Puerto Morelos is the small fishing town between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and it's our closest neighbour: the Ruta de los Cenotes, where our park is, starts right here. It's quieter than both of its big neighbours, with a protected reef just offshore and the jungle a few minutes inland.
On the coast
1. Snorkel the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park
The reef here is part of the Mesoamerican Reef and is protected as a national park, sitting only a few hundred metres offshore. Boat tours leave from the beach and the pier, and life jackets are usually mandatory. Expect fish, coral and, with luck, turtles and rays. Go with a local cooperative or licensed operator.
2. See the leaning lighthouse
Puerto Morelos' famous Faro Inclinado was tilted by Hurricane Beulah in 1967 and has stayed that way ever since, a symbol of the town's resilience. A newer lighthouse stands behind it.
3. Walk the beach and pier
The town beach is calmer than Cancun's east-facing beaches thanks to the reef. Walk north or south for quieter stretches.
4. Eat fresh seafood by the sea
Ceviche, whole fried fish and fish tacos at beachfront restaurants and small places around the square.
5. Browse the artisan market
Hammocks, textiles and handicrafts near the main square.
Inland: the jungle
6. Visit the botanical garden
The Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden, just south of town on Highway 307, protects a large area of forest with trails, native plants, a small Mayan site and a reconstructed chiclero (gum harvester) camp. Go early for birds and cooler temperatures.
7. Explore the Ruta de los Cenotes
The road inland toward Leona Vicario has dozens of cenotes and adventure parks. Our Ruta de los Cenotes guide covers the best ones.
8. Ride an ATV in the jungle
Our park is at km 18.5 of the Ruta, a short drive from town. Pickup from Puerto Morelos is included on our tours, so you don't need a car. Read our ATV guide.
9. Zipline over the canopy
Several parks on the Ruta have zipline circuits; ours has 4 ziplines with suspension bridges. See our zipline guide.
10. Go horseback riding
Guided rides on shaded jungle trails. See our horseback riding guide.
11. Swim in a cenote
Many cenotes are within 20–30 minutes of town. Try one with an easy staircase for a relaxed swim, or an underground one for atmosphere.
12. Visit Crococun
An interactive zoo just north of town, popular with families.
How to get to Puerto Morelos
- From Cancun: around 30–40 minutes south on Highway 307 by car, taxi or ADO bus.
- From the airport: usually closer than the Hotel Zone, as it's south of the city.
- From Playa del Carmen: around 30 minutes north.
Is Puerto Morelos worth it?
If you want a slower pace, good snorkeling close to shore and easy access to the jungle, yes. It's a great base for a few nights, or a relaxed day trip from Cancun. Note that, like the rest of the Caribbean coast, its beaches can be affected by sargassum in summer; see our sargassum guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Puerto Morelos from Cancun?
Around 30–40 minutes by road from the Cancun Hotel Zone, depending on traffic.
Is Puerto Morelos good for snorkeling?
Yes. The reef national park is close to shore and boat trips are short. Use a licensed operator and follow the park rules.
Can I do a jungle tour from Puerto Morelos?
Yes. The Ruta de los Cenotes starts in Puerto Morelos, and our tours include pickup from town.
Jungle adventure next door
ATV, ziplines, cenote and horses on the Ruta de los Cenotes, with pickup in Puerto Morelos.
See Tours
