Puerto Morelos Travel Guide

Puerto Morelos is a laid-back fishing village halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and the closest beach town to Cancun Airport. The small town square and pier sit beside a protected reef just offshore, while a string of all-inclusive resorts – often marketed as “Riviera Cancun” – lines the coast to the north and south.

How to get to Puerto Morelos from Cancun Airport

Puerto Morelos is just south of the airport on Highway 307 – the shortest transfer on the Riviera Maya, about 20–25 minutes. A private transfer costs from 60 USD one way or 110 USD round trip per vehicle for up to 8 people. Details: Cancun Airport to Puerto Morelos.

Book your transfer to Puerto Morelos

When to visit

December to April is dry and sunny; May to October is hotter and more humid, with hurricane season from June to November. The reef breaks the waves, so the water in front of the village is usually calm.

Things to do in Puerto Morelos

• Puerto Morelos Reef National Park: the barrier reef lies only a few hundred metres offshore – snorkelling trips leave from the pier with local guides.
• The leaning lighthouse: the old lighthouse by the pier that tilted in a hurricane in 1967 and has stood that way ever since – the town’s symbol.
• Ruta de los Cenotes: a road inland from the highway with a series of cenotes for swimming, zip lines and jungle walks.
• Botanical garden: the Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín garden, with native plants, a mangrove walk and a small Maya ruin.
• The village: the square, craft market and fishermen’s pier, and sunset from the beach.
• Day trips: Cancun is 30 minutes north and Playa del Carmen 30 minutes south.

Where to stay

Stay in the village for small hotels and restaurants within walking distance, or at the resorts along the coast for an all-inclusive close to the airport – for example Hotel Marina El Cid, Excellence Riviera Cancun, Royalton Riviera Cancun or Breathless Riviera Cancun. See all Puerto Morelos hotels.

Where to eat and drink

The village is known for fresh seafood and relaxed beachfront restaurants. Our listings include El Pesquero, Punta Corcho and John Gray’s Kitchen, and bars such as Las Micheladas del Semáforo. More: Puerto Morelos restaurants · Puerto Morelos bars.

Getting around

• On foot or by bike: the village is small and flat.
• Taxis: wait at the square and at the highway junction.
• Colectivos: stop on Highway 307 for Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
• Rental car: useful for the Ruta de los Cenotes.

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