Puerto Morelos: Cancun’s Little-Known Neighbour. Discover this ALMOST-Forgotten Gem!
Sarah Barlow
UPDATED ON
Puerto Morelos is the little-known Caribbean gem every savvy traveler wants to know more about.
This almost-forgotten town offers a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of neighboring mega-resort areas such as Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
It’s true tropical bliss.
No doubt, you love your creature comforts, but I sense you’re an adventurist too?
It’s time to go beyond the clusters of resorts, big cities, and shopping malls to discover the ‘REAL’ Mexico, a country permeated by an old-world ambiance.
Our guide to Puerto Morelos includes:
- The Town’s History
- Location
- Beaches in Puerto Morelos
- Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos
- Cenotes in Puerto Morelos
- Shopping in Puerto Morelos
- Hotels and Accommodation in Puerto Morelos
- Things to Do in Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Morelos Restaurants
- Weddings in Puerto Morelos
1. History of Puerto Morelos
Have you ever heard of the term Chicle?
It’s a resin used to make chewing gum.
Not only did the ancient Maya contribute huge wisdom to our vision of astronomy and architecture they contributed their knowledge to something within the reach of almost everyone today: chewing gum.
Known among the Maya as “sicté,” meaning “essential fluid,” it was completely natural, with white color and without flavors or added sugar.
It had a special manufacturing process that only the ancient Maya had mastered.
The gum was boiled and shaped into bricks, loaded onto a railroad, pulled by mules or horses over tracks through the jungle to Puerto Morelos, then shipped around the world.
Puerto Morelos is unique because it is the only deep-water port in this neck of the sands.
In the mid-1900s manufacturers started using a cheaper synthetic base for their products, thus taking away the port’s main business.
However, since then not much has changed.
That’s what makes this place so great!
You’re guaranteed to meet some of the friendliest people in the world, learn a little history, and truly unwind in a serene and laidback atmosphere.
2. Location of Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos can be located just 36 km south of Cancun and 30 km north of Playa del Carmen.
Back in 2015, the town merged with the village of Leona Vicar to become the 11th municipality in Quintana Roo.
It is now one of the oldest, largest, and most important seaports in the state of the region.
The town is divided up into three sections.
Largely by highways and mangroves.
1. West of the highway is known as “Colonia Joaquin Zetina Gazca“.
2. The section east of the highway is called “Colonia Pescadores”.
3. And on the east coast, you have “Puerto” or “Antiguo (old) Puerto Morelos” (the original fishing village, now characterized by private homes, hotels, condominiums, restaurants, and tourist shops while simultaneously retaining its original charm).
Puerto Morelos offers a stark contrast to the 500 hotel-resorts, sprawling cities like Cancun City, Playa del Carmen and Tulum City, theme parks, block-long discos, shopping malls, zip line mazes and the like, that draw over 8 million visitors a year.
3. Beaches in Puerto Morelos
You’re on vacation in a tropical paradise, of course, you are going to want some valuable rest and relaxation time on the beach and in the beautiful water.
Generally, speaking beaches in Puerto Morelos are wide, sandy, uncrowded, and groomed every single morning!
Whether you are just visiting for the day or choosing to stay in Puerto Morelos there is something for everyone.
The hotels with the best beaches in Puerto Morelos include:
(more on these 3 later)
The world’s second largest barrier reef that can found just 400 meters from the shore of Puerto Morelos protects its beaches from any rough surfs.
Perfect if you have children because there are no big waves crashing in.
If you are just passing through or visiting for the day the beach located right in the center of town in front of Pelicanos Restaurant is the place to be!
This stretch of public sand is flanked by two private resort beaches, but it is equally as beautiful.
The water here is fit for snorkeling so be sure to bring your gear with you. However, if you do forget to bring it you will be able to buy some locally on the town’s main square or rent some from one of the locals just past the pier.
For the most part you can wade right out into the water on a nice sandy bottom, however, there are some areas that can be a little rocky so to be on the safe side be sure to bring water shoes with you.
4. Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos
Do you love snorkeling?
Or do you really want to practice your skills somewhere?
Look no further.
Puerto Morelos boasts some of the best snorkeling in the region.
All thanks to the world’s second largest barrier reef.
This thriving ecosystem is home to an array of colorful tropical fish and marine life (over 65 species in total).
If you’re lucky you may even see a turtle or two as this is where they breed during certain seasons.
If you consider yourself a somewhat advanced snorkeler and want to dive, Puerto Morelos Reef National Park has many offshore dive sites.
If you get seasick when riding on a boat for too long, fear not! The reef in this part of the region is extremely close to the shore.
You can even pay locals a modest amount sometimes as low as 100 pesos, but usually around 300 to take you out to the reef to let you snorkel around for an hour.
If you don’t consider yourself a strong swimmer, this place is perfect for you because the water is so shallow. All you really have to know what to do is float!
You can’t come to Puerto Morelos without exploring what lies beneath these dazzling turquoise waters.
In the interests of preserving this wonderful experience please do not touch the fish or the coral, and if you can be sure to wear biodegradable sunscreen and bug repellent.
5. Cenotes in Puerto Morelos
If you’ve done your homework on Mexico before visiting you’ve probably heard or come across the word cenote.
These incredible natural phenomena are one of the Yucatan’s most distinctive and unique natural wonders.
Formed over millions of years these freshwater swimming areas are visually stunning to behold. You don’t want to miss out.
Cenotes should be on everyone’s bucket list. Trust me, nothing quite compares to the real thing.
Before I decided to up my life into a suitcase and live here I had never even heard of them.
Once considered by the ancient Mayans are the portals to the netherworld these days they offer an amazing refuge from the Mexican sunshine. The perfect place to cool off and submerge yourself in water that feels holistic to the skin.
Cenotes are great if you don’t particularly enjoy swimming in the sea, or don’t like salt water.
There are four different kinds of cenotes in Mexico, open, semi-open, cavernous, and ancient.
Expect pristine clear waters, impressive stalactites/stalagmites, and lots of beautiful fauna and jungle.
Many cenotes have different depths meaning that you can stand up or sit down in parts and usually have deeper areas where you cannot touch the bottom.
In Puerto Morelos, you can find cenotes such as:
1. Cenote 7 Bocas
Just as the name indicates this cenote has 7 mouths or air holes, some of which are interconnected and underground, allowing you to move from to another without leaving the water.
Swim through the tunnels as you admire the tree roots looking for the sweet water of the cenote.
Occasionally a gorgeous light beam will come dazzling in providing a spectacular view.
Depending on how brave you are you can even dive in from a height in one part.
This place is run by a local Mayan family.
The palapas, temazcal, dressing rooms, kitchen, and more facilities make this a great choice if you want to spend an excellent evening with friends and family.
Cost per person/ general entry (varies depending on the season):
Visitors: $250 mxn
Divers: $300 mxn
Schedule: 8 am – 6 pm
Directions: Take the turnoff at km 15 towards a small town by the name of Central Vallarta, there will be a turnoff on the right which will lead you to this beautiful spot after about 1 km.
2. Verde Lucero Cenote
Cenote Verde Lucero (translates as a green star) is located in the middle of the lushest selvatic vegetation.
It is an open cenote that reaches 7 mts high, surrounded by flowers and beautiful fauna.
The best bit?
There’s even a zip line from which you can jump into the water (how cool is that)!
If you’re not such a confident swimmer, fear not, there are ropes you can hold on to the whole way across.
Verde Lucero is without a doubt the perfect place for a fun family trip.
Cost per person:
Visitors – $150 pesos
Locals – $100 pesos
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5.oo pm
Directions: To get here take the turnoff to the left on Km 17 about 100 meters down the road is the cenote which can be reached by walking from the main road.
Shopping in Puerto Morelos
If you’re retail crazy and like to shower yourself with expensive gifts on vacation, then Puerto Morelos is not the place to do it!
Most of the shops here are the ones that line the town’s main square.
Here you’ll find authentic Mexican goods, delicious local treats, and even a flea market!
The locals here are very kind, not pushy like other places in Mexico. It’s never crowded and you’re guaranteed to find a great deal!
You can walk from one side of the village to the other in 15 minutes or so, and you won’t spot the likes of a Mcdonald’s, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut or anything of that caliber here.
The best part?
You won’t be bothered by vendors or timeshare salesmen either.
Just get ready to soak up the incredible atmosphere, and enjoy without being hassled by jewelry or blanket peddlers.
The perfect place to bag all of your souvenirs.
If you’re interested in checking out the flea market there are no real signs for it but it is easy to find.
It can be located on the south side of town, in the middle of the street area.
6. Hotels in Puerto Morelos
This is somewhat a touchy subject when discussing Puerto Morelos because people like me want to ensure that the town retains its old world charm even in the face of tourism.
I can honestly say that city officials and hoteliers have struck a remarkable balance between the two.
This town will never look even remotely like surrounding towns of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
They have each made a pledge to preserve the village’s old-world ambiance.
For example, an association of local hotels is working with the city to spruce up its downtown area by planting more trees, painting worn out spots and adding benches and trash cans.
In the hotel areas, all newcomers to Puerto Morelos must replace any trees or plants cleared out during construction, and only low-rise buildings are allowed.
There are many hotels in Puerto Morelos, and based on your wants and needs our Expert Travel Planners will be able to assist you better.
But for the sake of this article, I will introduce you to three of my favorites.
1. Excellence Riviera Cancun
★★★★★ | Adults-Only | Puerto Morelos
If romance and live music is your style then it’s guaranteed you’re going to love it here.
Excellence Riviera Cancun is a classic all-suite Mediterranean-style resort, crafted from stucco, tile, and marble.
It’s a tropical fantasy perfectly designed to be in harmony with its lush surroundings.
The hotel boasts 6 winding pools for you to cool off in, well-appointed accommodations, and an incredible Spa.
A stay at this hotel will feel secluded in the luxurious tropics but also set you up to be in close proximity of towns like Playa del Carmen (if you like shopping) or Tulum (if you want to discover ancient archeological ruins).
With ten international restaurants, foodies will never want to leave.
Endless activities include sun-up yoga and night shows at the theatre.
Perfect for couples, weddings, family reunions, or groups of friends.
2. Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun
★★★★★ | Adults-Only | Puerto Morelos
Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort surrounded by the warm crystal clear waters of the Riviera Maya.
This AAA Four Diamond Resort combines style, sexiness, and sophistication to provide an unparalleled vacation experience.
You’ll enjoy gourmet restaurants, world-class amenities, and incredible activities and entertainment.
The rooms have been elegantly furnished to exude luxury, and include remarkable pers such as 24-hour room service, in-suite jacuzzis, and a premium stocked minibar.
If you do like to stay connected all guests have access to free unlimited WiFi throughout the resort.
Plus, free international calling and a mobile app that is constantly updated with the resort’s available activities and entertainment.
There are nin restaurants that offer different choices ranging from a light snack to a romantic dinner on the beach.
The á la carte restaurants offer international cuisine including French, Mexican, Pan-Asian, Seafood, Italian and Mediterranean or visit the buffet for a variety of flavors from around the world in one place.
3. Dreams Riviera Cancun
★★★★ | Kid-friendly | Puerto Morelos
Dreams Riviera Cancun is set along a natural white-sand beach in the Riviera Maya, surrounded by lush gardens and the beautiful Caribbean ocean. This family-friendly resort is one of the hottest properties in the area boasting elegant accommodations, gourmet food, and a world-class spa.
Thie AAA Four Diamond resort is an enchanting tropical paradise.
The suites with an ocean view all have unique octagonal-shaped rooms.
Most of the ground floors suites offer private plunge pools.
For children, there is a heated kids pool and a Mayan-themed Explorer’s club featuring a planetarium and Chichen Itza climbing wall.
It’s both educational and fun.
Dreams Riviera Cancun goes far beyond the all-inclusive experience with Unlimited-Luxury®, where nearly everything is included.
Some of the best perks of staying at this hotel include:
- Experience Unlimited-Luxury, a concept exclusive to AM Resorts.
- Unlimited top-shelf spirits, unlimited a la carte dining, 24-hour room service and more.
- A wide range of activities are available including sports, games and a kids club to entertain the little ones.
- A world-class spa awaits with a list of services including body treatments, facials, and massage.
Once you have stayed at the Dreams Riviera Cancun, you will not want to stay anywhere else!
7. Things to Do in Puerto Morelos
Although a stay in Puerto Morelos may feel more secluded than if you were to stay in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, it doesn’t mean that you are limited to a number of things you can do on vacation.
Your options here in the Riviera Maya are endless.
Staying anywhere along the Cancun-Tulum corridor sets you up in a prime position to enjoy all of the regions top attractions.
Local Attractions in Puerto Morelos include:
1. The Old Market Di – Flea Market – shopping for local and authentic Mexican souvenirs.
2. The Leaning Lighthouse – This lighthouse has become an iconic symbol of the city. You can’t visit this gorgeous town without getting a picture next to it.
The strongest hurricane of the 1967 Atlantic season, Hurricane Beulah, damaged the foundations of the lighthouse hence its leaning position.
Plans were made to remove the structure, but after an outcry from locals, town officials agreed that the leaning lighthouse would remain a symbol of the town’s strength.
3. The Nicklaus Design Golf Course
Golfers will be pleased to know that there is a celebrated golf course in the area.
If you are interested in planning a Golf Vacation our specialist vacations team is here to help. We help hundreds of people like you each year get their groups organized and take the stress out of planning.
4. Rodeo Arena – if you are visiting at Christmas each year locals hold a bullfight in this arena while parading the status of Guadalupe around.
Top Attractions in the Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is celebrated for its large range of vacation activities to suit all ages.
1. Xel-Ha & Tulum
Combine 2 of the Riviera Maya’s most stunning attractions: the Tulum ruins & Xel-Ha Eco Park! <– Save 15%
Roundtrip transportation is included + tour guide.
Explore the wonder of the Tulum Ruins situated on a picturesque cliff top by the sea with your tour archaeological guide.
Then, cool off at Xel-Ha where you can snorkel with tropical fish, take a tube down the lazy river, try the zip lines or the cliff of courage.
You will even have time for a nap in the hammock gardens.
All your food and drinks are included as well as your equipment.
2. Jungle Buggy
Rev’em up! Put your pedal to the metal on our Jungle Buggy Tour. <– Save 25%
Perfect for petrol heads this excursion offers the chance to get down and dirty in the jungle.
Not only will you get to drive your state of the art 4×4 through the winding tracks, you will stop for a refreshing dip in one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area.
It’s not to be missed!
3. Sunset Sail
Experience the Sunset Sail Cruise aboard a luxury catamaran. Perfect for couples and groups of friends!
Enjoy open-bar, snacks and good company!
A relaxing excursion enjoying the beautiful ocean and gorgeous Caribbean sunset along the Riviera Maya coastline
Check out our activities page here for a complete guide on what there is to do in the region.
9. Restaurants in Puerto Morelos
You’re soon to discover how bursting with flavor Mexico is.
Most of the best restaurants and eateries in Puerto Morelos are located close to the town’s main square.
1. La Sirena
Above the Casa Martin Grocery.
Greek and Mediterranean food. Bar with Draft beer and music.
Open every day from 12pm-1am
2. Cafe de Amancia
On the corner, across from the old OXXO.
Coffee shop with light meals
Open early until late with a siesta in the afternoon.
Closed Tuesdays
3. Pelicanos
Mexican seafood with a full bar.
Open all day.
Open Daily
On the beach & south corner of the Town Square.
10. Weddings in Puerto Morelos
Thinking about having your dream wedding in Mexico?
You’ve come to the right place.
We organize 100s of weddings in this region each year. Our dedicated weddings team are here to help bring your dreams to fruition.
With literally 1000s of hotels to choose from, we understand how stressful it can be choosing the right one for you.
That’s where we come in.
Based on your vision we will narrow down your search and present you with the best options.
There are many hotels and locations in Puerto Morelos that would be perfect for celebrating your love and marriage.
What are you waiting for?
Contact our weddings team today for honest, unbias advice. It’s time to get the ball rolling!
Other Mexico Destination Wedding Resources You May Find Useful
- Symbolic, Legal, and Catholic Weddings Explained
- The Average Cost of a Wedding in Mexico
- Gay Weddings in Mexico
- How to Plan a Destination Wedding from Start to Finish
Get Discounts on Everything!
Here at PlayaDelCarmen.com, we are the experts at navigating the Riviera Maya.
Puerto Morelos is one of our favorite coastal towns in the region. You’ll understand why soon.
We’ll help you get discounts on everything!
Get in touch today, or leave us a comment in the section below, we would be happy to help. ?
We can help you get the best prices on hotels and tours in Puerto Morelos.
Call us at 888-537-9797 or email us at customercare@playadelcarmen.com we look forward to hearing from you!
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