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.
