:

• Puerto Morelos Playa lies by the sea and is home to beaches, hotels and the tourist centre.
• Colonia and Joaquín Zetina Gasca are situated along the 307 motorway, approximately 3 km from the coast. Accommodation here is cheaper, but you’ll need to take a taxi to the sea.

When booking a hotel, always check its location on a map. Some hotels labelled as ‘Puerto Morelos’ are situated in resort areas many kilometres from the town.

The beach in Puerto Morelos

The main public beach stretches out on both sides of the pier and the sloping lighthouse. Thanks to the coral reef, the sea here tends to be calmer than on the open beaches at Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

The most pleasant stretch of coastline is to the north of the town centre, around Ojo de Agua. Further south, there are an increasing number of smaller hotels, apartments and resorts.

The beach is suitable for swimming and families with children, but it is not one of the widest on the Riviera Maya. If you’re looking for long stretches of white sand, Playacar or the northern part of Cancún are usually better options.

From spring to autumn, large amounts of sargassum may wash ashore. The city uses protective barriers and cleans the beaches, but conditions vary depending on the wind and sea currents. Before booking, check recent photos of the beach and the latest reviews of the specific hotel.

Snorkelling on the coral reef

The Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos protects part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which lies just off the coast. Snorkelling is the main reason to visit Puerto Morelos.

The main parts of the reef are accessible by boat with an authorised guide. The trip usually lasts around 2 hours and includes the boat trip, a guide, a life jacket and snorkelling equipment.

A basic group trip costs around 600 mxn. You can find offers right by the jetty, but during the peak season we recommend booking in advance.

Trips usually set off in the morning, when the sea is calmer and visibility is better. In strong winds, boat trips may be cancelled for safety reasons.

Do not swim out to the reef on your own. It is further away than it appears from the shore, and there are rules governing movement within the protected national park. Do not touch the coral, and do not use standard sun cream before entering the water.

• 👉 Choose a snorkelling trip in Puerto Morelos

Ruta de los Cenotes

To the west of the town lies the Ruta de los Cenotes, a road lined with dozens of natural swimming holes, underground caves and small adventure parks.

The individual cenotes are several kilometres apart. Public transport along the route is virtually non-existent, so we recommend hiring a car or booking an organised tour.

Which cenote to choose:

• Verde Lucero: an open cenote suitable for a first visit, swimming and diving into the water.
• Siete Bocas: a combination of open and cave sections with a more natural atmosphere.
• Las Mojarras: a large open body of water suitable for swimming and families.
• Cenotes Zapote: a more developed complex with several cenotes and adventure activities.

Entry to the simpler cenotes costs around 300 mxn. Larger complexes with rope slides, quad bike rides or refreshments are significantly more expensive.

Take cash, water shoes and insect repellent with you. In most cenotes, the use of sun cream and body lotions is prohibited before swimming.

• 👉Browse tours and activities from Puerto Morelos

Botanical Garden

The Jardín Botánico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín preserves the native vegetation of the Yucatán Peninsula. Trails wind through the tropical forest past medicinal plants, observation towers and a suspension bridge.

With a bit of luck, you’ll spot spider monkeys, lizards and many species of birds. Allow around 2 hours for your visit and bring insect repellent.

The garden is situated on the main road 307, not near the coastal centre. It is usually open on weekdays from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm and admission costs around 160 mxn. Check the current opening times before you go.

Croco Cun Zoo

The interactive Croco Cun Zoo is situated north of the city and focuses on animals native to the Yucatán Peninsula.

Visits are guided only and last approximately 60 to 75 minutes. You’ll see crocodiles, snakes, parrots and other rescued animals. Under the guide’s supervision, visitors can feed or touch selected species.

The park is particularly suitable for families with children. Admission is quite expensive, with an adult ticket costing around 1 000 mxn.

You can find the latest information and make bookings on the Croco Cun Zoo website.

Where to stay in Puerto Morelos

If you want to explore the town itself, look for a hotel in the coastal area known as Puerto Morelos Playa. You’ll be within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and the jetty offering snorkelling trips.

Hotels by the motorway are cheaper, but you’ll have to travel to the coast. The large all-inclusive resorts are located to the north or south of the town and often share only the name ‘Puerto Morelos’ in their address with the town centre.

A cheaper hotel with a local atmosphere

The Amar Inn is situated in the coastal part of the town, not far from the beach. It features a garden, a small swimming pool and simple rooms and bungalows.

We recommend it to travellers who want a good location and a more personal atmosphere. Don’t choose it if you’re expecting a modern resort and extensive hotel facilities.

A simpler hotel right by the sea

The Hacienda Morelos Beachfront Hotel is situated right on the beach and just a few minutes’ walk from the main square.

Its main advantage is its location, not its luxurious facilities. It’s suitable for visitors who want a sea view, the town centre within walking distance and don’t need an all-inclusive package.

A higher standard without the seclusion of a resort

The Fives Oceanfront offers modern apartment-style rooms, a rooftop pool and a seaside location.

Choose this if you want the comfort of a larger hotel but still want to be able to reach the town centre on foot or by a short taxi ride. The hotel offers various meal options, so when booking, check whether the price includes room only, breakfast or all-inclusive.

All-inclusive for families

Dreams Jade Resort & Spa is a large all-inclusive resort with several swimming pools, restaurants, and a kids’ and teens’ club.

We recommend it to families who want to spend most of their holiday at the resort. You’ll need to take a taxi to the centre of Puerto Morelos.

All-inclusive for adults only

Secrets Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa is a luxury adults-only resort north of the city.

It’s ideal for couples looking for peace and quiet, high-quality dining and a full range of resort services. It’s not suitable if you want to walk into town every evening.

How to get to Puerto Morelos

From Cancún Airport

Puerto Morelos is located approximately 27 km from Cancún Airport and is one of the closest resorts on the Riviera Maya.

The cheapest option is the direct ADO bus. A one-way ticket costs around 210 mxn and the journey takes between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on your departure terminal.

However, direct services to Puerto Morelos only run a few times a day, usually during the day. Not every bus heading for Playa del Carmen stops in Puerto Morelos.

The bus will drop you off at the Pemex petrol station and the 7-Eleven shop at the junction with the 307 motorway. The coastal centre is still about 3 km away, so you’ll need to continue by taxi.

You can find the latest timetables on the ADO website. Further information is provided in our guide to transport from Cancún Airport.

If you’re staying at a resort outside the city, travelling with a lot of luggage or arriving in the evening, a private transfer directly to your hotel is well worth it.

From Cancún and Playa del Carmen

Buses and colectivo minibuses run along Route 307 between Cancún and Playa del Carmen.

Get off at the junction with the access road to Puerto Morelos. From there, continue by taxi or local minibus to the coast.

The colectivo is cheap and runs frequently, but it’s not very comfortable if you’re travelling with a large suitcase.

By Tren Maya train

The Tren Maya station in Puerto Morelos is located away from the coastal part of the town. The connecting bus costs around 55 mxn and takes approximately 15 minutes to reach only the inland part of Puerto Morelos. You’ll need to take a taxi to get to the beach.

The train is a good option when travelling from Valladolid, Mérida or other destinations along the route. For transport from Cancún Airport, a direct bus or transfer is usually simpler.

Timetables and tickets can be found on the official Tren Maya website.

Car hire

You won’t need a car in the coastal town centre. All the restaurants, the beach and the jetty for snorkelling boats are within walking distance.

We recommend hiring a car for trips along the Ruta de los Cenotes or when travelling on to other parts of the Yucatán Peninsula. Cancún Airport offers the widest selection of car hire companies.

• 👉 Compare car hire prices at Cancún Airport

Local taxis do not have meters. Always agree on the price before getting in, and for longer journeys, ask your hotel or restaurant to check the standard fare.

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