Puerto Morelos Beach
A charming fishing village on the Caribbean coast, offering tranquil beaches, vibrant reefs for snorkeling, and a relaxed vibe away from the crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Puerto Morelos Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming fishing village on the Caribbean coast, offering tranquil beaches, vibrant reefs for snorkeling, and a relaxed vibe away from the crowds.
"This friendly village and people are a great escape with wonderful open water swimming and a charming atmosphere."
🐠 Bring Your Snorkel Gear!
The reef is close and full of life. Renting gear can add up, so bring your own if possible!
🚌 Affordable Transport
Use the ADO bus from Cancun Airport and local 'colectivos' for budget-friendly travel.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Beachfront Bliss
Main Beach Area
Soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and a reef that keeps waves gentle. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling the Reef
Puerto Morelos Reef National Park
Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Boat tours are recommended for the best experience.
Charming Town Square & Local Eats
Downtown Puerto Morelos
Wander through the quaint streets, discover local shops, and savor delicious seafood at affordable restaurants.
Beach Club Relaxation
Various Beach Clubs (e.g., Ojo de Agua, Unico Beach)
Enjoy amenities like pools, loungers, and food/drink service. Some offer entry fees redeemable on consumption.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chill: Puerto Morelos' Laid-Back Vibe
Navigating to Paradise: Tips for Arrival
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐠 Bring Your Snorkel Gear!
The reef is close and full of life. Renting gear can add up, so bring your own if possible!
🚌 Affordable Transport
Use the ADO bus from Cancun Airport and local 'colectivos' for budget-friendly travel.
💰 Beach Club Value
Some beach clubs offer entry fees redeemable for food & drinks. Check Ojo de Agua!
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The town is walkable, and renting bikes is a fun way to see more.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐠 Bring Your Snorkel Gear!
The reef is close and full of life. Renting gear can add up, so bring your own if possible!
🚌 Affordable Transport
Use the ADO bus from Cancun Airport and local 'colectivos' for budget-friendly travel.
💰 Beach Club Value
Some beach clubs offer entry fees redeemable for food & drinks. Check Ojo de Agua!
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The town is walkable, and renting bikes is a fun way to see more.
🌊 Sargassum Awareness
Seaweed can be an issue seasonally. Check local reports and be prepared for occasional clean-up efforts.
💸 Eat Like a Local
Venture into the main town for authentic, affordable street food and local eateries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Puerto Morelos for its beautiful, calm beaches and the opportunity for excellent snorkeling. The town's charming, laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals are frequently highlighted. While some mention seasonal sargassum (seaweed) as a drawback, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a peaceful alternative to busier Riviera Maya destinations.
"This is our 4th time visiting the area as it is a direct flight from Edmonton, Alberta-a great escape when the winter gets too long.We come here for the wonderful open water swimming as the reef keeps the big waves away. Renting an apartment allows us to purchase fresh seafood and vegetables to prepare. We have done some great outings to Tulum, the cenotes, and other Mayan ruins in the area. We rented bikes and explored the area. You can get around on foot or use local transportation. Love this friendly village and people!"
Anne Bradley
"Absolutely gorgeous beach with free access to the general public....not many rocks near the shore makes for an easy swim.
Bring your Snorkeling gear as there are many coral reefs and wide varieties of fish species....need to go a distance by boat though(many agencies around).
Highly recommend!!! :)"
Sanket S. Manjrekar
"The beach area may have a lot of seaweed however the town itself is super charming, a great combination of architecture, cuisines, tradition and modern lifestyle. The beach area can be walked up and down in an hour or so and the water is beautiful aqua color, aside from the seaweed that seems to be all along this Rivera maya area.
In the public beach area you find plenty of fine in options and beach clubs where to grab a drink or stay and eat something.
Restaurants are plenty and the same with prices. In general you may find more affordable meals in the beach town than in your resort if you are staying anywhere in the Rivera maya or even Cancun hotels, and if you are adventurous enough you can go back to the main town where most locals live, the colony, and go around those street food vendors or mini restaurants for the real Mexican experience. You will live it like a local!
Overall we felt safe, we took the public cans or colectivos from our resort to the bridge of puerto Morelos which is the highway, from there a taxi down to the beach, colectivos or vans are $25 per person, taxis are $40 one way so it is super affordable and you will get to you pay a little less. Tourist take these transportation without hassle seems like.
Police and military were patrolling and station at the beach the two times we went and also at the big supermarket in town chadrui.
Great people, great sea food and nice stroll!
Must visit if you are in the area"
John Wesley Brooks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most cost-effective option is the ADO bus, which is clean, comfortable, and offers WiFi and TVs. Taxis are also available but more expensive.
The town is very walkable. For longer distances or exploring nearby areas, consider local 'colectivos' (vans) or taxis. Renting a bike is also a popular and fun option.
Yes, 'colectivos' run along the main highway, and taxis are readily available to take you from the highway to the beach area.
Puerto Morelos does not have its own airport. You'll fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) and then take ground transportation to Puerto Morelos.
Puerto Morelos is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, making it a convenient stop. It's a short drive from Cancun and a bit further from Playa del Carmen.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the main public beach areas in Puerto Morelos are free to access. You can enjoy the sand and sea without an entry fee.
Beach clubs like Ojo de Agua have an entry fee, often around 250 pesos per person, with a portion redeemable for food and drinks.
For general beach access, no advance booking is needed. If you plan to visit specific resorts or popular beach clubs, it's advisable to check their policies.
While the beach is free, accessing the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park for snorkeling tours typically involves a fee, which often includes a conservation contribution.
Operating hours vary by beach club. Many are open from morning until late afternoon or early evening. Muelle Once, for example, is open 8 am to 10 pm.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can swim in the calm waters, sunbathe, enjoy beach clubs, and most importantly, go snorkeling or diving to explore the vibrant reef.
Absolutely! Puerto Morelos is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities due to the nearby Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The water is often crystal clear.
Expect to see a wide variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and diverse coral formations. It's like swimming in a natural aquarium.
Yes, there are several resorts and hotels located on or very near the beach, offering convenient access to the ocean. Keywords like 'hotels in puerto morelos on the beach' and 'puerto morelos beachfront rentals' are relevant here. +1
Compared to Cancun or Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos is significantly less crowded, offering a more relaxed and authentic experience. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Seafood is king here! You'll find delicious fresh fish, shrimp, ceviche, and oysters. Many restaurants offer local Nayarit-style seafood. +1
Yes, you can find more affordable meals in the town center compared to resorts. Street food vendors and local eateries offer authentic and budget-friendly options.
Los Koras is highly recommended for Nayarit-style seafood. Crazy Fish Taco offers seafood with a view, and Muelle Once is great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a sea view. 
While seafood is dominant, many restaurants offer non-seafood dishes. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff for vegetarian or vegan options.
Beach clubs offer a relaxed dining experience with a variety of dishes, often including seafood and international options, enjoyed with ocean views.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic lighthouse, the colorful beach town streets, and of course, the stunning turquoise waters and white sand beaches are prime photo locations.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour hues for stunning beach and sunset shots.
Capture the vibrant marine life while snorkeling, the charming local architecture, and the picturesque sunsets over the Caribbean Sea.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beaches and ocean views. If you plan on snorkeling, an underwater camera or waterproof phone case is a must.
Yes, most beach clubs are happy for you to take photos, especially to capture the ambiance and your experience. Just be mindful of other guests.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park for snorkeling is a memorable experience for all ages, offering a chance to see diverse marine life.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for apartment rentals rather than resorts to save money and have the option to cook some of your own meals using fresh local ingredients.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples Seeking Relaxation
Consider staying in boutique hotels or rentals that offer a more intimate experience. Exploring the town on foot or by bike allows for spontaneous discoveries.
The calm waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, and the opportunity for snorkeling offers a chance for quiet contemplation amidst vibrant marine life. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Puerto Morelos Reef: A Protected Marine Paradise
Snorkeling tours typically depart from the main beach area. These tours often include a guide who can point out various species and explain the importance of the reef ecosystem. You can expect to see a dazzling array of fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations. The clarity of the water, often described as 'crystal-clear,' enhances the underwater viewing experience, making it feel like swimming in a natural aquarium.
It's important to note that while the reef is a major draw, responsible tourism is key. Avoid touching the coral, using reef-safe sunscreen, and never feed the fish. The local community is invested in protecting this natural treasure, and your cooperation helps maintain its beauty for future visitors.
Beach Clubs: Your Oasis of Relaxation
Unico Beach is another well-regarded option, providing a stylish setting to enjoy the Caribbean coast. These beach clubs are ideal for spending a leisurely day by the sea. They provide a comfortable base with services like restrooms, showers, and often food and beverage options. Whether you're looking to lounge under the sun, take a dip in a pool, or enjoy a meal with an ocean view, beach clubs offer a convenient and enjoyable experience.
While some beach clubs have an entrance fee, many consider it worthwhile for the amenities and the ability to enjoy the beachfront without the hassle of finding public access points. It's a great way to experience the vibrant beach scene of Puerto Morelos while having everything you need at your fingertips.
Navigating Puerto Morelos: Getting Around Affordably
Once you arrive in Puerto Morelos, the town itself is quite walkable, making it easy to explore the main attractions on foot. For venturing further or connecting from the highway, local 'colectivos' (shared vans) are an excellent and affordable choice, typically costing around $25 pesos per person. Taxis are also available for quicker or more direct transport, usually costing around $40 pesos one way.
For a more adventurous exploration, renting a bicycle is a fantastic way to discover hidden local spots, cruise along the beach, and experience the town at your own pace. Lighthouse Tours offers bike rentals, making it easy to get around and see more of the area, especially on a cloudy day.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit