Puerto Morelos is built around its reef, a stretch of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that sits just a few hundred meters offshore, so most things to do in Puerto Morelos involve the water. But the town also has cenotes, a botanical garden, a zoo, and a leaning lighthouse that make for easy half days on land. Prices below are in Mexican pesos and are approximate. For an overview of the town and its climate before you dive in, read the guide to Puerto Morelos.
Things to Do in Puerto Morelos: On the Water
Snorkeling and Diving
Puerto Morelos Reef National Park
The Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos protects a coral reef about 400 m (1,300 ft) from the beach, part of the second largest barrier reef system in the world. A two hour guided snorkel trip with gear and the park entry fee typically runs MXN 600 to 900 (US$33 to 50) per person from the operators near the main pier, and certified divers pay around MXN 2,500 (US$135) for a two tank dive. Book the morning trips when the sea is flattest, and check the Puerto Morelos weather by month guide for the calmest months.
Ojo de Agua
Ojo de Agua is a large freshwater spring that pours into a shallow lagoon right where the mangrove meets the sea, on the north edge of town. It is free to visit, and the calm, clear water makes it a good alternative when wind has kicked up the beach. Bring water shoes for the rocky entrance and go early to avoid the afternoon crowd.
Beaches
Playa Sol
Playa Sol is the main town beach, running south from the leaning lighthouse near the pier. The sand is soft and the water is shallow and calm, good for families and for wading out to see small fish. Beach clubs and restaurants sit just behind the sand, and there is no entry fee.
Playa Punta Brava
Punta Brava is the quieter northern beach, favored by locals and kiteboarders when the wind picks up in the afternoon. It is free, with fewer vendors than Playa Sol, and you can rent paddleboards from a couple of small shops along the shore for about MXN 300 (US$16) an hour. This northern stretch is covered in the Puerto Morelos neighborhoods guide.
Things to Do in Puerto Morelos: On Land
Nature and Wildlife
Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin
This botanical garden about 3 km inland from town covers 65 hectares of tropical forest and a mangrove lagoon. Entry is around MXN 150 (US$8), and there are self guided trails plus a small Mayan ruin reproduction. Look for spider monkeys, coatis, and dozens of bird species, and bring insect repellent.
Croco Cun Zoo
Croco Cun Zoo is an interactive wildlife center on the road toward the cenotes, where guided tours let you handle small crocodiles, feed coatis and deer, and see snakes and spider monkeys up close. Admission is about MXN 400 (US$22) for adults and MXN 250 (US$14) for children, and tours run about an hour.
The Leaning Lighthouse
El Faro Inclinado
The tilted white lighthouse at the north end of the pier is Puerto Morelos’ most photographed landmark. Hurricane Beulah knocked it off vertical in 1967, and it has leaned ever since. It sits on public ground, so it is free to see, and the surrounding plaza and pier are the best sunset spot in town. The beachfront hotels in the where to stay in Puerto Morelos guide sit a short walk from here.
Things to Do in Puerto Morelos: The Cenotes
The Ruta de los Cenotes is a paved road that runs inland from the highway just south of town and passes more than 20 freshwater sinkholes. Most charge MXN 100 to 300 (US$5 to 16) for a swim, and many rent snorkel gear. Taxis ask about MXN 250 (US$14) each way to the closest cenotes, and the Puerto Morelos travel tips guide has the full transport breakdown.
Which Cenotes to Pick
Cenote Las Mojarras
Las Mojarras is a large, open cenote with a wooden deck and zip line, about 12 km down the Ruta de los Cenotes. Entry is roughly MXN 250 (US$14), and the clear water is ideal for a first cenote swim. There is a restaurant and restrooms on site.
Cenote Verde Lucero
Verde Lucero is an open cenote with bright green water, swings, and kayaks, around 15 km inland. Admission is about MXN 200 (US$11), and it is less busy than the cenotes closer to town, which makes it a solid choice on weekends.
Cenote Zapote
Cenote Zapote is a partially covered cenote with deep blue water and a wooden staircase, known for its clear views to the bottom. Entry is about MXN 200 (US$11). It is popular with divers doing cenote dives, so check whether a group is in before you go for a quiet swim.
When you have covered the reef and the cenotes, use the best time to visit Puerto Morelos guide to time the weather, and check the Puerto Morelos events and festivals calendar for what is on while you are there.
