Puerto Morelos

Travel Guide

Puerto Morelos which includes a coastal town, tropical scenes and a beach
Puerto Morelos featuring a bay or harbor and boating
Puerto Morelos showing a bay or harbor, landscape views and boating
Photo provided by Cancun CVB
Photo provided by Cancun CVB

A sleepy Caribbean village that delights with its unspoiled natural beauty, an extensive coral reef system and a dense mangrove jungle.

The living is easy and peaceful in Puerto Morelos. This oceanfront village has retained its quiet character despite the construction of large developments elsewhere along the Riviera Maya.

Puerto Morelos has a small-town atmosphere. Locals congregate in the main plaza to chat and fisherman haul in their catches from the end of the pier. Life isn’t fast-paced here, but visitors will still find plenty to do. Take long walks on the sandy beaches. Browse the artisans’ market for handcrafted hats, clothes and wood carvings. Snorkel, dive and fish in the clear Caribbean waters.

Be sure to pay a visit to the leaning lighthouse of Puerto Morelos. Battered by three hurricanes, the building is heavily inclined towards one side, but still it has not fallen down.

One of the biggest draws is the Great Maya Reef, which lies just 550 yards (500 meters) off shore. At more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) in length, it is the second-largest reef system in the world. The Puerto Morelos section has been designated a national park in order to protect its flora and fauna.

The reef lies close to the surface and the shallow waters are easy to snorkel. Here, you’ll come across some of the region’s many fish species, including eels, nurse sharks and parrot fish. There are also deeper sections for scuba divers to investigate. Arrange a snorkeling or diving tour through dive shops in the village.

On land there are more opportunities to get up-close with the area’s natural wonders. Puerto Morelos is backed by mangrove swamps, home to hundreds of species of birds and more than a thousand plant species. ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) tours can be arranged with local tour companies.

In keeping with the area’s placid character, the nightlife is low-key and centers on the town’s handful of cafés, restaurants and bars.

Puerto Morelos is the first town along Highway 307, 24 miles (38 kilometers) south of Cancun and 22 miles (35 kilometers) north of Playa del Carmen. You don’t need a car to get around the village, since everything is just a short walk away.

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
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! (1,767 reviews)
"Beautiful"

Reviewed on 2025/8/16

Excellence Riviera Cancun - Adults Only All Inclusive
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
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! (2,240 reviews)
"Our stay was very nice until we lost power and it was very hot and humid and lost lights at night"

Reviewed on 2025/8/15

Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort All Inclusive
Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Carretera Federal Chetumal Puerto Juárez, Km 324-342 Manzana 1, Lote 3, SM 11, Puerto Morelos, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Puerto Morelos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,295 reviews)
"Loved it !"

Reviewed on 2025/8/17

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
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.
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 2025/8/12

Velas Condos
Casa Velero Puerto Morelos

Casa Velero Puerto Morelos

3 out of 5
Av. Rafael Melgar, SMZ 2, MZ 4, Lote 4, Puerto Morelos, QROO
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Puerto Morelos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Puerto Morelos Town Square and Puerto ...
8/10 Very Good! (36 reviews)
"Not sure how Expedia can advertise a property like this one! It’s outdated and dirty; there is not value for money. There is no registration of guests, no cleaning of rooms and I had to chase the only employee for clean towels. I expect Expedia will reimburse me for the nights I had to stay at a ..."

Reviewed on 2025/3/7

Casa Velero Puerto Morelos
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 2025/3/19

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.

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