Puerto Morelos

Travel Guide

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

Discover the natural wonders of the area, both underwater and on land, around this sleepy Caribbean village.

Step away from the busy resorts along the Riviera Maya, and delight in the peaceful atmosphere in this small, beachfront village. The pace of life is very relaxed here and the population is made up of locals, rather than tourists, giving a charming insight into everyday life in this idyllic setting.

The sea is ever-present in Puerto Morelos and is the lifeblood of the community—fishing boats still go out every day and bring their catch into the piers. The beautiful sandy beach is a major attraction, and it is easy to spend a day lounging on it, but what lies beyond is the real reason why so many visitors come here—the Great Maya Reef lies just 500 metres off shore. This is the world’s second largest reef system and stretches for over 1000 kilometres. The section at Puerto Morelos has been declared a national park, to protect the flora and fauna.

The reef can be accessed by swimmers and divers of all abilities, as the coral lies very close to the surface in these shallow waters. Hire a snorkel from one of the village’s many diving shops to experience the vast array of fish species, including eels, nurse sharks and brightly coloured parrot fish, up close. More experienced divers can head to the deeper water, either independently or as part of a tour.

Away from the water, there is much on offer in Puerto Morelos. Shoppers can browse the artisans’ market for handcrafted hats, locally made clothes and wood carvings. Or head out to the leaning lighthouse—this hardy building has survived three hurricanes, but is still standing.

Puerto Morelos also offers some fascinating land-based natural beauty—join an All-Terrain Vehicle tour around the mangrove swamps, which are home to hundreds of species of birds and over a thousand plant species.

This is a very laid-back village with very little nightlife. The handful of cafés, restaurants and bars in Puerto Morelos offer a relaxed way of spending an evening in beautiful surroundings.

Puerto Morelos is the first town along Highway 307, 38 kilometres south of Cancun and 35 kilometres north of Playa del Carmen. Once you get here, park your car and explore on foot, as 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! (1,771 reviews)
"The staff was fantastic. Marco was our go to guy in the pool closest to our room in the quieter pool. He was attentive and always working so hard."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

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
The price is P12,511 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P12,511
P16,540 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (2,232 reviews)
"It was ok"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

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
The price is P15,591 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
P15,591
P15,591 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,300 reviews)
"I like everything about the resort, the staff and the dinning options were superb"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

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 Aug 12, 2025

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 Mar 7, 2025

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 Mar 19, 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

Things to do