The Complete Guide to Puerto Morelos, Mexico: Things to Do and Tips from a Local

If you’re thinking about visiting Puerto Morelos or even staying a few nights, you’re in the right spot. I’ve lived in Cancun for years, and Puerto Morelos has always been one of my easy escapes — quiet, authentic, and full of little surprises.

I just went back to get some drone footage and check whether there have been any changes, and in this guide I’ll walk you through the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and a bunch of practical tips most travelers never hear about.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know precisely what Puerto Morelos feels like and how it compares to Cancun or Playa del Carmen, so you can decide if it’s the vibe you’re after.

Spoiler: if you want a calm, unhurried beach town that still feels real, Puerto Morelos is one of the last unspoiled corners of the Riviera Maya — and absolutely worth your time.

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Where Puerto Morelos is Located

Puerto Morelos sits on the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo and marks the true beginning of the Riviera Maya — something most people don’t realize. The Riviera Maya doesn’t start in Cancun; it actually starts right here and stretches all the way down to Chetumal.

The town is perfectly placed between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, about 30 km from each, making it an easy stop for anyone exploring this part of Mexico.

Puerto Morelos at a Glance

With a population of around 9,200 people, it’s a much more tranquil destination than bustling Cancun and Playa del Carmen. However, it’s become quite popular among the expat community in the past few years.

There is much to love about Puerto Morelos, including the fact that, despite its moderate growth, it has retained its Mexican fishing-village feel.

Pair that relaxed aura with the beauties of the Riviera Maya, great shopping, and unparalleled snorkeling, and you’ve got one of the best off-the-beaten-path Mexico destinations available!

Is Puerto Morelos Worth Visiting?

Here are 6 reasons why Puerto Morelos is definitely worth visiting.

If you’re looking to escape the busy Cancun and find a quieter and more laid-back spot, Puerto Morelos is your place.

Let’s dive into all the reasons why it’s worth making a trip to Puerto Morelos, from its show-stopping beaches to its mouth-watering cuisine.

1. Great location

Puerto Morelos is located halfway between the Cancun airport and Playa del Carmen, making it one of the most convenient places to stay on the Riviera Maya.

This chill fishing town is only twenty minutes from the Cancun International Airport. That’s perfect if you want to fly in. It’s also right between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, but with a much more relaxed ambiance.

► Wondering how to get to Puerto Morelos from Cancun? I’ve got you covered as well.

2. Laidback Community and Relaxed Vibe

Even though Puerto Morelos is super close to some of Mexico’s most-visited tourist spots, it’s got a much quieter vibe.

It’s kept its old-world aesthetic and strikes a great balance between tourism and natural beauty.

The locals are friendly, and there are tons of activities to do. You might find that this place beats out Cancún and Tulum for its laid-back atmosphere.

3. Puerto Morelos is relatively safe

Most of the Yucatan peninsula is considered safe, and Puerto Morelos is no exception! Most visitors to this lovely beach town say they feel super safe at any time of the day or night.

That makes a visit to Puerto Morelos even more attractive. Nothing puts a damper on a vacation like getting pickpocketed or having to constantly worry about being alone.

However, you still need to be aware of your surroundings and never leave things unattended on the beach or anywhere. The main rule is don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home.

You can read more about how to stay safe in Cancun and its surroundings in my detailed article.

4. Numerous resorts, inns, and hotels for any budget

Another great reason to visit Puerto Morelos is the abundance of stunning resorts, boutique hotels, and breezy inns. You can find resorts exclusively for adults, family-friendly hotels, and so much more.

Looking for a pool? All-inclusive resorts? Something out of town with great beach views? Whether you’re looking for a five-star room or something at an affordable price, Puerto Morelos has you covered. You’re bound to find a hotel that offers excellent value for the money.

Unlike some of Mexico’s other destinations, Puerto Morelos doesn’t have many high-rise hotels; just a few exclusive ones worth exploring. (more about it further down in this post)

5. Gorgeous Public Beaches

One of the main reasons people visit the Mexican Caribbean coastline is to enjoy its white-sand beaches. Once again, Puerto Morelos won’t disappoint!

One reason is the proximity of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which makes it one of the best snorkeling spots in the area. If you are looking for great snorkeling tours from Cancun, this post has you covered.

Thanks to the reef, the swells coming into Puerto Morelos are small. This is great for families, snorkelers, and swimmers.

Plus, it’s incredibly picturesque, with the turquoise ocean offset by white sands. Walk along the shore and drink in the beauty of the surf and sea.

One of the most popular beaches is Ventana al Mar, just in front of the main town square. Any beach in front of a resort is also a great option because they clean the seaweed off the coast.

INSIDER TIP – Please be aware that over the past few years, the beaches along the Mexican Caribbean coast have been plagued by a lot of Sargassum weed. This is random and unpredictable, although it’s usually a spring/summer event. Having said that, as you can see from this post, there are many other things to do in Puerto Morelos that I hope this issue doesn’t deter you from coming.

6. Great Beach Restaurants

One of the things visitors to Puerto Morelos rave about is the fantastic food. Since this is a fishing village right on the ocean, this destination is famous for its seafood.

But if you aren’t a fan of ceviche, fried fish, octopus, or shrimp, don’t worry! There’s also an abundance of great Mexican restaurants, as well as restaurants offering international cuisine.

If you don’t mind making a short trip up to the Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun, you might want to visit Le Chique. This famous restaurant, run by Chef Jonatan Luna, is considered one of the best in Latin America.

Tip: If you love seafood, try ordering the catch of the day while you’re in Puerto Morelos. I promise you won’t be sorry!

Another Iconic spot to eat in Puerto Morelos is EL Mercadito del Mar, right at the beginning of the beach, close to the main square.

Exciting Things to Do in Puerto Morelos

1. Take a Snorkeling tour from the Beach

One of the biggest reasons to visit Puerto Morelos in Quintana Roo is its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which makes it one of the best spots for snorkeling in Mexico

This reef is just offshore and is a national marine protected area. Over 500 different kinds of fish live in the reef system, as well as 65 species of coral.

One of the largest populations of manatees in the world calls this reef home, as well as sea turtles, queen conch, crocodiles, and splendid toadfish.

If you only do one water activity in Puerto Morelos, I highly recommend snorkeling!

You can take a snorkeling tour straight from the beach in Puerto Morelos, and it’s honestly one of the easiest things to do there. Just walk up to one of the licensed boats and go.

I spoke with Marcelo, who has a small setup right at the start of the beach, just after the Merkadito restaurant.

He’s a really nice guy and offers the 2-hour tour for 300 pesos, which is an amazing deal. You get two snorkeling stops inside the protected Marine Park, all the gear, a guide, and a mandatory life jacket.

Boats depart with 2 to 12 people, and they don’t wait to fill seats. When you’re ready, they take you.

2. Drive along the Ruta de los Cenotes

Adventure lovers have even more reasons to go to Puerto Morelos. That’s because this destination is located right along the famous and magical “Ruta de los Cenotes” (translated as Cenotes’ road), which are the closest cenotes to Cancun.

What are the Cenotes?

Cenotes are Sinkholes, and they have been formed in the Yucatán Peninsula because of its terrain composition of limestone, which is water-soluble. Over time, underground rivers can erode the bedrock, forming deep caverns and pools.

Sometimes the roofs of these underground caverns break open, exposing deep water-filled sinkholes, or “cenotes.” Some of them are cavernous, others are completely open to the sky, and others are half-open. Each one is unique.

Cenotes are a very cool phenomenon. Trust me, you won’t want to miss them!

Ruta de los Cenotes

Better yet, Puerto Morelos is located right along a 21-mile stretch dotted with sixty cenotes. Not only are they amazing places to explore via snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, but they also have cultural significance.

The Mayan people believe that cenotes are connected to the underworld. It is possible to find evidence of human sacrifice in the depths of the cenotes.

Some of the most amazing cenotes near Puerto Morelos include Chilam Balam, Verde Lucero, Siete Bocas, Cenote Zapote, La Noria, and Kin-Há.

BOOK YOUR TOUR TO A CENOTE + SNORKELING IN PUERTO MORELOS

3. Puerto Morelos tour from Cancun

If you want to visit Puerto Morelos on your own, this tour is perfect for you. You’ll snorkel with experienced guides who help you spot fish, reef creatures, and possibly sea turtles.

All gear and a life jacket are included, along with round-trip transportation from most hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure.

After the snorkeling session, enjoy a light lunch at Boquinete Beach Club and some free time in Puerto Morelos to see the leaning lighthouse, browse local shops, or relax on the beach.

4. Wonderful swimming, kayaking, & paddle boarding

Another great reason to visit Puerto Morelos is the abundance of water sports available. If you love swimming, cutting through the water in a kayak, or exploring via stand-up paddleboard, this wonderful location will be the destination of your dreams!

You can go on a tour, explore a cenote, or have a surfboard or paddleboard delivered right to your rooms.

5. Birdwatching in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is located in a vibrant jungle region that is home to 400 bird species. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply enjoy trekking around in nature, taking a birdwatching tour in Puerto Morelos is a great idea.

Some of the birds you can see include the bright redheads of the Yucatan woodpecker and the flashy blue wings of the Yucatan jay.

6. Scuba Diving

If you’re a certified scuba diver, Puerto Morelos has some amazing scuba diving opportunities for you! Not only can you explore the depths of the Mesoamerican Great Barrier Reef, but you can also take a plunge into a cenote.

One of the most interesting places to dive near Puerto Morelos is the famous Cenote Zapote. This cenote boasts a kind of mineral deposit formation called “Hells Bells.”

These unique rock formations can be as long as a man is tall and look a bit like shelf fungi or the textured caps of a mushroom. Even better? Cenote Zapote is the only place in the world where you can see them.

How to dive in Cenote Zapote

The dive in Cenote Zapote is for the hard-core cenote divers who have no claustrophobic issues, as you will be floating in quite a narrow space.

But if you are up for it, it’s going to be an awesome and unique experience.

I would recommend you book your cenote dive with The Cenote Guy, a dive center that specializes in Cenote diving for experienced divers, and they take you only to the top places selected by the owner, Aydin. I haven’t dived with them, yet, but they have excellent references that you can check out here.

7. Adventure Parks

Thanks to the cenotes and the jungle, Puerto Morelos is a great destination for adventure seekers.

You can go ATVing, ziplining, descend rugged trails, cliff jump into cenotes, and go biking through the jungle.

Xkitam Adventure Park is a great choice, with a zipline route and ATV tours, plus snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Alternatively, you can take a tour such as the 3-for-1 tour offered by Extreme Adventure Eco Park. It includes a zipline tour, an ATV tour down jungle trails, and then a refreshing cenote swim.

8. Learn about local history and eco-friendly practices

Another cool thing about Puerto Morelos is the learning opportunities. This is great for anyone who enjoys finding out more about the world we live in, how to care for the environment and the fascinating world of marine biology.

Some ways to do that include chatting with locals about the environment and the state of the beaches, appreciating the tree-planting efforts of the town, and asking your guide questions during tours to the jungle or ocean.

15. Botanical Garden

Puerto Morelos is home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Mexico: The Jarda Botanica Dr. Alfredo Barramarana Marin botanical garden.

It’s a quiet, chill place that combines a guided nature walk with information about regional plant and animal species. You can also see a replica of a small Mayan dwelling, learn about stingless Melipona bees (they produce unique citrusy honey), and learn about the process of extracting natural chewing gum.

The garden is 18 acres in total and boasts a viewing tower, swinging bridge, and the chance to see lizards and monkeys.

9. Shopping at artisan markets and bookstores

Another fun thing to do in Puerto Morelos is to shop at the artisan markets, flea markets, farmers’ markets, and bookstores.

The flea market is on the south side of the Jardin Principal and is a great place to buy jewelry, clothing, artwork, and hammocks.

Another great spot is the Hunab-Ku Craft Center. One of the perks of making the trip to this center is the demonstrations! If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see people making hammocks and carving gemstones.

On Wednesdays, there’s a great farmers’ market in the town square. Stock up on fresh fruit and veggies, then drop by the Alma Libre bookstore for some reading material.

10. Croco Cun Zoo

Another great thing to do while in town is visit the Croco Cún Zoo. It’s more of an animal sanctuary than a zoo because it is interactive. You’ll be allowed to touch and feed some of the animals, including crocodiles, boa constrictors, spider monkeys, and deer.

I don’t usually promote zoos but in this case, they rescue wild animals that are in danger and help them to go back into their natural habitat, which is kind of cool.

11. Hang out by the leaning Lighthouse in the heart of Puerto Morelos

One iconic landmark you won’t want to miss is “El Faro Inclinado.” This “leaning lighthouse” is in downtown Puerto Morelos, right off the main beach at Ventana al Mar.

The strong winds of Hurricane Beulah tipped it over in 1967.

Snap some pictures of Mexico’s leaning tower of Pisa and then enjoy the beach.

12. Indulge in a relaxing Spa treatment

Puerto Morelos offers a large variety of wellness and relaxation activities. You can take a Mayan steam bath in a temescal, relax in an outdoor bath (to the sound of birds and monkeys), enjoy a hydrotherapy circuit, or release the tension in your muscles during a massage.

There are many many options in town, but a few to check out include Martina’s Oasis Spa, the Los Colibrís Mayan Jungle Spa, and the Ixchel Jungle Spa.

Bring on the Mayan flute music and treat yourself!

13. Take a day trip in the surrounding areas: there’s so much to see

One of the biggest perks of staying in Puerto Morelos is its central location. You can reach some of the Riviera Maya’s best destinations in under an hour, making it the perfect base for quick day trips.

Isla Mujeres

Drive or take a taxi to Puerto Juárez in Cancun and hop on the ferry (20 minutes). Spend the day at Playa Norte, rent a golf cart, or book a snorkel tour to the Underwater Museum. It’s an easy, fun island escape with calm beaches. You can go on your own by ferry or book a catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres.

Cancun

If you are staying in Isla Mujeres, it’s worth taking a trip to Cancun. Just 30–40 minutes away, Cancun is ideal if you want the convenience of a bigger city: shopping malls, movie theaters, nightlife, fancy restaurants, and the amazing white sand beaches of the Hotel Zone. Go for a beach day, dinner, or a night out and head back to quiet Puerto Morelos afterward.

Playa del Carmen

Half an hour south, Playa del Carmen is perfect for strolling Fifth Avenue, beach clubs, cafés, and plenty of places to eat. From here, you can also catch the ferry to Cozumel for a quick island adventure.

Cozumel

Take the 45-minute ferry from Playa del Carmen. Cozumel is one of the top diving spots in the world, and the snorkeling is just as good. Rent a scooter or jeep and circle the island for a full beach day.

Tulum Ruins

About 1 hour 15 minutes south, the Tulum Ruins sit right above the Caribbean Sea — it’s one of the prettiest archeological sites in Mexico. Combine it with a cenote or a beach club for an easy full-day trip.

Coba

A quieter, more jungle-like archeological site about 1 hour 40 minutes away. The paths are shaded, and you can explore the ruins by bike. There are also great cenotes nearby if you want a refreshing swim afterward.

Everything is close and easy to reach, which is why Puerto Morelos is such a convenient home base for exploring the Riviera Maya without dealing with big-city crowds.

If you don’t mind driving for a few hours, you can also visit the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá to the west.

Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is small, but each area has a different vibe. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you pick the right base.

Beachside Zone (North & South)

This is the most popular area for visitors who want to wake up by the sea.

• Best for: couples, families, snorkelers, and anyone who wants the beach at their doorstep
• Why stay here: easy beach access, calm water, walkable to restaurants

North Beach has more hotels and beach clubs.
South Beach is quieter, more residential, and great for relaxing.

Town Center (Beach Town)

This is the heart of Puerto Morelos — think cafés, restaurants, the lighthouse, and the artisan market.

• Best for: solo travelers, couples, foodies, people who want to walk everywhere
• Why stay here: charming and convenient, very local feel

Colonia Side (Across the Highway)

More local and budget-friendly, with supermarkets, bakeries, and real neighborhood life.

• Best for: long-term stays, digital nomads, budget travelers
• Why stay here: best prices, easy colectivo access

Outskirts & Highway Hotels

These are bigger resorts set between the jungle and the beach.

Why stay here: huge pools, lots of amenities, quiet atmosphere

Best for: families, all-inclusive lovers, travelers who want privacy

Top Puerto Morelos Hotels

If this post has convinced you to spend a few days in Puerto Morelos, here are my top 3 hotels where to stay on the beach in Puerto Morelos.

Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

One of the top high-end all-inclusive hotels on the Riviera Maya, Azul Beach Resort by Karisma is located on the beach a few miles north of Puerto Morelos and it’s a great choice if you just want to have a relaxing luxury vacation.

Check availability and rate on Booking.com

Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa Puerto Morelos ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Especially suitable for families, this great property features a very well-equipped and efficient kids club, but also an incredible array of activities for adults. The restaurant choice is also quite eclectic and of high-quality standards.

The beach right in front of the hotel is spectacular.

► Check availability and rate on Booking.com

The Diving Lodge Downtown ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Diving Lodge Downtown is a sister property to The Diving Lodge Norte, located only 10 minutes by car or 40 minutes walking on the beach.

They are not exactly a hotel, and they offer room cleaning every other day. However, nice staff will take care of you and make sure you have a wonderful stay.

Divers will be even happier as they can organize their underwater adventures with the staff.

Also, you can enjoy a fully-staffed beach bar and kitchen and a Beach club with palapas en chairs are available for the guests to use.

► Check availability and rate on Booking.com

Getting Around Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is small and easy to navigate, so getting around is pretty stress-free. Most of the beachside area is walkable, and everything sits close to the main square. Here’s how transportation actually works once you’re in town:

Walking

If you’re staying near the beach or in the town center, you can walk everywhere. Restaurants, cafés, markets, and the lighthouse area are all within a short stroll.

Taxis

Taxis are the main way locals move around. They don’t use meters, so always agree on the price first. Rides inside town are usually cheap (around 50–80 pesos). If you’re going to the Colonia side or the highway, it may be slightly more.

Colectivos

Colectivos run along the main highway and are perfect if you’re on a budget or heading to:

• The Ruta de los Cenotes entrance
• The Colonia side
• Playa del Carmen or downtown Cancun (via the highway stop)

They’re safe, cheap, and frequent, but note that colectivos don’t go into the beach area — you’ll need to walk or take a taxi from the highway.

Bicycles

Many hotels and rentals offer bicycles, and Puerto Morelos is flat and easy to pedal around. It’s a fun way to explore the town or reach quieter parts of the beach.

Car

You don’t need a car to move around Puerto Morelos itself, but it’s helpful if you want to:

• Do the Ruta de los Cenotes
• Visit Playa del Carmen or Cancun on your own or further afield.
• Explore hidden beaches or small restaurants outside town

Parking in town is generally simple, and the streets are easy to navigate.

If you want freedom to move around the Riviera Maya, renting a car at Cancun Airport is the easiest option. I normally use Discover Cars because they compare all companies and tend to have the best prices.

Parking & Driving Tips in Puerto Morelos

Driving in Puerto Morelos is straightforward, and parking is usually easy.

Where to park:
You can park for free around the main square, near the lighthouse, and on most streets by the beach. Just avoid yellow curbs and private driveways.

Beach parking:
It’s generally safe to leave your car near the beach. Lock it and keep valuables out of sight, just like anywhere else.

Road conditions:
The road from Cancun is smooth and well-maintained. Inside town you’ll find a mix of paved and cobblestone streets, all easy to drive.

Topes (speed bumps):
You’ll hit plenty of them, especially near the Colonia and on the way to the cenotes. Slow down — some appear without warning.

Gas stations:
Use established stations like Pemex or BP. Make sure the pump starts at zero and specify your fuel clearly.

That’s really all you need — driving here is simple and stress-free.

Best Restaurants in Puerto Morelos

Here are a few great places to eat in Puerto Morelos, depending on what you’re craving:

El Merkadito del Mar – Classic beachfront spot for ceviche, whole fish, and cold drinks with a view.
La Sirena – Greek-Mexican fusion with a rooftop bar and live music at night.
Tacos.com – Casual, affordable, and great for quick tacos and cold beer.
Boquinete Seafood & Grill – Fresh seafood with tables right on the sand.
El Nicho – The best breakfast/brunch in town; good coffee and hearty plates.
Taninos Wine Kitchen – Cozy dinner spot with wine, tapas, and a more intimate vibe.

Beach Clubs in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos has a few low-key beach clubs that are perfect for a relaxed day by the water:

Unico Beach – The most popular beach club in town, with good music, comfy loungers, and solid food and drinks.
Punta Piedra – Quieter option with nice loungers and a calm stretch of beach.
Paradise Beach Club – Easygoing and family-friendly with simple food and great service.
El Merkadito – Not a beach club, but right on the sand and perfect for a laid-back beachside lunch.

If you’re looking for a chill beach day without Tulum-level prices, these spots are exactly what you need.

Puerto Morelos vs Cancún vs Playa del Carmen

If you’re torn between these three Riviera Maya destinations, here’s a clear breakdown to help you pick the right one for your trip.

Puerto Morelos vs Cancun

Cancun is big, loud, polished, and full of huge beachfront resorts. It’s great if you like energy, nightlife, restaurants on every corner, and an easy “all-inclusive” setup where everything is already planned for you.

Puerto Morelos is the opposite — smaller, calmer, and far more local. You can walk everywhere, chat with fishermen on the pier, grab tacos at a family-owned spot, and snorkel right from the beach. No high-rise hotels, no crowds, and no party scene.

Beaches
Cancun’s beaches are wider and have that postcard-perfect stretch of soft sand. Puerto Morelos’ beaches are narrower, but thanks to the offshore reef, the water is much calmer, shallower, and better for swimming and snorkeling.

Vibe:
Cancun: lively, social, busy.
Puerto Morelos: laid-back, slow, peaceful.

Activities:
Cancun is better for nightlife, malls, clubs, and day trips to Isla Mujeres.
Puerto Morelos is better for snorkeling tours, paddleboarding, cenotes, and relaxed beach days.

Choose Puerto Morelos if you want peace, calm water, and a more authentic vibe.
Choose Cancun if you want nightlife, big resorts, and lots of entertainment options.

Puerto Morelos vs Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is much more urban and walkable, with restaurants, bars, beach clubs, boutiques, and cafés everywhere. Fifth Avenue alone can entertain you for hours. It’s also a popular base for digital nomads and long-term travelers.

Puerto Morelos feels like a small coastal village in comparison — fewer people, fewer shops, fewer bars, and a much slower rhythm. You come here to disconnect, not to party.

Crowds:
Playa del Carmen is busy almost year-round, especially near the beach and Fifth Avenue.
Puerto Morelos stays easygoing, even in high season.

Beaches:
Playa’s beaches are wider but more exposed to wind and waves.
Puerto Morelos’ beaches are calmer thanks to the reef, making it perfect for kids and new swimmers.

Atmosphere:
Playa: trendy cafés, nightlife, beach clubs, boutique stores.
Puerto Morelos: fishing boats, craft markets, quiet evenings by the sea.

Choose Puerto Morelos if you want a peaceful beach town that still feels Mexican.
Choose Playa if you want nightlife, convenience, shopping, and plenty of day trips.

What to pack for Puerto Morelos

These are a few things you’re sure to want while you explore Puerto Morelos! They’ll make your Caribbean getaway even more charming and enjoyable.

✔ Shorts and tank top (see below)

✔ Hat (for the strong sun)

✔ Beach towel

✔ Swimsuits

✔ Dry bag for your belongings

✔ Snorkeling gear – I know that you can rent it, or if you book a tour, it’s included, but it’s much better if you have your own.

✔ waterproof pouch for your phone

✔ GoPro Hero10 for amazing pictures

✔ Mosquito Repellent (eco-friendly)

✔ Sunscreen (eco-friendly)

Click on the image to shop!

The best time to visit Puerto Morelos

Understanding the climate really helps when planning your trip. Puerto Morelos has a tropical wet-and-dry climate, which means warm weather year-round, a defined dry season, and a stretch of hot, humid months.

June to September are the hottest months, with strong sun and high humidity.
May to October is the rainy season, with quick tropical showers and the highest chance of storms.
Even in winter, temperatures remain warm, making Puerto Morelos a great beach destination year-round.

That said, the best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is drier, the evenings are cooler, and the sea is usually calm.

My personal favorite month is November. It’s right after the rainy season, so everything is lush and green, the humidity drops, and crowds haven’t arrived yet. Hotel prices are still reasonable, the beach feels peaceful, and the weather is honestly perfect for long beach walks and snorkeling.

If you want more detail on the region’s weather patterns, you can also check out my guide on the best time to visit Cancun — it applies almost identically to Puerto Morelos.

Puerto Morelos Frequently Asked Questions

Where Does the Name Puerto Morelos Come From?

Puerto Morelos is one of the oldest towns along Mexico’s Caribbean coast. It is also one of the original ports for the export of “chicle,” natural chewing gum.

The town is named after José María Reclo Morelos, a Mexican national hero. Morelos was a rebel leader during the Mexican War of Independence.

He also established the Congress of Anáhuac, which declared independence in October 1814.

Is Puerto Morelos closer to Cancun or Playa del Carmen?

Puerto Morelos is halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, almost exactly.

Can you swim at the Puerto Morelos beach?

Yes, of course. You can swim at the Puerto Morelos beach. When there is no Sargassum seaweed, the water is spectacular and family-friendly, with calm seas and little currents.

Can I drink the water in Puerto Morelos?

No, you can’t drink water in Puerto Morelos. Nothing bad happens if you do, but it’s not healthy. Not even locals drink it.

Does Puerto Morelos have nice beaches?

The beaches in Puerto Morelos are actually only one big extended beach, with white sand and easy access to the sea. Unfortunately, in the summer, it can be affected by sargasso weed. You can keep an eye on the official Facebook page to have real-time updates.

Puerto Morelos Travel Guide: Final Thoughts

As you can see, Puerto Morelos is a wonderful place to spend time!

Walk along the beach, peruse a delicious menu, and enjoy the natural splendor of the Caribbean Sea with your family. Puerto Morelos is indeed a great escape from the busiest neighboring towns and cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.