KICKING BACK IN PUERTO MORELOS
Locals residing throughout Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya always find
themselves itching to explore everything the area has to offer. With so many amazing
beaches and charming towns to discover, it's no wonder the region has become a
favorite for expats in search of excitement, relaxation or just a cold beer on the sand.
One of the area's best spots for a day trip is Puerto Morelos, a beautiful fishing town
offering quiet Caribbean charm combined with adventure out on the reef.
The heart of this pueblo is the zocalo, a small town square by the ocean where you'll
find numerous restaurants, a few bars, souvenir shops, a charming central church and a
dive shop. Whether you want to spend the day sampling fresh seafood or exploring the
reef, Puerto Morelos has it all just 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.
What to Do
The beaches of Puerto Morelos capture your attention with bright blue water and calm
waves, perfect for a swim. Umbrellas and loungers are available for cheap day rental,
but there's also plenty of space along the soft white sand to set up your own space with
just some towels and your beach bag. Small beach bars advertise beer and cold sodas all
along the coast of Puerto Morelos, making it easy to grab some cheap drinks for your
friends and head back to enjoy the sun.
While you're relaxing on the beach, you'll see small tour boats along the shore
and around the pier, and you might even be approached by a local offering you an
inexpensive snorkeling tour. Prices for a snorkeling tour generally range from $25 USD
to $40 USD, depending on what they include. Make your way out by boat with your
guide as you explore the coral and variety of fish living in the Mesoamerican Barrier
Reef, located just a short distance off shore.
A wide variety of lunch options can be found around the Puerto Morelos zocalo.
Pelicano's is the area's most well-known restaurant, serving an extensive menu of
seafood, sandwiches and more right next to the town square; try to get an ocean view
table out on the terrace! About a block away, you'll find La Panza Es Primero, a small
restaurant with a variety of Mexican cuisine, Caribbean Sea views and a fun lucha libre
theme. If you take the time to walk around the zocalo's side streets, you'll come across
gelato stands, family-run seafood restaurants, handmade empanadas and much more.
How to Get There
Buses leave from the ADO bus station on Playa's Fifth Avenue approximately every
half hour throughout the day. For just $30 Mexican pesos or less, the air-conditioned
ADO bus will take you half an hour along the highway to the Puerto Morelos bus
station. Here, taxis are readily available to take you into town for just a few dollars. You
can also take a taxi directly from Playa del Carmen, which should charge around $250
Mexican pesos to drive you all the way to Puerto Morelos.
Locals with their own car or travelers with a rental car can easily take Highway 307
about half an hour north. Turn right at the Puerto Morelos exit and drive a few miles
down a jungle-lined road that leads directly to the zocalo. You might have to search a
few minutes through the town's side streets, but you should be able to find an available
place to park without too much hassle.