Puerto Morelos - Riviera Maya

Puerto Morelos is a little Pueblo (village in mexican) half way between Cancun and Playa del Carmen , the two main destination in this area. Situated in the Yucatan Peninsula, eastern region of Mexico, Puerto Morelos is a great place for scuba diving, snorkeling, exploring mangroves and cenotes* or just enjoy the fine sand beach. If you are exhausted of the big rush going on in Cancun or Playa you should consider this place as a good alternative. More frequented by local people, very cozy and relax, this beach will satisfied your need of tranquility. Take a bus from Playa del Carmen at the main terminal, about 30 minute of drive and 18 pesos(approximately 2 usd). Same thing from Cancun. The driver will stop at the intersection on the federal highway. From there, take a cab, about 20 pesos and 2 miles drive, that will bring you directly to the beach.

If you are a snorkeling amateur or a scuba diver , there are some nice reef not far from the coast. In fact, Puerto Morelos is located in the nothern part of the second biggest coral barrier on earth. This coral formation extend from Belize to the Yucatan Peninsula in a straight line. Near the beach, there is a four foot diameter hole in the ocean floor where you can see fresh water coming out from the cenotes reaching out for the sea. And if you are lucky you might see a sea turtles or some stingray.

On your way back to federal highway, you may take a walk along the road that cross a big mangrove territory. You can watch alligator, birds, duck and fish in this magnificent area. Why the mangrove is so important? It filter the fresh water that came to the ocean. To many time, the hotel development cut the way to the sea so the mangrove became isolated. Many people in the world fight for their survival as well as in Puerto Morelos. So it worth the walk to see what may be in some year, vanish, because of the bad and rushing tourism development.

Not far from intersection of the federal highway, there is a road call "Ruta de los Cenotes" which mean " Route of the Cenotes". It is a couple miles west from Puerto Morelos. There are ecological park along the road and some cenotes to discover, but you need to take a car or a tour because there is no bus going there. The Eco-Park call Boca del Puma is a great one and they got a cenote where you can swim and snorkeling. If you want more precise information, once you are in Puerto Morelos, you can ask a brochure to a restaurant or almost anybody, they all work for the same business: Tourism.

In conclusion, Puerto Morelos is a nice spotted village that worth the detour. There are many things to do near and his nice beach is a great place to go if you tired to see only tourist around you.

*Caves dig by fresh water in limestone formation, typical in this region