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Puerto Morelos

Halfway between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos retains its quiet, small-town feel despite the encroaching building boom north and south of town. While it offers enough restaurants and bars to keep you entertained by night, it’s really the shallow Caribbean waters that draw visitors here. Brilliantly contrasted stripes of bright green and dark blue separate the shore from the barrier reef – a tantalizing sight for divers and snorkelers – while inland a series of excellent cenotes beckon the adventurous. There’s a nice market just south of the plaza with a good selection of crafts and handmade hammocks that are of a much higher quality than those you'll find in Cancún or Playa.

Explore Puerto Morelos

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Puerto Morelos.

  • Restaurants

  • Steak

    Al Chimichurri

    You definitely can't go wrong with the fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza here, but this Uruguayan grill is best known for its steaks. The star cuts are a…

  • International

    John Gray's Kitchen

    One block west and two blocks north of the plaza, this ‘kitchen’ turns out some truly fabulous food. The chef's specialty, though not listed on the…

  • Seafood

    El Pesquero

    OK, so it's not right on the beach, but the sand floor, palapa roof, fan-cooled dining area and fresh fish sure make you feel like you're there. Start…

  • Breakfast

    Mangata

    If you like eggs Benedict you're gonna love the 'Mangata Benedictin' (poached eggs with slow-cooked roast beef smothered in a rich hollandaise sauce)…

  • Seafood

    El Merkadito Seafood & Beach Club

    The Little Market is a beachfront restaurant near the town square that greets guests with vibrant ocean views in a relaxed open-air setting. Seafood…

  • Breakfast

    El Nicho

    Puerto Morelos' most popular breakfast spot, El Nicho serves organic egg dishes, eggs Benedict, chilaquiles (fried tortilla strips in salsa) with chicken…

  • Mexican

    El Pirata

    Known for its varied menu, locally grown organic produce and casual atmosphere, this place north of the plaza does everything from tacos and classic…

  • Cafe

    Le Café d’Amancia

    Right on the plaza, this is a spotlessly clean place with pleasing ambience. It serves bagels, sandwiches, pies, good strong coffee, and fruit and veggie…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Puerto Morelos.

  • Activities