Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
Yes
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The town of Puerto Morelos is a former sleepy fishing village located about 40 kilometers south of Cancun. While the town is slowly transitioning into a beach village with all of the associated tourism amenities such as hotels, shopping, restaurants, and beach clubs, the town remains much more relaxing than Cancun's resort scene.

Centered around a plaza that has food and trinket vendors, along with live music and performances on some evenings, Puerto Morelos Beach is a quiet, narrow sandy beach that stretches in either direction from the plaza. Set around a pier, where small tour operators arrive and depart, the beach itself is quiet, with clear water that is protected from ocean tides by a breakwater lying a short distance from shore.

The beach is accessible from the end of any street, with all of the beachfront open to the public, and several bars, restaurants, and beach clubs extend their seating onto the edge of the sand for visitors to settle in for food or drinks while taking in the the beach vibe. Visitors may catch wandering musicians playing their guitars and harps on the edge of the sand or in the downtown plaza or shopping areas.

In general, Puerto Morelos is a good laid-back alternative for those looking for a quieter experience than what Cancun offers. Parking is free and located on streets throughout the town. There are no amenities on the beach itself, although food, drink, bathrooms, and shopping opportunities all exist in the businesses lining the beach or in the town center.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Free beach access.

Cons

Narrow beach.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Shelters
Family friendly
Snorkeling / SCUBA

Location

Comments

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