Located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos is one of my favorite beach towns in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It has a relaxed atmosphere, a walkable town center, plenty of good restaurants, and a beautiful beach with a protected coral reef just offshore.
Unlike Cancun’s Hotel Zone or the busier streets of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos still feels like a small coastal town. You can spend the morning snorkeling, have lunch overlooking the beach, and walk to a different restaurant or bar each evening without needing a car.
I first came here planning to stay for one week and ended up extending my visit to three weeks. That gave me plenty of time to explore the beaches, restaurants, beach clubs, and the Colonia on the other side of the highway.
In this Puerto Morelos travel guide, I’ll cover where to stay, how to get here from Cancun Airport, my favorite restaurants and beach clubs, things to do, and a few practical tips for planning your trip.
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Where is Puerto Morelos?
Puerto Morelos is a small beach town in Quintana Roo, Mexico, located roughly halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
It’s approximately 25 minutes south of Cancun International Airport and about 35–45 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, depending on traffic.
The town is divided into two main areas. The beachside, sometimes called the Puerto or Portside, is where you’ll find the main square, beaches, restaurants, small hotels, and many vacation rentals. The Colonia is on the inland side of Highway 307 and has more local businesses, neighborhood restaurants, and residential areas.
One of the biggest attractions is the Mesoamerican Reef, which runs just offshore. Puerto Morelos is an excellent place to go snorkeling without having to travel far from town.
How to Get to Puerto Morelos
To get to Puerto Morelos, you will want to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN). The drive from the Cancun airport to Puerto Morelos is only about 20-25 minutes. These are the various transportation methods you can use to get there.
Only authorized taxis and shuttles can pick you up at the Cancun airport, though any can drop you off. Do not get in a taxi or shuttle with an individual who does not have a badge and appear to be affiliated with a company operating there.
Cancun Airport to Puerto Morelos
Private Transfer: If you are with a large group, I always recommend you schedule a private transfer before arriving. Some of the preferred transfer companies are CARM Tours & Transfers, Happy Shuttle, or Canada Transfers. They will know when you land be waiting at the exit for you holding a sign with your name. Check their websites for current rates.
Taxi: Upon exiting the airport in Cancun, you will find many taxis that can take you to Playa del Carmen. The Cancun airport website will warn you that all taxi rides are supposed to be prebooked online. While this is the easiest way to get there if you didn’t book a private transfer, you’ll find the prices are not fixed and will be more expensive. The price will depend on what the driver thinks he can charge you and how open they are to negotiating.
Car Rental: Cancun airport has an extremely large rental car center, and most international and local rental companies have desks here. Car rentals are available 24 hours a day with registration ahead of time.
Note: Ado Bus doesn’t currently run from the Cancun airport to Puerto Morelos (they used to). In theory, you could take the bus to downtown Cancun and then take a bus heading towards Playa del Carmen, get dropped off in Puerto Morelos, and then take a local taxi to the beach area. This seems like too much of a hassle for me.
Where to Stay in Puerto Morelos
There are three main areas I would consider staying in Puerto Morelos, depending on your budget and how you plan to spend your time.
Colonia
Best For: Budget travelers, longer stays, and travelers who prefer a more local neighborhood.
The Colonia is located west of Highway 307, away from the beach. This is where most locals live, and you’ll find inexpensive restaurants, shops, markets, and apartment rentals.
There aren’t as many traditional tourist hotels here, but you’ll generally find better value on longer-term accommodations. Accommodations will mostly be apartment rentals and a few smaller bed and breakfasts.
I recommend visiting the Colonia at least once, even if you don’t stay there. It’s a different side of Puerto Morelos from the restaurants and hotels by the beach.
Puerto or Portside
Best For: Walkability, restaurants, beach clubs, and independent travelers.
This is the section of town along the beach. Most people staying in this area will be tourists, expats, retired foreigners, and foreign residents. This area has mostly condo rentals and small unpretentious hotels. Some of the accommodations I like are the Areia Boutique Hotel, and the more upscale Fives Oceanfront. This is where I prefer to stay to enjoy both the beach and restaurants in town. You can also find many apartment rentals here.
Beachside Resorts
Best For: All-inclusive vacations, families, and travelers who plan to spend most of their time at the resort.
The large resorts are located both north and south of Puerto Morelos. Many of these resorts are all-inclusive and can be priced from mid-range to luxury. If you want to come into the town, you will need to take a taxi. Stay here if you want to spend most of your days at the resort pool or beach, take excursions, and occasionally visit the town.
Some of the best resorts to the north are Excellence, Dreams Sapphire, and Dreams Riviera Cancun. While the one of the best to the south is Dreams Jade Resort & Spa.
If you are looking for a sexy vacation, then Desire Riviera Maya Pearl is a resort that caters to couples “in the lifestyle” though participation is not required. They also have a slightly larger resort a little further north called Desire Riviera Maya.
Puerto Morelos Recommended Hotels
Here are my top two recommended hotels within Puerto Morelos, at different price points.
UPSCALE BEACHFRONT HOTEL
The Fives Oceanfront
The Fives Oceanfront Hotel is quite simply the best hotel in Puerto Morelos that is both on the beach and near the town. It’s pretty much the last hotel on the beach to the north, so it’s about a 15-minute walk to the busy area with most restaurants and bars. But don’t let this stop you from staying here.
You can choose the all-inclusive option or forgo it. I don’t necessarily tell people to skip the all-inclusive in Puerto Morelos, but there are so many great restaurants in town that you would be seriously missing out by having all your meals here.
There are two pools – one beachside and also a rooftop pool. And for restaurants they have the Italian Al Mare and Romarley Beach House with a reggae vibe beside the beach.
BUDGET HOTEL
Areia Boutique Hotel
If you don’t care about being directly on the beach, then the Areia Boutique Hotel is the best budget hotel in Puerto Morelos. It has gone through a few name changes, but is only a few years old, so it’s very clean and nice for a no-frills hotel. There is a small rooftop pool, but it can be cold in the winter months.
If you want to spend your time checking out the town, visiting cenotes, or exploring the surrounding area rather than spending your days lounging at a pool, then this is the best option. The Italian restaurant on the first floor is pretty good too.
When I came to Puerto Morelos for the first time, I booked one week at this hotel and ended up extending to three weeks.
Dining & Nightlife in Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos has far more good restaurants than you might expect from a town its size.
During my extended stay, I tried plenty of places, from casual breakfasts and inexpensive tacos to seafood restaurants right on the beach.
These are a few of my favorites.
Breakfast & Coffee Shops
Lola y Moya: A homey Mexican restaurant that feels like visiting someone’s grandmother for breakfast. It’s a good place to start the day before heading to the beach.
Mangata: One of my favorite breakfast spots, especially for smoothies. There’s a mix of lighter options and more substantial breakfasts.
Best Breakfast
Lola y Moya: A homey Mexican restaurant that feels like visiting someone’s grandmother for breakfast. It’s a good place to start the day before heading to the beach.
Mangata: One of my favorite breakfast spots, especially for smoothies. There’s a mix of lighter options and more substantial breakfasts.
Best Dinner Restaurants
Puerto Knna (Formerly Boquinete): My favorite restaurant in Puerto Morelos. It’s directly on the beach, with excellent seafood and a fantastic oceanfront setting. The restaurant was previously called Boquinete Seafood & Grill, so you may still see the old name used online.
El Campanario: An Argentine-style steakhouse worth visiting if you’re in the mood for grilled meats rather than seafood.
Tanino’s: One of my favorite places to spend an evening. The large outdoor garden, wine selection, and live music make it a good choice whether you want dinner or just a few drinks.
For more places to eat, including additional breakfast spots, seafood restaurants, and casual options, see my Best Restaurants in Puerto Morelos guide.
Beach Clubs
Puerto Morelos has several beach clubs where you can spend an afternoon with a lounge chair, food, and drinks.
Diving Lodge Downtown: One of my personal favorites. It’s farther north than most of the restaurants in town, but I enjoyed its casual atmosphere and got to know several of the regulars who spent their afternoons here.
RoMarley Beach House: Located at The Fives Oceanfront, this is a more upscale beach club with Caribbean-inspired food, cocktails, and a reggae-influenced atmosphere.
My Paradise Beach Club: A casual option close to the town center, with beach seating, food, and drinks.
Beach club policies, minimum spending requirements, and chair availability may change, so check before visiting.
Live Music & Nightlife
Puerto Morelos isn’t a major nightlife destination, but you can still find live music and places to have drinks in the evening.
Some restaurants feature musicians during dinner, while certain beach clubs host afternoon performances.
Tanino’s is one of my favorite places for an evening out, particularly if you want a relaxed garden setting.
If you’re looking for large nightclubs or parties that go until early morning, Cancun and Playa del Carmen offer far more options.
Top Things to do in Puerto Morelos
While Puerto Morelos is a smaller town along the Riviera Maya, you should be able to stay busy during your stay.
Relax on Puerto Morelos Beach
The beach in Puerto Morelos is one of the most underrated in the area. It runs a total of about 12.4 miles and is walkable and not crowded. You will find beach clubs spread out along it where you can grab a beach chair and order food and drinks.
Visit the Croco Cun Zoo
Croco Cun Zoo is an interactive wildlife attraction just outside Puerto Morelos.
Guided visits focus on animals native to the region and other species housed at the facility.
It’s an option for families who want an activity away from the beach. Check the zoo’s current visiting arrangements before heading over.
Snorkel the Puerto Morelos Reef
One of the best things to do in Puerto Morelos is snorkeling.
The reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world.
It’s protected within Puerto Morelos Reef National Park and lies a short boat ride offshore.
Local tour operators can take you to permitted snorkeling areas, where you may see tropical fish, coral formations, and other marine life.
Because this is a protected marine environment, follow your guide’s instructions, don’t touch the coral, and respect the park’s conservation rules.
Swim in a Cenote
Just west of Puerto Morelos is the Ruta de los Cenotes, a road leading to numerous freshwater swimming holes surrounded by jungle.
Some cenotes are open-air pools, while others are underground caverns.
A few popular options include:
Cenote Verde Lucero: An open-air cenote known for swimming and jumping into the water.
Cenote La Noria: A cenote experience that can be combined with other adventure activities.
Cenote Kin-Ha: A cavern-style cenote along the Ruta de los Cenotes.
You’ll generally need a rental car, taxi, or organized tour to reach them.
Wander the Colonia
If you’re staying by the beach, I recommend visiting the Colonia on the other side of Highway 307.
It’s a more residential part of Puerto Morelos, with casual taco restaurants, small shops, and businesses serving the local community.
The prices at neighborhood restaurants are often lower than at the tourist-oriented places near the beach.
It’s a good area to explore if you want a break from the more international atmosphere of the Puerto.
Day Trips From Puerto Morelos
One of the advantages of Puerto Morelos is its central location along the Riviera Maya.
Cancun: Head north to explore the Hotel Zone, beaches, shopping, or nightlife.
Playa del Carmen: Travel south for shopping along Quinta Avenida, restaurants, beach clubs, and a much livelier atmosphere.
Chichen Itza: One of the most famous Maya archaeological sites in Mexico. Plan on approximately 2.5–3 hours of driving each way, depending on the route and traffic.
You can also explore additional cenotes, eco-parks, and beaches throughout the Riviera Maya.
For more ideas, check out my guide to the best places to visit in the Riviera Maya, where I cover some of my favorite destinations along this stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Puerto Morelos FAQ
Is Puerto Morelos Good for Digital Nomads?
Yes, especially if you prefer a small beach town over a larger city.
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, vacation rentals, and cafés, although connection quality varies.
Some places where I’ve enjoyed spending time or working include Café Amancia, Mangata, Local Coffee + Shop, and Diving Lodge Downtown.
For important video calls or full workdays, I would prioritize accommodation with a confirmed high-speed internet connection rather than relying entirely on café Wi-Fi.
Is Puerto Morelos a Party Town?
No. Puerto Morelos is considerably quieter than Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
There are restaurants, beach clubs, and occasional live music performances, but you won’t find the same concentration of large nightclubs or late-night entertainment.
Is Puerto Morelos Safe?
Puerto Morelos is very safe. It is a small beach town with a large ex-pat community, many of whom are retired. I have never felt unsafe.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Puerto Morelos?
Like with the other towns in this part of Mexico, the best time to visit is typically from November to April. This is when the area is warm and there is little chance of rain. This is when most foreign residents move down for the winter. February to April is the busiest tourist season and so prices are generally the highest at this time.
You will find slightly cheaper prices and fewer tourists come summer, the Yucatan Peninsula gets very hot and humid during this time.
The cheapest time to visit is August through October during hurricane season. While they rarely hit this part of Mexico, they do occasionally happen, and you are more likely to experience rain or a tropical storm.
Can you drink the Water in Puerto Morelos?
Like the other towns in the Riviera Maya, drinking water and ice cubes served at the restaurants use purified water. I wouldn’t drink from the tap unless your hotel specifically says it is fine to do so.
Is Puerto Morelos Walkable?
The beach side of Puerto Morelos is walkable. But if you are traveling between beach and the Colonia near the highway then you will want to travel by car, taxi, or bike. And if you are staying at a resort, you will need to take a taxi to go elsewhere.
Do I Need a Car?
You generally won’t need a car if you stay near the beach, unless you want one to make it easier to take daytrips to other towns or to the cenotes. But there are plenty of tours that provide transportation. I stayed near the beach for over three weeks without a car.
Puerto Morelos: Final Thoughts
Puerto Morelos is one of my favorite places to stay along the Riviera Maya, largely because you can enjoy the beach without being confined to a resort.
I like being able to walk to breakfast, spend the afternoon by the water, and try a different restaurant in the evening.
It also makes a convenient base for visiting cenotes and exploring other parts of the Riviera Maya.
What was originally supposed to be a one-week stay turned into three weeks, and I never felt like I was running out of places to eat or things to do.
If you’re deciding between Puerto Morelos, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen, I’d choose Puerto Morelos for a quieter vacation where the beach, restaurants, and town itself are the main attractions.
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