11 Exciting Things To Do In Puerto Morelos, Mexico
There are many things to do in Puerto Morelos. This small quiet town is still the classic “sleepy little fishing town” in many ways, even if it’s only 22 miles from Cancun.
Puerto Morelos remains to be among the hidden gems on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Aside from its beaches and the laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway.
READ MORE: Best Hotels In Puerto Morelos.
Puerto Morelos is home to a diverse and rich marine sanctuary. This town in Quintana Roo promotes ecotourism to help preserve and protect its reef park, which makes a visit even more fulfilling.
Get to know more about this lovely seaside locale with this guide on the best things to do in Puerto Morelos, Mexico.
Things you'll find in this article
- 11 Exciting Things To Do In Puerto Morelos, Mexico
- 1. Get that perfect tan at Puerto Morelos Beach
- 2. Visit the Jardín Botanico
- 3. Snorkel or scuba dive at the National Reef Park
- 4. Swim at the Boca del Puma Cenote
- 5. Bike Through La Ruta De Los Cenotes
- 6. Swim with whale sharks
- 7. Go horseback riding at sunrise
- 8. Learn to cook Mexican food
- 9. Eat some ceviche and more
- 10. Shop at Puerto Morelos Artisans market
- 11. Visit the Leaning Lighthouse
11 Exciting Things To Do In Puerto Morelos, Mexico
1. Get that perfect tan at Puerto Morelos Beach
Soak up the Caribbean sun and get that stunning sun-kissed glow when you hang out at Puerto Morelos beach.
Situated along the Riviera Maya, the pristine sans and crystalline waters of Puerto Morelos beach is a great place to just chill during the day. It is right next to Faro Inclinado (the leaning lighthouse), Puerto Morelos Beach boasts of ideal conditions that are perfect for snorkeling.
Bring or rent your own snorkeling gear to go underwater and see the area’s rich marine life
2. Visit the Jardín Botanico
Puerto Morelos isn’t just beaches and its underwater attractions.
Apart from those in its sandy coast, the Jardín Botanico is one of the best places to see in Puerto Morelos. This garden was established in 1982, and among the largest botanic gardens in Mexico.
The Jardín Botanico is home to many Yucatan plants, which include cactuses, palms, and plants with medicinal properties.
This beautiful garden is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Morelos, particularly the trail that takes you through some of its best parts.
Aside from the lush scenery and a large variety of plant species, Jardín Botanico also features a Mayan archeological site and traditional house.
3. Snorkel or scuba dive at the National Reef Park
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Easily one of the best things to do in Puerto Morelos, snorkeling or scuba diving at the National Reef Park is a must.
Known for its ideal snorkeling conditions, this area in the Caribbean is home to a variety of colorful fishes, eagle rays, sharks, and turtles.
A part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the Puerto Morelos National Reef Park is one of the largest reef systems in the world.
Join one of the specially designed tours organized by expert guides, which range from fun snorkeling sessions to the more challenging shipwreck dives.
4. Swim at the Boca del Puma Cenote
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Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is home to cenotes, and a visit to these cool natural pools is a fun thing to do when in Puerto Morelos.
The Boca del Puma Cenote is said to be one of the best in Puerto Morelos because of its sparkling blue waters and huge key-lime caves. The cenote also has helpful and knowledgeable guides who ensure that visitors will enjoy the experience.
After your time in the caves and in the water, check out the rest of Boca del Puma which is also home to a natural reserve and a wildlife museum.
5. Bike Through La Ruta De Los Cenotes
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There are many beautiful underground cenotes in Puerto Morelos and a lot of them are along the biking trail called La Ruta De Los Cenotes.
This scenic path winds through a lush forested area, with marked stops for bikers to see any of the 19 cenotes along the trail.
Biking along La Ruta De Los Cenotes is one of the best things to do in Puerto Morelos where one can also spot some local wildlife such as iguanas, porcupines, and spider monkeys.
If you’re not that confident with your biking skills or want to explore with a group, the area can also be navigated by car or on foot.
6. Swim with whale sharks
The 625-mile Mesoamerican Barrier Reef or Mayan Reef area stretches along the coast of Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico.
Home to a variety of ecosystems, this area also regularly attracts one of the largest congregations of whale sharks in the world.
Swimming with these gentle giants is one of those memorable things to do in Puerto Morelos.
They are usually on the reef during the summer months to feed on plankton, which makes mid-May to September the best months to bond with these magnificent sea creatures.
Remember to sign up for a diving tour with an ethical company with responsible tourism practices. When you swim with the whale sharks, remember to not swim too close to avoid being accidentally hit by their tail.
7. Go horseback riding at sunrise
How about a fun and unique way to start your day in Puerto Morelos?
Horseback riding on the beach is becoming more popular among visitors to this beautiful old town, and among the most exciting activities to do in Puerto Morelos.
Explore the beaches of the stunning Riviera Maya at sunrise on horseback, ride along the tropical shores as the sun slowly rises.
These sunrise beach tours on horseback cater to even the most inexperienced rider, and a definite must-try in Puerto Morelos.
8. Learn to cook Mexican food
Mexican food is hearty and flavorful, and they are among the best things to enjoy in any Mexican town or city. In Puerto Morelos, visitors are given a different spin when it comes to enjoying this food. How about spending the entire morning or afternoon by learning to cook Mexican dishes?
Home to the Little Mexican Cooking School, one of the best Yucatan cooking schools, Puerto Morelos is foodie heaven. Sign up for a class and learn how to prepare and cook Mexican fares that range from light breakfasts and hearty lunches to festive drinks.
9. Eat some ceviche and more
Those who just do not have the patience for learning how to cook while on vacation can simply enjoy all the great food in Puerto Morelos.
Apart from Mexican dishes, this town also offers cuisine from different parts of the world because of exeats who put up bars, eateries, and restaurants here. From Asian to Italian, from vegetarian offerings to seafood dishes, all are guaranteed made from fresh ingredients daily.
Not to be outdone are the Mexican offerings, such as lemon-infused scallops or the ceviche, which is made with fresh raw fish cured with lime, peppers, and other spices and best paired with Tecate beer.
Recommended places for the best ceviche in Puerto Morelos are El Pesquero and La Pepita, both located near the lighthouse. These joints are both open for lunch and dinner.
10. Shop at Puerto Morelos Artisans market
You cannot leave Puerto Morelos without stopping by its famous Artisans Market.
Browse authentic and locally made items that range from trinkets to jewelry, art, hammocks, and clothing. Most of them are even created right in front of you by families who have been doing it for years.
This artisan market is a quaint, colorful area located north of Parroquia San José Obrero. A visit here is also one of the most fun things to do in Puerto Morelos where you can also mingle with the locals.
11. Visit the Leaning Lighthouse
When strolling along the boardwalk or trying to decide where to eat in Puerto Morelos, one can’t possibly miss the lighthouses. This old fishing town may not be big on attractions but do stop by the two lighthouses and learn why there’s two of them in the first place.
Besides the main pier, you can’t miss the Faro Inclinado or the leaning lighthouse of Puerto Morelos. This 33-foot high lighthouse was built in 1946, from stones that were originally from ancient Mayan structures.
In 1967, the hurricane, Beulah, destroyed a part of the foundation which caused the structure to lean.
In the 1980s, a new lighthouse was built behind the leaning one, which was not torn down despite its condition. The leaning lighthouse is now one of the best things to see in Puerto Morelos. Faro Inclinado is now a symbol of this quaint fishing town, a witness to the storm that tried to destroy it but failed.
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