Puerto Morelos Reef National Park (Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos)

The basics

Conservation efforts in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park mean this area has some of the best-preserved coral in the Riviera Maya. Expect to see sergeant major fish, parrotfish, barracuda, and many more species in the barrier reef, as well as sea turtles swimming in the nearby seagrass. Since snorkeling off the beach is not allowed here, visitors must join a tour that includes a boat ride to the reef.

Options for snorkeling and scuba diving range from short outings to full-day trips, plus some tours add additional activities such as ATV jungle tours, visiting nearby cenotes, and ziplining. If you’d like to try scuba diving but don’t have a certification, guided “discover scuba” experiences are available as well.

Things to know before you go

• Bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. Only varieties free of ingredients including oxybenzone and octinoxate are allowed here.

• This is a great destination for wildlife lovers. Puerto Morelos is one of the best places in the Yucatán to see sea turtles.

• Calm water and mandatory life jackets mean even beginning snorkelers can feel comfortable here.

How to get there

Puerto Morelos is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya. Most tours provide pickup and drop-off at hotels in all three towns, with departure times that vary according to your location.

When to get there

Puerto Morelos is a year-round destination, but the wildlife you’ll see varies with the month. The high season of December through April attracts sharks and other pelagic species to the coast here. Visibility in the water is best from May through November, warm months that also see fewer crowds. From May through September, loggerhead and green turtles come to Puerto Morelos to nest.

Best places to dive in the Yucatan

There’s diving up and down the coast, but the best-preserved coral is often found in protected marine reserves. On the nearby island of Cozumel, the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park has shipwrecks and a wide variety of coral formations. Isla Mujeres, accessible on day trips from Puerto Morelos, is home to the beautiful Garrafon Natural Reef Park. In Cancun, check out the submerged sculptures of the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art (Museo Subacuático de Arte).

Ways to explore

Conservation efforts in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park mean this area has some of the best-preserved coral in the Riviera Maya. Expect to see sergeant major fish, parrotfish, barracuda, and many more species in the barrier reef, as well as sea turtles swimming in the nearby seagrass. Since snorkeling off the beach is not allowed here, you’ll need to join a tour that includes a boat ride to the reef.

Options for snorkeling and scuba diving range from short outings to full-day trips, while other excursions add ATV jungle tours, visiting nearby cenotes, and ziplining. If you’d like to try scuba diving but don’t have a certification, guided Discover Scuba experiences are available.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, many of the boats that explore the reef are not wheelchair accessible. To snorkel, you’ll need to be able to swim.

Age limits

Most snorkel tours recommend that kids be aged 6 and over.

What to pack

Mandatory life jackets mean that your tour will include a flotation aid, so no need to bring one. Instead, pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. Only varieties free of ingredients including oxybenzone and octinoxate are allowed here.

What to wear

Swimsuit, sunglasses

Not allowed

Motorized water sports, sunscreen that isn’t reef-safe

Amenities

Tours, equipment rental

Address 

Puerto Morelos is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya. Most tours provide pickup and drop-off at hotels in all three towns, with departure times that vary depending on your location.

Driving

If you’re driving from Cancun, follow Highway 307 south for about 25–30 minutes. Then, take the Puerto Morelos exit and follow the signs into the town; there is some parking available.

Public transportation

Public Playa Express buses depart regularly from Cancun and offer a cost-effective way of getting to the reef. However, you’ll still have to visit the coral as part of a tour on arrival.

Best times to visit

The sea is typically calmer (and therefore has better visibility) in the morning, so opt for a tour that heads out early.

Best days to visit

Explore Puerto Morelos Reef National Park midweek to avoid weekend crowds of domestic tourists.

Best months to visit

The high season of December through April attracts sharks and other pelagic species to the coast here. The visibility in the water is best from May through November.

Special events

Loggerhead and green turtles come to Puerto Morelos to nest from May through September