local guide
Our Favorite Spots in Puerto Morelos
It would be impossible to choose "THE BEST RESTAURANT", shop, or thing to do in Puerto Morelos - there are so many amazing options and, well, people differ. Because we live here, we get asked all the time - "where do the locals go"? So we put our heads together and compiled this handy local guide, which is helpful, but not at all complete - there are so many other great spots we weren't able to feature - by all means, go out and explore Puerto Morelos - you won't regret it!
Local Coffee + Shop
A local go-to for breakfast, lunch, and coffee! Good vibe, fresh food, friendly service. Try the tomato basil quiche. YUM!
La Sirena
A Puerto classic, with a Mediterranean spin. Take in the flavors and views on the roof top lounge!
Pecao
Head over to the Colonia for a seafood lunch at Pecao! Burritos, ceviche, tacos, and mezcal margs!
Mangata
Fresh vibe and even fresher food. One stop shop for smoothies, sandos, wraps and more!
El Campanario
The place to go for a yummy steak. Be sure to ring the bell after a satisfying experience!
El Nicho
A fan favorite! Known for their waffles and eggs benny, El Nicho is a Puerto Morelos staple!
Punta Corcho
La Petita en La Playita
Eat with your toes in the sand! Family dining that serves up ceviche, fried fish, shrimp, and more.
Tacos Neza
Authentic tacos in Villas II. Meat, onions, cilantro, and fresh tortillas. But be careful with the salsas!
Lola y Moya
A Mexican kitchen that tastes and feels like home. Fresh food made from scratch and love.
Where to Eat
For such a small town, Puerto Morelos has a great "foodie" scene. There are so many great restaurants, it's hard to narrow it down to a select few, but here are a few favorites from our team. Provecho!
Port Side
Waterfront dining that can't be beat. Fresh seafood, cold drinks. They have a brunch menu too!
Surf and turf cooked on a wood fired stove. It's 2nd story location right off of the square makes for some great views!
Muelle Once
Italian cuisine: Seafood, pasta, pizzas and more. Not to mention it's located on a roof top with amazing views!
La Cabana Del Puerto
A fan favorite located in the colonia of Puerto Morelos. This place is known for their burgers and loaded baked potatoes!
John Gray's Kitchen
An American style kitchen with Mexican infusion flavors. John Gray's always serves up a yummy plate (and one of the best margs in town!)
Chedraui
The biggest grocery store in Puerto Morelos. Great selection and fresh goods. And with 2 locations.
Coco + Palm Interiors
Hand curated store that is sure to provide both unique souvenirs and items to decorate your home!
The Wednesday Market
Your weekly stop for fresh fruits, veg, and goodies. Get there early and buy some fresh Queso Oaxaca!
Cuatro Colibri
A store that features colorful and unique art, handcrafts, clothing, and jewelry all created right here in Mexico!
La Botica Maya
A small store packed full of handmade products and goodies! Soaps, lotions, treats, and more.
Vivero Blue Green
Looking to do some planting? This is the one stop shop for flowers, plants, black dirt, and pots!
Naturalmente
A small boutique that is owned, operated and fully stocked by women! Selling everthing from art to clothes
La Semilla Del Ermitaño
Family owned and operated store, that features high quality homemade products and a selection of bulk herbs!
Alma Libre Bookstore
The Riviera Maya's biggest (and best!) new and used book store. Grab a book or a souvenir! This shop has it all.
Carnes y Mariscos del Puerto
Family owned and operated business with a nice selection of cuts of meat and seafood.
Where to Shop
Lucky for us, you can find just about anything in Puerto Morelos. Looking for something in particular? Check out our list of Where to Shop. From veggies to home decor, we've compiled a list of our top 10 favorite stores. Happy shopping!
Snorkel or Dive the Reef
The second largest barrier reef is right outside of your front door! Now is the time to explore it.
Live Music
The town is small but the live music scene is huge! Find live music of all genres any day of the week.
Go Fishing
Spend the day on the water reeling in fish. Afterwards let a local restaurant grill up your catch for a seafood feast!
Pescadores
Visit Puerto Morelos' very own brewery! Located just outside of town, it's a great pit stop for some grub and cold beer.
El Rey Polo Club
Check out a polo match in the Ruta de los Cenotes. Follow them on social media for upcoming events.
Tequila University
A crash course on Mexican tequilas and pairings at La Sirena. Get your diploma from Tequila University!
Koox Ich Kool
Check out this local farm to table initiative. Tour the farm, experience the food prep, and enjoy an amazing meal!
Botanical Garden
65 hectares of preserved land! Take in the local flora and fauna on your own or take a guided tour.
Stand Up Paddle Board
Rent a Stand Up Paddle board and get out on the water. Are you a newbie? Hire an instructor to show you how!
Mexican Cooking School
Learn to cook like a local with Chef Marco and Doña Sonia! Group or private sessions are available.
Things to Do
There are so many great things to do in Puerto Morelos, that you will never get bored! From outdoor activities to tequila tasting, our town offers a bit of everything. Now get out and have some fun!
Croco Cun Zoo
An interactive zoo that features wild animals native to this area. Guided tours daily!
Town Square
Spend the afternoons in the town square! The vibrant park has many features great for kids.
Jungala Waterpark
Cool off at a waterpark just outside of Puerto Morelos. Slides, lazy river, wave pool and more!
Interactive Cancun Aquarium
Check out the aquarium in Plaza La Isla in Cancun. Multiple tanks, interactive pool, and a daily dolphin show!
Puerto Climbing Club
Grab the family, and venture into the Zona Urbana to experience rock climbing in the jungle!
Selvatica
Explore the Mayan jungle and cenotes! Take a tour that offers zip lines, bungee, atv-ing and more
Unico Beach Club
Want a pool day? Check out Unico! It's one of the only beach clubs in town with a pool for guests.
Selva Natura Interactiva
Located just outside of Cancun, this farm is worth the drive! Petting zoo and pony rides for the kids.
Colonia Parks
Check out the various parks in the Colonia. Brujula park in Villas 1 is shady and lined with walking trails!
Ventura Waterpark Cancun
An all-inclusive day pass at a water park is a fun and easy way to spend a day. And it's just 20 minutes away!
Great for Kids
From the ocean to the jungle and everything in between. Puerto Morelos is one big playground, especially for families! Check out our list of activities Great for Kids!
Akumal
Just an hour away, this village is famous for the sea turtle habitat. Snorkel the local beach to see them up close!
Mayan Ruins
The area is FULL of amazing ruins. Start with Chichen Itza, one of the 7 Wonders of the New World.
Xcaret
With 50 different attractions, Xcaret was created to showcase the wonders of Mexican and Mayan Culture.
Valladolid
Drive inland and visit this colonial city! Spend time in the town square and check out the beautiful architecture.
Vidanta Golf Course
A challenging course that offers amazing views and affordable prices! A jewel in the Mayan Jungle.
Isla Mujeres
The perfect day trip! Take a ferry (or catamaran!) to the Island for a day of fun in the sun and INCREDIBLE views.
La Ruta de Los Cenotes
Just outside of the village, this route is the epicenter of the areas underground caves and waterways known as cenotes.
Yacht Trip
There's nothing better than spending the day on the water in a yacht! Perfect for small groups and families.
Mayan Museum in Cancun
Spend the day in air conditioning learning about local culture at the Mayan Museum in Cancun.
Snorkel with the Whale Sharks
These gentle giants graze our coastline every summer. Be sure to check this off of your bucket list!
Easy Day Trips
Looking to get out of town for the day? There are so many amazing spots within an hour to two drive (or less)! Get out and explore what the area has to offer.
Riviera Rescue
Non-profit commited to the rescue, rehabilitatation, & re-homing of abused dogs in the Mayan Riviera!
Arte En Puerto
A community based organization putting instruments and art into the hands of teenagers.
DIF Puerto Morelos
A government program created to protect the quality of life of children and families!
Planned Pethood International
An international organization that supports the well-being and health of animals.
AMOR Yucatan Peninsula
Serving the people of Puerto Morelos through sports, education, home building and community development.
Puerto Morelos Sterilization Project
An amazing group of people that offer FREE sterilization campaigns for both cats and dogs.
MexiCAN Compassion Project
A project dedicated to helping under privileged kids! Known for organizing clothing and toy drives.
Unidos por La Madre Naturaleza
A group united to inform the community on evironmental education and citizen science!
Puerto Kindness Project
A team of volunteers working together on various projects in Puerto Morelos and throughout the area.
Jardin Botanico Puerto Morelos
Not only is it a beautiful place to visit, but the garden also plays an active role in restoring coastal plants!
Giving Back
We live in a community FULL of amazing organizations and volunteers. Looking to help out? We've compiled a list of well-known and active groups that are always looking for donations and/or help!
Lauro's Music Hall
Lauro's is the place to go for live music! They feature a full menu, cold drinks, and local bands EVERY night.
Pangea
If you're looking for a low-key night out, this place is perfect! Sip a margarita with views of the sea and town square.
Don Mexkal
Looking for a fun place to hang with the locals and drink Mexcal? Look no further!
La Sirena
Have a meal and stick around for live music and drinks! Be sure to check out Salsa night every Friday.
Las Micheladas Del Semafaro
A local hotspot that is always packed! And for a reason- it's a sports bar with live music and liter sized drinks. Salud!
Cantina Habanero
One of the original Puerto Morelos cantinas. Where the locals and expats gather for a good time.
Su-Frida
Su-Frida is new to the scene but already known for hosting some great events! Live music, shows, and more.
Puerto Botanero
Located in the colonia, this 2nd story location is known for a nice breeze and a good time!
El Refugio
This place may be a bit hidden, but it's worth the search! Cold drinks, fun atmosphere and tasty food.
Full 80's Bar
A fun locale that takes us back to the 80's! Be sure to check out one of their karaoke nights or live DJ's.
