Escape to Puerto Morelos Fishing Village & Marine Park

Lovingly known as the “Jewel of the Caribbean,” the friendly fishing village of Puerto Morelos is home to one the country’s most treasured National Marine Parks, magnificent for windsurfing, coral reef snorkeling, and sunken ship diving.

If you’re looking for a slice of life in a Mexican fishing village, take the short trip north to this cultural and marine sightseeing oasis. Not only is Puerto Morelos’ National Marine Parks home to one of the country’s most wondrous coral reefs – just 500 meters from the shore – the quaint beach town is also one of the friendliest places in Riviera Maya. Everywhere you turn there are helpful local outfits offering snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing, and just about every form of non-motorized water sports you can imagine. Marry that with breathtaking sunsets, quiet beaches, frequent fiestas, a lush botanical garden, and authentic Mexican food on every corner, and its no wonder why the village is lovingly known as the “Jewel of the Caribbean.”

Get to Know the Locals

Residents of Puerto Morelos take a ton of pride in their town. Many are bilingual, and they’re always happy to chat. Great events for mingling include the Puerto Morelos Music Festival, Cerveza Festival, and the drum circles at monthly Full Moon Beach Parties. Of course, hip hangouts like Cantina Habanero and La Caverna are always options, too.

The Most Underrated Diving in the Riviera

While the reefs of the National Marine Park are great for snorkeling, the relatively secret waters also boast some of the best scuba in all of Mexico. Underwater canyons, colorfully exotic creatures in coral wonderlands, and a sunken naval destroyer are only a few of the sights you might see. Though you can’t go wrong with any of the many dive shops in town, Diverspoint on Av. Javier Rojo Gomez is probably the best (be sure to try their unforgettable Fluorescent Dive).