Why Go to Puerto Morelos
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Puerto Morelos is a relaxed fishing town between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and one of the easiest places in the Mexican Caribbean to start a vacation. Most resorts are only about 20 to 30 minutes from Cancun airport.
Just offshore is a protected reef, so the water near the beach is calm and the snorkeling is excellent right from town. The small town square, the leaning lighthouse and the fishermen's pier give it a local feel you won't find in the busier resort areas, and the Route of the Cenotes is just inland.
Along the coast north and south of town are some of the most popular all-inclusive resorts in the region, from adults-only favorites to family resorts with water parks. I'll help you choose the right one and plan snorkeling and cenote trips worth leaving the resort for.
BEST FOR
All-inclusive vacationers, couples, families, snorkelers and travelers who want a short airport transfer
BEST MONTHS
November–April
EXPLORE
The beach town and square sit on the coast, with resorts stretching north toward Cancun and south toward Playa del Carmen. Across Highway 307 is the local neighborhood of Colonia Zetina Gasca and the Ruta de los Cenotes.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Puerto Morelos
North America › Caribbean Coast & Yucatán › Mexico › Quintana Roo
A quiet fishing town with reefs, cenotes and easy airport access
Beach
All-Inclusive
Snorkeling
Family
Romance
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Puerto Morelos is perfect for short trips and first-timers because the airport transfer is so quick. Take a reef snorkel trip from town; it's some of the best easy snorkeling on the coast.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Book with a registered local boat; the park fee goes to conservation.
Puerto Morelos Reef National Park
Protected reef close to shore with easy, uncrowded snorkeling.
A fun photo stop next to the pier.
Leaning Lighthouse
The town's famous tilted lighthouse, knocked off balance by a hurricane in 1967.
Go in the evening when locals are out and it's cooler.
Town Square and Pier
Small plaza with cafés, restaurants and the fishermen's pier.
Bring cash; many cenotes don't take cards.
Ruta de los Cenotes
Road lined with family-run cenotes, from open swimming holes to caves.
Best for confident swimmers; life jackets are available.
Cenote Siete Bocas
Cavern cenote with several openings and clear blue water.
An adults-only all-inclusive with swim-up suites and a strong reputation for service.
Excellence Riviera Cancun
North of town
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive with a beautiful beach and spa.
Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun
Petempich Bay
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive with suites and an elegant atmosphere.
Secrets Riviera Cancún
North of town
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A lively adults-only all-inclusive with nightlife, music and rooftop pools.
Breathless Riviera Cancun
Petempich Bay
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive within the Royalton resort, with its own pools and dining.
Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun
North of town
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A large family all-inclusive with a casino, kids' club and plenty of dining.
Royalton Riviera Cancun
North of town
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A family all-inclusive with a big on-site water park.
Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun
North of town
All-Inclusive · Family
A family-friendly all-inclusive with a kids' club and calm beach.
Dreams Riviera Cancun
South of town
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A family all-inclusive set around a marina, close to the reef.
Ventus at Marina El Cid
South of town
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A fun, laid-back all-inclusive for all ages with a beach-party feel.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancún
North of town
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Puerto Morelos
High 85°F · Low 70°F · Rain 4.3 in
Day of the Dead celebrations, and the dry season returns.
November through April brings dry, sunny weather. Hurricane season runs June through November, and sargassum can affect beaches in warmer months; the reef helps keep the water calm.
Best Times to Visit Puerto Morelos
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
06
Walking and Bikes
The town itself is small and easy to explore on foot or by bike.
05
Rental Cars
Handy for visiting several cenotes; drive in daylight and watch for speed bumps.
04
ADO Buses
Buses stop on the highway for trips to Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
03
Colectivos
Shared vans on Highway 307 run between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
02
Taxis
Licensed taxis connect the resorts, town and Ruta de los Cenotes; agree on fares first.
01
Cancun Airport Transfers
Most resorts are about 20 to 30 minutes from Cancun International; pre-book a private transfer.
Use taxis between your resort and town, colectivos for cheap rides along the highway, or a rental car for cenote hopping. The town center is easy to walk.
Getting Around Puerto Morelos
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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