Puerto Morelos

It's the ideal location for those who want a quiet beach vacation away from the glitz, but with ample tourist amenities. The town has just two principal streets and you can walk from one end to the other in about 15 minutes.

You can get by with English, but Spanish is not superfluous. Most places accept US dollars but not credit cards. Almost all prices are quoted in Mexican pesos (M$) and it is generally cheaper to pay in pesos than in US dollars. There is no bank in town, but several bank cash machines for withdrawals. There are a couple of bank branches at the commercial area by La Colonia where Calle Jose Maria Morelos meets Highway 307.

The reef just off shore is part of the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef system in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. In 1998 the reef in front of Puerto Morelos became a protected National Marine Park, preserving its rich biodiversity and making this area one of the best preserved of the Great Mesoamerican Reef. Buildings in Puerto Morelos are limited to three stories by local bylaws, to preserve its village character.

Puerto Morelos' reputation as a laid-back Caribbean destination is supported by its scattering of boutique hotels, condominiums, villas, plus various small restaurants and tourist shops. Its appeal is especially strong to travelers who eschew all-inclusives and built up "touristy" attractions. For the most part, the town is a residential community with a mix of Mexicans, Canadians, Americans, and Europeans who live there full or part-time.

Just across the Highway 307, the main north-south route on the peninsula, is Colonia Zetina Gazca, commonly known as "La Colonia." This inland community is mainly single level dwellings for local Mexicans and a few ex-pats, and contains amenities such as small food stores, pharmacies, and several casual restaurants serving simple fare. In general, tourists tend to gravitate to the beaches of Puerto Morelos. The locals tend to live in the less expensive La Colonia.

There are many local taxis around, they gather at a taxi stand on the west side of the main square in Puerto Morelos. Bicycling is an excellent way to get around town, and bikes can be rented at a number of places in town. There is also a local car rental agency in the main town on the highway. Always make sure you find out the price of a taxi ride before you get in to avoid disagreements. At the car rental place you can bargain for a cheaper rate.

• 🌍 Jardín Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín (Botanical Garden), Carretera Federal Chetumal-Cancún KM 320, ☏ +52 998 206 9233. M-F 08:00 - 16:00, closed Sa-Su. Walk the trails and learn about the various types of plant life found in the Yucatan Peninsula. Monkeys will watch you from the trees and iguanas are everywhere. Wear mosquito spray and bring a water bottle. M$120. (updated Dec 2023)

• 🌍 Jardin Principal (Zocalo), Calle Morelos. The town's central plaza is a large city block at the center of town. It's a popular landmark and gathering spot and becomes an impromptu marketplace on Saturday when several vendors set up tables. (updated Dec 2023)

• 🌍 Faro Inclinado (Leaning Lighthouse), Oceanfront at end of Calle Morelos. The town's old lighthouse was knocked askew by Hurricane Beulah in 1967. It's since been adopted as the town's icon and is a popular place for photographers and wandering tourists. (updated Dec 2023)

• Scuba diving. Puerto Morelos offers a large variety of marine life on one of the most beautiful reefs in the world. The dives inside the reef can be from shallow up to dives where you can see large coral formations at greater depths. For more advanced divers there a few wrecks and the cenotes to explore. Also has easy access to various dive sites ranging from very easy to very challenging ones. For those who are looking for some relaxed diving there are some beautiful shallow reef formations in water of 40 feet/12 meters depth where you can dive among turtles, schools of colorful fish, eagle rays, and many species of crabs and lobsters only to name a few. For wreck lovers, there are two accessible wrecks near Puerto Moleros. The nearest is the C-56, a navy boat that has beautiful coral and which is home to very large pelagics at 60-90 feet/18-27 meters). For more experienced divers there's the Tulum which is at a depth of about 120 feet/36 meters. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef lies about 500 meters offshore. It is closer to the shore near Puerto Morelos than it is at most other points along the coast of Quintana Roo. Several dive shops and nearby resorts offer diving on the reef. See Diving in Mexico.

• Swimming. Near the shore, water temperatures average about 27°C (80°F) year round. Freshwater swimming is available inland, at several cenotes. At cenotes that are not exposed to sunlight, temperatures are colder, and a partial wetsuit may be necessary for anything more than a brief dip. For stronger swimmers, take an official park snorkeling tour out to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef further out from the beach.

• Reef diving. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef lies about 500 meters offshore. It is closer to the shore near Puerto Morelos than at most other points along the coast of Quintana Roo. Several dive shops and nearby resorts offer diving on the reef.

• Snorkeling. You can snorkel close to the beach (yellow floaters mark the end of the zone), and there is a small underwater cenote called Ojo de Agua just off the beach that's popular and has some fish. The best snorkeling is at the park reef, which is only accessible using guided trips by boat (about M$600/US$30 per person; many operators). Snorkeling out to the reef from shore on your own is not permitted. If you do swim out alone to the reef from the beach, you risk being picked out of the water by park wardens who may just tell you off and take you back to the shore, but are within their rights to fine you. These rules are not clearly signposted anywhere. Unless you are just snorkeling along the beach or going out to the Ojo de Agua, it is best to take an official park tour. To protect the reef against intentional and unintentional damage, you are only allowed onto the reef in the company of an accredited guide, with a park wristband, and wearing a non-inflatable life jacket (PFD). All snorkeling equipment can be provided by your guide but having your own mask and snorkel is recommended for best fit. A light wetsuit is welcome certain times of year. A snorkeling tour starts from the Puerto Morelos public dock with a short trip out to the reef in a panga motor boat. There are typically two guides on the boat who alternate as boat driver and in-the-water guide. The water guide will indicate points of interest on the reef and have a life buoy to hang onto should anyone get tired while in the water. There are usually two 45-minute snorkeling sessions in different areas of the reef. Typically, you will see grouper, barracuda, dorado, wahoo, rays, sea turtles and all the vegetation of a healthy reef. While there is a breakwater about a mile off the beach that protects the reef, there are currents to navigate. Being a good swimmer will add to the enjoyment of this tour. Most will find this snorkeling tour to be a rewarding experience. After the tour, the guide will take you back to the public dock or drop you off on the Puerto Morelos Public Beach near your lodging.

• Cenotes. Cenotes are sinkholes in the native limestone that are filled with crystal-clear groundwater; some are large and deep, while others are small passages through a cave. Inland from Puerto Morelos, many cenotes are accessible along the road from Puerto Morelos to Central Vallarta, some with really good swimming in clear blue water; To take local transport to the cenotes take colectivo bus "Jacinto Kanek" from Puerto Morelos to the other side of the highway, get off at the Pemex station (Colonia Zetina Gasca), once there go to the main zocalo two blocks west of 7-Eleven and take the bus heading to Leona Vicario, they leave Morelos at 07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and return from Leona at 12:00, 13:00, 16:00,and 17:00 you can get off at Boca del Puma, just past Central Vallarta at Km 16, which has nice trails through the forest and a cool snorkel through a cave passage, the owner Jesus will rent you a bicycle if you want to explore the nearby cenotes on your own. Snorkel in a cenote a few meters out in front of the Ojo de Agua hotel or the Puerto Morelos Reef, about 500-1000 meters from shore. You can rent equipment at the dive shops around town and swim there yourself, or book a boat trip outside the Casita del Mar (north end of town, on the beach) for M$440. Downtown operations offer trips for M$500.
• Sunbathing on the soft white sandy beaches is a perfect way to spend a relaxing vacation. Vendors will rent you a beach lounge chair with or without a shady umbrella. Palapas along the beach are served by waiters who will serve you cold drinks and snacks.
• Birdwatching is popular among naturalists. Walk on the boardwalk through the mangroves behind Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort (north end of town), and look at birds and tropical plants. A variety of aquatic shorebirds can be spotted on the beaches and sand dunes. Jungle areas along the Ruta de los Cenotes have a large number of tropical avians.
• Visit apiaries - Beekeeping is an ancient tradition in Maya communities, including the village of Leona Victoria (which is part of the greater Puerto Morelos municipality). The Maya kept bees in hollow logs, which are still the preferred hive host, particularly for stingless bees such as the Melipona beecheii. Honey from Mayan bees has a unique citric flavor. It is used in traditional Mayan cooking and is the sugar source for traditional fermented beverages similar to meads made in England. The Mayan honey bees are critically endangered, mostly due to modern insecticides and reduced habitat.

• 🌍 Marina La Bonita, Bahia Petempich (in Hotel Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita), ☏ +52 998 126 2780. Daily 08:00 - 20:00. Offers high end catamaran sailing tours to Puerto Morelos, Punta Maroma, Cozumel, Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. They also offer private deep sea fishing trips, snorkeling and scuba diving tours and PADI certified scuba diving training. (updated Dec 2023)

• 🌍 Jungle Spa, Calle de Las Reinas, Joaquin Zeteta Gasca (Zona Urbana), ☏ +52 998 2089148, +52 44 998 1805424, starseed@prodigy.net.mx. Tu-Sa 10:00 - 16:00, closed Su-M. Make an appointment Tu-Sa. Reservations 10:00. 12:00, 14:00 or 16:00. Limited time Sunday - 13:30 and 15:30 after Jungle Market. Closed Mondays. The spa is operated by non profit organization and directed by Sandra A. Dayton. The spa was created so that the Mayan women could benefit from the tourists coming to the area and provide for their families. They provide an authentic Mayan massage. (updated Dec 2023)

• 🌍 Aquanauts Dive Adventures, Marina El Cid, Ave. Rafael E. Melgar (in Hotel Carmen Hacienda, one block south of the town center), ☏ +52 998-206-9365. Daily 08:00 to 16:00. Offers scuba diving tours, PADI certification classes, snorkeling tours, and fishing. (updated Dec 2023)

• 🌍 El Rey Polo Country Club (Horseback riding, polo and fourwheelers), Ruta de Cenotes 11.5 km (On highway 307 turn west at Ruta de Cenotes, the club is 11.5 km down the road), ☏ +52 998 860 0499. M-Sa 10:00-22:00, Su 12:00-18:00. An attraction in the middle of the jungle. A huge green polo field, club house with restaurant and bar surrounded by pristine tropical forest. Here you can take a trail ride on horse back take riding and polo lessons, hire a four wheeler to visit the cenotes or just relax at the bar. Regular polo matches are on the calendar and visitors are welcome to watch. 

• 🌍 Om Delfin, Hotel Hacienda Morelos, ☏ +52 998 354 2556, omdelfin@gmail.com. 08:00 - 18:00. For scuba diving on Puerto Morelos reef, ship wrecks and cenotes. PADI certifications. (updated Dec 2023)

• 🌍 Wet Set Diving and Snorkeling Adventures Scuba Shop, Javier Rojo Gomez, ☏ +52 998 206 9204. Daily 08:00 - 16:00. Hotels and resorts send people here for the guided reef snorkling, but they're a full-service dive shop offering PADI certification courses and a variety of dive trips including cenote diving, dives with sharks, and night dives (updated Dec 2023)

• 🌍 Scuba Public Diving, Hotel Ojo de Agua, Javier Rojo Gomez, ☏ +52 998 107 3121. Daily 08:00 - 20:00. PADI certification courses and dive trips to local reefs and cenotes. Night dives are available. (updated Dec 2023)

• 🌍 Alma Libre Bookstore, Av Tulum south of square. Daily 10:00 - 17:00. Large selection of used English paperbacks, plus new books of local interest in both English and Spanish. They take trades too. Sign up for their free monthly newsletter, full of updates about the town. Only open during high season (December to June). (updated Dec 2023)

• 🌍 Mexican Artisan Market (Mercado Artesania), Avenida Rafael Melgar Supermanzana 01 Manzana 6 Lote 01-01 (across Av Tulum from Plaza Principal). Daily 08:00 - 21:30. Best place to buy souvenirs, the marketplace has a large number of vendors selling artesanias and folk art from Yucatan craftsmen as well as pieces from outside the region. Excellent selection of hand-made Yucatan hammocks as well as woven textiles and carved obsidian and jade. (updated Dec 2023)
• 🌍 Mercadito de los Miercoles (Tianguis), Av. Javier Gomez (across the street from Parque Principal). W 08:00 - 14:00. Puerto Morelos has a small tianguis on Wednesday mornings. A tianguis is a pre-hispanic tradition in Mexico in which informal pop-up markets occur each week on a specific day. That day is Wednesday in Puerto Morelos. A traditional tianguis offers fresh produce and other agricultural products, but in Puerto Morelos the emphasis is on items that travelers may want, such as woven bags and wood carvings. (updated Dec 2023)

Most places don't take reservations, and there can be a wait for dinner, especially around 19:00 or 20:00 in the evening. Sundays are the most crowded. There are a number of very cheap restaurants not listed here, especially if you cross the highway to la colonia. If you eat at these places, stick to food that is cooked to order, as some dishes may not be fresh.

If you have a kitchen, you can buy groceries at Casa Martin on the town square, a mini-supermarket. You may also be able to buy fresh fish from fishermen at the docks.

• 🌍 Cantina Habanero, Javier Rojo Gomez. Daily 08:00 - 01:00. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving a variety of food, from delicious baby-back ribs and grilled steaks to regional Mexican food. Cold beer, margaritas, mixed drinks. Live music most Friday nights. A gathering spot for locals and tourists. 1/2 block north of the town square. English and Spanish spoken. (updated Dec 2023)
• 🌍 Unico Beach Club, Javier Rojo Gomez, ☏ +52 998 156 3141. Daily 10:00 - 19:00. Palapa beach bar 5 blocks north of the square on the beach. Chairs and umbrellas available, light lunch fare and friendly bartender. English and Spanish spoken. (updated Dec 2023)
• 🌍 La Petita en la Playita, Rafael Melgar. Daily 12:00 - 20:00. Palapa bar and restaurant on the beach. Cold beer, frozen margaritas, mixed drinks. Super fresh seafood with a delicious ceviche full of fish, shrimp and crab. Live music in the evening. (updated Dec 2023)
• 🌍 Full 80s Bar, Rafael Melgar 5. W-M 1:30 - 23:00, closed Tu. Fun place to hang out with outdoor and indoor areas. The indoor areas are air conditioned and includes a game room. DJ spins the tunes in the evening. Food menu is mostly American snack foods, chicken wings, etc. (updated Dec 2023)
• 🌍 El Refugio Bar, Rafael Melgar 2. W-M 1:30 - 23:00, closed Tu. Fun bar with cold beer, some innovative takes on the classic margarita, and a food menu that's a wide range of tacos, from octopus to classics like chicken or fish tacos. Local craft beers available. (updated Dec 2023)

All types of lodging are available, including modest hotels right on the beach. If you are booking within a few weeks of your travel date, you may have to contact several places to find a vacancy.

• Get on the only direct bus to Chetumal at 06:35 in Puerto Morelos, at the ADO selling point/ farmacia Paris (5 hr). Mayab bus runs rest of the day, bit cheaper, 6 hr.

• Visit the many impressive Maya archaeological sites: Mayan Riviera including Tulum, Cobá and Muyil; Great Costa Maya (Kohunlich, Kinichná, Dzibanché, Oxtankah and Chacchoben) south of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and sites in the nearby Yucatán State including Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Dzibichaltun and Ek Balam.

• Swim in the cenotes (underground lagoons). The famous Ruta de Cenotes begins in Puerto Morelos and goes west toward Merida.

• Take the ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen

• Visit Cancún via highway 307 for shopping and dining. A 30-minute drive.

• South of Playa del Carmen visit X'caret or Xel-ha, large theme-park style nature parks.

• Visit A´aktun Jaaleb at Nuevo Durango, a small Mayan community 2 hours inland from Puerto Morelos that participates in fair tourism as an alternative economic model of development. The community is between Puerto Morelos and Valladolid (and Chichen Itza) and sits north of Coba.