Lately I have been getting many requests for information on Puerto Morelos, mostly from the Isla Mujeres regulars. I’m not sure if the Isla lovers are getting restless or what  ”How does Puerto Morelos compare to Isla Mujeres ?” they ask.

A lot less restaurants/bars in Puerto Morelos than Isla, and waaay more laid back. Beautiful undeveloped beach, one beach bar, gorgeous view, some good snorkeling at a nearby  reef, (you have to get there by boat).

Some main differences: first the obvious difference is that Isla Mujeres is an island, Puerto Morelos is a small oceanside fishing community. The main business district, that includes hotels and  restaurants is on the oceanside and the pueblo where people live is across  highway 307.

How do I get to Puerto Morelos?

From the airport, the cheapest way is to take the bus, buy a ticket at the ADO counter to Puerto Morelos, 54 pesos per person. You will get on the bus to Playa del Carmen. This bus will let you out on highway 307, you will have to taxi the rest of the way into town. Option 2, shared transfer from the airport at a cost of $25.00us per person one way. Next, a private transfer that you prearrange, they will take you right to the front door of your hotel.USA Transfers a good price at $69.00 roundtrip for 1-3 passengers.

From Cancun, again the cheapest way is to get the bus from the downtown Cancun bus station, at about 40 pesos per person, it’s a cheap way to get there. The bus will let you off at the highway and you will have to taxi into town.  There are also colectivos you can get  across the street from the bus station, same price as bus, but vans instead of a large bus, (not a good choice if you have a lot of luggage) A taxi from downtown Cancun will be 350 pesos one way, you may be able to negotiate a cheaper price.

A few recommended hotels:

Posada el Moro

Ojo de Agua (beachfront)

There are more smaller hotels and some rental home properties as well.  Mayan Riviera Properties If an All inclusive resort is your cup of tea there are a few in the Puerto Morelos area to choose from. Check out our hotel locations map for Riviera Maya

What to do there? The reef at Puerto Morelos has been declared a national reef park, and has some amazing snorkeling. These reefs are accessible by boat and you can go with several good guides and tour ops in Puerto Morelos.

If you’d like to learn some good cooking tips check out the Little Mexican Cooking School This is on my list of “must dos” the next time I’m in town!

The Ruta de Cenotes is very close by, with beautiful refreshing cenotes and a zipline park for more adventure  Selvatica

Crococun zoo is nearby, a favorite of my kids’ for many years and at 14 and 19 they still want to stop there every time we’re in the area.

If you want a relaxing vacation away from it all Puerto Morelos is for you. If you need more action at night, then you may want to reconsider, but I really enjoyed my days in Puerto Morelos.

Puerto Morelos fruit and veggie market in the pueblo

Beach Puerto Morelos

Don’t forget to stop in the best bookstore in the Riviera Maya and say hit to Rob & Joanne. The selection of books they have here is amazing!

They’re right on the town square, and check out their website with tons of great Puerto Morelos information www.almalibrebooks.com

Visit a beautiful cenote – Lucerno Verde along the Ruta de cenotes.

I had some yummy tacos at taco.com, this one was shrimp, onion, mushroom and cheese..it was sooo good!

The funny thing is, they don’t have a website..that’s just the name of the restaurant