Puerto Morelos Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Puerto Morelos featuring a coastal town, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Puerto Morelos showing a bay or harbour and boating
Puerto Morelos
Photo provided by Cancun CVB
Photo provided by Cancun CVB

With its impressive coral reef, quirky artisan scene and leaning lighthouse, this quiet fishing village has plenty of character.

Despite large-scale development in the surrounding area along the Riviera Maya coastline, this spot has preserved its character as a small fishing village with a real sense of community. The main square is a hub of activity, where the locals come together to chat, children play games and fishermen show off their catch of the day. Sit back and relax with a drink in your hand while you take in this sociable atmosphere.

Even though the pace of life is slow and relaxed in Puerto Morelos, there is still a wide range of things to do here. Being an oceanfront village, there are plenty of water-based activities on offer. The main aquatic attraction is the impressive Great Mayan Reef, which is located just 500 metres from the shore. This reef system stretches for 1,000 kilometres, making it the second-largest in the world, and in 1998 the section directly in front of Puerto Morelos was designated a National Marine Park in order to protect and preserve its rich biodiversity. Snorkelers and divers can enjoy the crystal clear waters and marvel at the reef with its vast array of marine life, including eels, nurse sharks and parrot fish. For the best experience, make sure you visit one of the dive shops in the village to organise a snorkelling or diving tour.

As well as water-based activities, there are also lots of things to do on land in Puerto Morelos. The village has a great local artisan scene with quirky shops and a weekend open-air market selling handcrafted jewellery, hand-embroidered clothes and much more besides. Spend some time browsing the shops and stalls and find yourself a unique souvenir. Nature lovers can look forward to exploring the mangrove swamps around Puerto Morelos, which are full of animal and plant life. Go on an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tour to make the most of the area’s natural wonders. A visit to the leaning lighthouse is also worthwhile. Now the symbol of Puerto Morelos, this lighthouse was ravaged and left tilted by Hurricane Beulah in 1967, and it has since survived a number of other hurricanes.

Puerto Morelos is located on Highway 307, 35 kilometres north of Playa del Carmen and 38 kilometres south of Cancun. Once you’ve arrived, it’s easy to get around, as everything is within walking distance.

Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort All Inclusive

Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Boulevard el Cid Unidad 15, Puerto Morelos, QROO
The price is NZ$528 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$528
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Puerto Morelos. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,225 reviews)
"This is one of 3 properties you will have full access to. There's golf carts you can catch to take you around to the different properties if you don't care to walk. Of the 3 properties this one is the oldest one. That being said the 2 nights of our stay was good. The rooms were not dated and the ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2025

Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort All Inclusive
Excellence Riviera Cancun - Adults Only All Inclusive

Excellence Riviera Cancun - Adults Only All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Carr. Federal 307 Chet-Pto. Juarez, Km 324 - 342, Mza. 7, Lt. 1, SM 11, Puerto Morelos, QROO
The price is NZ$636 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$636
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Puerto Morelos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,752 reviews)
"First time in Cancun and I must say, Excellence Riviera exceed my expectations!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Excellence Riviera Cancun - Adults Only All Inclusive
Ventus Ha at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort

Ventus Ha at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Boulevard El Cid, Unidad 10, Puerto Morelos, QROO
The price is NZ$632 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$632
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Puerto Morelos. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,016 reviews)
"The property is absolutely beautiful! The service and food selections were top-notch. We were always able to get a reservation at a restaurant."

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Ventus Ha at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Abbey del Sol

Abbey del Sol

3 out of 5
Av. Niños Heroes 806, Puerto Morelos, QROO
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Puerto Morelos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Puerto Morelos Beach and Puerto Morelos ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
"Quiet and absolutely amazing. Far enough from the town square to be peaceful but close enough to walk."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Abbey del Sol
Velas Condos

Velas Condos

3 out of 5
Javier Rojo Gomez SM 2 Mz 13 Lote 2-12, Puerto Morelos, QROO
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Puerto Morelos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (274 reviews)
Wonderful first time in Mexico!! Stay here!!!
"Abba was amazing! First time in México, my daughter and I spent her 8th birthday there. Our stay was quiet, and it felt like we were the only ones there! I loved that the beach club was right out the back door and the servers were amazing :) Uber from the condo to our friends resort was only $3USD. ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2025

Velas Condos
Villas Kaàn

Villas Kaàn

4.5 out of 5
SM12 L13 D6 Maria Irene, Puerto Morelos, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Puerto Morelos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Puerto Morelos Beach and Puerto ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Really nice
"Really nice place at the beach. Nice pools and comfortable rooms. Michael really nice host and help with all things. Definetely next time to same place."

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2025

Villas Kaàn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Puerto Morelos