Destination Overview

Every city and town in the Mexican Caribbean has its own distinctive character, and Puerto Morelos has the feel of a laid back fishing village, with a bohemian touch. Located in the Riviera Maya region almost exactly between the tourist playgrounds of Cancun to the north and Playa del Carmen to the south, it remains a tranquil spot to enjoy a tropical seaside honeymoon. It’s a chance for visitors to enjoy the beaches and crystal clear waters without the crowds, and also to experience ordinary life in the Yucatan peninsula.

The beaches are encircled by coral reefs, which makes the waters calm and ideal for swimming and snorkeling. They’re also the starting point for boat trips for scuba diving amid the coral reefs and for fishing.

Life here moves at a slower pace than the hustle and bustle of the busy tourist spots, and that’s a big part of the charm of Puerto Morelos. A walk along the boardwalk gives you a view of the pier and the leaning lighthouse, a famous landmark. You can visit artisan centers, botanical gar-dens and spas, eat in small restaurants where the friendly owners will remember your name, and walk safely around the town.

For more adventurous pursuits, follow the cenote trails, and visit the nature parks to see the flora and fauna of the region. Accommodations include various options suited to every budget, includ-ing large all-inclusive resorts, small cabins, hostels, small hotels and luxury boutique hotels.


About Puerto Morelos

At a Glance

  • The beaches are calm with small waves because they are sheltered by the coral reef. There are no crowds, and you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, boating, kayaking, fishing and diving. Ventana al Mar is a favorite spot,
  • The reefs of the Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park are part of the Great Barrier Reef Belt of the Western Atlantic. This was made a protected natural area in 1998 and is home to a great variety of marine life, including coral, sponges, octopus, squid, snails, crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and three species of turtles as well many species of tropical fish. The best way to see this reef is snorkeling or scuba diving.
  • More experienced divers can explore sunken shipwrecks.
  • At the Hunab-Ku square artisan center you can buy products like gemstones and woven ham-mocks and interact with the artists and craftspeople.
  • The Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden is one of the largest in Mexico. You’ll see typical plants from the region, as well as local wildlife including birds of all kinds, spider mon-keys and coatis. There are a couple of lookout towers and a suspension bridge.
  • Explore the Ruta de la Cenotes, or Cenotes Route, which covers six of these natural lakes. Ce-notes are formed when sinkholes in the limestone fill up with groundwater. They are linked by the hidden underground rivers typical of the Yucatán peninsula. The crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. You can also try diving off a zip line into a cenote, or rap-pelling down the cliff walls.
  • The Selvática Ecological Park is one of the most popular adventure parks in the Riviera Maya. Zip lines, cenotes, and ATV rides in the jungle will satisfy the most dedicated adrenaline junk-ies.

Honeymoon Hints

  • Charter a catamaran for a private sailing trip, with lunch and drinks. See the coral reef, go div-ing and have a magical day.
  • The spa experience is unique as therapists use traditional knowledge and methods to relax and heal mind, body and spirit. You can find spas at many of the hotels as well as small independ-ent establishments.
  • Take a cooking class where you’ll learn to cook typical Mexican food. You’ll get an apron and recipes to take home with you.

Travel Tips

  • GETTING THERE: Most visitors arrive via the Cancun International Airport, and then take a bus or taxi into town.
  • GETTING AROUND: You can rent a car or bicycle to get around town. Local taxis and buses are available to take you to the tourist attractions.
  • MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS: If you’re planning to get married here, make sure you meet all legal requirements. You’ll find all information on marriage regulations here (link: https://www.mexicancaribbean.travel/weddings/requirements/)
  • CURRENCY: The peso. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere but change will likely be in pe-sos.
  • ELECTRICITY: 110 volts, 60 cycles. Bring a power surge protector for your computer.
  • AVERAGE YEAR ROUND TEMPERATURE: 80 degrees F.
  • WHEN TO GO: With a comfortable tropical climate, this is a year-round destination. Hurri-cane season is in the fall, so make sure you check the forecast and keep track of any storms.
  • WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES: One of the best ways to get around the island is on foot, so make sure you have comfortable footwear.
  • BRING SUNSCREEN & TOILETRIES: The sun is very strong and you can get a bad burn in a short time.
  • DON’T LOSE YOUR TOURIST CARD: The remainder of the Tourist Card you receive upon arrival has to be turned in when you leave the country. Keep it safely with your passport.
  • HEALTH: International travel to Mexico was never shut down due to Covud-19, but each re-gion, most hotels and tourist attractions have their own guidelines that must be followed by visitors. When planning your trip, check these guidelines in advance. Travelers to Mexico should also keep themselves updated on the status of the Zika virus.