13 ultimate best things to do in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
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Let’s discover the ultimate best things to do in Puerto Morelos, Mexico – a charming fishing village on the shores of the Caribbean Sea known for its incredible beaches, tranquil atmosphere, good food, and proximity to the vibrant coral reefs.
We spent a couple of memorable days in this unique seaside oasis hidden away from the usual crowds and used this opportunity to explore Puerto Morelos to the fullest.
In this blog post, you will find all the best things to do in Puerto Morelos, including photos, descriptions, and exact locations where they can be found on Google Maps. I hope you enjoy this place as much as we did. Happy travels!
Read more » 9 cool Instagram spots in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
1. See the symbol of Puerto Morelos – Leaning lighthouse!
This beautiful Leaning lighthouse (El Faro Inclinado in Spanish) at the shores of the Caribbean Sea is a symbol of strength and resilience in Puerto Morelos. It is one of the most unique places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The lighthouse was hit by a hurricane in 1967 that left it tilted as you see in the photo. Although a new lighthouse was built next to it, this one was left standing there as a symbol of the resilience of this charming small fishing town.
Location: Leaning lighthouse of Puerto Morelos
2. Join a small-group Puerto Morelos foodie tour!
If you only have time for one of the things to do in Puerto Morelos this might be it – a small-group foodie tour around Puerto Morelos visiting multiple family restaurants, food stalls, and markets.
A food tour in Puerto Morelos is a fantastic way to satisfy your taste buds and connect with the local community and its traditions. Every food and every delicious bite has a story and the guide is very happy to tell you all about it.
Book here » Puerto Morelos Foodie Tour
3. Watch the sunrise at Puerto Morelos Dock!
One of the most popular places for people to gather in Puerto Morelos is the dock (“malecón”). It is located right next to the Leaning lighthouse, and people love gathering here to socialize and watch the fishermen embark on their daily trips.
We visited the dock many times during our stay in Puerto Morelos, including one time when we woke up to watch the sunrise there – it was among my favorite things to do in Puerto Morelos!
I love exploring during the early morning hours because places seem so peaceful and quiet. It is a whole different vibe! And the golden shade from the sunrise makes everything so magical!
There is also a small beach next to the dock that also serves as a marina for fishing boats. We sat there under a palm tree waiting for the sun to come up from the horizon – it was the perfect spot. So worth it waking up so early!
Location: Puerto Morelos Dock
4. Take a photo of Puerto Morelos letters at the promenade!
Puerto Morelos has a lovely waterfront square in the heart of the small town where people love to gather, kids play ball, locals socialize, and just relax. There is a stage for events and a small promenade along the water.
This is where you can sit down on one of the cute benches under a palm tree and enjoy the view of the Caribbean Sea. And you can take a mandatory photo of the colorful Puerto Morelos letters with the sea as the background.
Location: Puerto Morelos letters
5. Go on a snorkeling tour to the Great Mayan Reef!
Did you know that Puerto Morelos is home to the National Reef Park, one of the best-preserved stretches of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef? So one of the best things to do in Puerto Morelos is going on a snorkeling tour to the coral reef!
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second-largest barrier reef in the world and is popularly known as the Great Mayan Reef, one of the natural marvels this side of the world has to offer.
The part that stretches along the Caribbean coast of Puerto Morelos is close to the shore making this beach town one of the best places to do a snorkel tour even for beginners like me! I did snorkeling for the first time here and it was awesome!
Book here » Puerto Morelos Snorkeling Tour
6. Try fresh seafood caught on the shores of Puerto Morelos!
Being an old fishing village on the coast of the Caribbean, Puerto Morelos prides itself on offering fresh fish and seafood options every day at its local seafood restaurants. And you can be sure there are plenty of options to choose from!
Puerto Morelos is a small paradise for seafood lovers so trying freshly caught fish or seafood is one of the top things to do here in Puerto Morelos. Here are some of the most popular seafood restaurants in Puerto Morelos:
- Mar-Bella Fish Market – Puerto Morelos – fresh seafood with a view ranging from fried red snapper, oysters on the half shell, to hogfish;
- Boquinete Seafood & Grill – beachside restaurant known for fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere offering dishes like crab tacos, grilled seabass, and shrimp;
- El Merkadito – beachfront restaurant with a laid-back vibe famous for its ceviche and fresh shrimp dishes. And the views are unbeatable!
- La Pepita – popular for its fresh and flavorful seafood dishes, including ceviche, fried fish, and shrimp tacos;
- Pelicanos – beachside seafood restaurant offering a diverse seafood menu with a fantastic ocean view.
7. Spend a relaxing day at the white sand beach!
Puerto Morelos is the perfect place in the Yucatan Peninsula to spend a relaxing and enjoyable day at the beach. Why? The beaches here are easily accessible, unlike in Cancun or Tulum where hotels often block access.
The white sand beach lines along the whole coast of Puerto Morelos town and it is all accessible for free. Did you know that you have to pay a tax to access beaches in Tulum? One more reason to visit the small fishing village of Puerto Morelos!
The soft, white sand and clear, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can rent a beach chair at one of the beach clubs or find a shady spot on your own – the beach is long and you will definitely find a spot for yourself!
Location: Puerto Morelos Beach
8. Tour secret cenotes in the jungle!
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is known for its thousands of cenotes, which are natural sinkholes in the ground filled with crystal-clear waters. Cenotes are perfect for swimming and a great option if beaches are covered with sargassum.
We explored more than 30 gorgeous cenotes around the Yucatan Peninsula during our travels. It is easier if you have a rental car – just choose one and go but there are also great tours that will take you to multiple cenotes in one day.
I can recommend joining a cenotes adventure tour with lunch to three amazing cenotes not too far from Puerto Morelos. The tour includes one of my favorite underground cenotes in Mexico – Cenote Taak Bi Ha pictured above.
Book here » Three Cenotes Adventure Tour
9. Go on a day trip to Chichén Itzá, cenote, and Valladolid!
While Puerto Morelos is a fantastic place to base yourself when visiting this part of Mexico, there are places around the Yucatan Peninsula that are simply a must-see! One of them is the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza!
Chichen Itzá is the most famous of all the Mayan archaeological sites in the Yucatán and it is one of the most visited places in Mexico. This archaeological site was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What now is a popular tourist destination, historically was one of the largest Mayan cities dating back to 600 AC. This magical place is a must-see!
We spent several months in the Yucatan Peninsula so we had a rental car for our convenience but if you don’t, I recommend joining a Chichen Itza group tour that will take you to Chichen Itza, a cenote, and to the quaint colonial town of Valladolid.
Book here » Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
10. Hold baby crocodiles at Croco Cun Zoo!
Visiting Croco Cun Zoo is one of the most fun things to do in Puerto Morelos if you are an animal lover or travel with kids! Croco Cun Zoo is an interactive animal conservation zoo with exotic animals freely roaming around as you visit.
The zoo allows visitors to get up close with various animals, including crocodiles, monkeys, snakes, and parrots. Guided tours to Croco Cun Zoo offer the possibility to even feed spider monkeys and hold baby crocodiles.
The unique zoo focuses on conservation and education which makes it both fun and informative. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about local wildlife here in Mexico while supporting animal protection efforts.
Location: Croco Cun Zoo
11. Explore the Mexican food scene in Puerto Morelos!
Not many world cuisines can compare to Mexican food so exploring the local food scene is one of the top things to do in Puerto Morelos.
From breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros or chilaquiles to lunch and dinner plates like fajitas, enchiladas, and, of course, tacos, there are so many foods to try when in Mexico! Here are some of the top Mexican restaurants in Puerto Morelos:
- Al Chimichurri, a Latin American restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Argentine-Mexican fusion dishes;
- El Nicho, known for its exceptional breakfast and brunch options, including hearty Mexican chilaquiles and huevos rancheros;
- Península Cocina del Sureste, known for its authentic Mayan and Mexican dishes like cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, and more combined with a relaxing atmosphere;
- EL CHARRO, known for its grilled dishes, including must-try items like juicy fajitas, birria tacos ceviche, enchiladas, guacamole, burritos, and more.
12. Shop souvenirs at Artisans Market in Puerto Morelos!
This little town has a nice street market (flea market), known locally as the ‘Artisans Market’ situated next to the main square (‘Zócalo’) near the Leaning lighthouse. If you are looking for some souvenirs, this is the place to go!
The vibrant market showcases handmade items, including jewelry, textiles, and pottery crafted by local artists. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts while supporting the local community.
Location: Artisans Market
13. Check out the colorful street art in Puerto Morelos!
One of my favorite activities in Puerto Morelos was hunting down the most colorful street art murals in downtown. If you have visited some of the towns in the Yucatan Peninsula you’ll know that love street art over here!
The easiest way to spot cool street art is by taking a walk around the town and keeping your eyes open! We saw them on walls, houses, and inside cafés and restaurants like El Nicho or Mangata. See more cool street art photo spots in Puerto Morelos here.
Where to stay in Puerto Morelos?
Puerto Morelos is very walkable. If you like exploring great restaurants, shops, and markets as well as mingling with friendly locals I recommend staying close to the town center near the Leaning lighthouse. For peace and quiet look for places further away.
Here are some hotel recommendations in Puerto Morelos
- The Fives Oceanfront – luxury hotel with stunning ocean views, modern amenities, and direct beach access, about 0.5 miles from the Leaning Lighthouse;
- Suites Valentina – a charming budget-friendly hotel with spacious suites near the beach, about 0.4 miles from the Leaning Lighthouse;
- Hotel Amar Inn – a hotel with a cozy and homey atmosphere close to the sea and about 0.3 miles from the Leaning Lighthouse;
- Casa Sonoma – a wonderful boutique guesthouse with a relaxing ambiance, about 0.7 miles from the Leaning Lighthouse;
- Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort – an all-inclusive resort with multiple pools, dining options, and activities for families, about 1.2 miles from the Leaning Lighthouse.
Happy exploring!
The charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos in Riviera Maya is a more tranquil alternative to its busier neighbors like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. We very much enjoyed the town through its pristine beaches, food, and vibrant culture.
Besides our multi-day stay in Puerto Morelos, we also spent a couple of months traveling around the Yucatán Peninsula, including the states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo, and exploring all the corners of this beautiful peninsula.
From white-sand beaches to dark underground cenotes, and ancient pyramids – there’s just so much to see! I hope you have a great time there just like we did and I hope you get some travel inspiration from this blog post for your travels! Happy travels!
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