9 Best Things to Do in Puerto Morelos

The Caribbean is known for great snorkelling, and there’s no better place to join in the fun than Puerto Morelo’s National Reef Park. Home to a variety of colourful fish, sharks, turtles, and eagle rays, this nature park is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, one of the world’s largest reef system. 

Because the National Reef Park is largely oceanic, the best way to get there is by boat. Head to the main pier, where experienced guides are always available to provide transportation, ensure you have the proper equipment, and guarantee the safety of the corals. Tours vary from relaxing snorkelling sessions to more challenging shipwreck dives.

The Puerto Morelos Artisans Market is a refreshingly low-key market unlike most souvenir shops. Keepsakes, jewellery, and art are created right in front of you by families who have been doing it for decades. Located north of Parroquia San José Obrero, the market is a quaint, colourful area where tourists can mingle with the locals. 

Purchase handmade hammocks, enjoy locally picked fruit, and try on unique Mexican-inspired clothing. The Morelos Artisans Market is especially lively on weekends as you’ll see local musicians and food trucks lining the street.

Cenotes are natural caves that contain freshwater pools and underwater passageways and are incredibly popular destinations throughout the Riviera Maya. One of the most highly regarded ones in Puerto Morelos is Boca del Puma. 

This particular cenote is popular due to its bright blue waters, large key-lime caves, and knowledgeable guides. Tours usually last around 90 minutes. Aside from the cenote, Boca del Puma is also home to a natural reserve complete with a wildlife museum, ATV rides, and a zip line course. 

Puerto Morelos is dotted with beautiful underground cenotes, many of them right off a popular biking trail known as La Ruta De Los Cenotes. This well-travelled path runs through the jungle and allows you to visit up to 19 cenotes. 

La Ruta is paved and often visited by locals and travellers alike, many heading to their favourite cenote. This trail is the perfect opportunity to see local wildlife such as porcupines, iguanas, and spider monkeys. If biking is not your thing, the trail is also accessible by foot and car.

The Riviera Maya is known for its spectacular beaches, and Puerto Morelos is no exception. Located next to Faro Inclinado (Puerto Morelos’ leaning lighthouse), Puerto Morelos Beach is known for its soft, white sand and turquoise waters.

The public beach is often packed with sunbathers during the summer months. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab your gear and snorkel along the coast – the Puerto Morelos beach offers some of the best snorkelling conditions in the Caribbean.

Make your relaxing Caribbean getaway an educational one by taking cooking lessons at Little Mexican Cooking School. Learn to prepare an authentic Mexican breakfast and lunch from the nationally recognized Chef Cristobal. Inclusive of festive drinks and a communal lunch, the 2-hour class teaches about the traditions and culture of certain ingredients and recipes and how to make them. The Little Mexican Cooking School is about 700 metres north of Puerto Morelos Dock.

Wet Set is a PADI-certified dive centre on Puerto Morelos Beach. Here, you can book diving excursions to the Caribbean reef system. Explore sunken ships, colourful ocean reefs, and fresh-water cenotes together with knowledgeable guides. Wet Set also offers an open water certification course, all with top-quality equipment. Feeling extra brave? Join the scuba centre’s night dives. 

Not to be outdone by the region’s larger cities, Puerto Morelos’s culinary scene is based on its local seafood and talented cooks. Many of its popular seafood restaurants are located right on the beach, just metres from the ocean. 

Try a lemon-zested scallops dish or the ever-popular ceviche, made with lemon-cured raw fish, spicy peppers, onions, and a dash of salt. Pair it with a Tecate beer, a staple in many Mexican joints. Because Puerto Morelos’ seafood restaurants often focus their menus around the catch of the day, the food is always top-quality.

Start the day in Puerto Morelos with a classic Mexican desayuno (breakfast) of huevos rancheros, a savoury dish of fried eggs served on top of a lightly fried tortilla and smothered in a spicy tomato sauce. Another good option is chilaquiles – crispy corn tortillas covered in chili sauce and cheese. Often served for breakfast or brunch, the corn tortillas in chilaquiles are traditionally fried and served with a side of refried beans. Mexican breakfasts also typically include a lot of tropical fruit, smoothies, and black coffee.