Discover Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Puerto Morelos, Mexico, has been referred to as one of Cancun’s treasures of the Caribbean, alongside other stunning regions in the area such as Hotbox, Isla Mujeres and Contoy.

Located just 20 miles from Cancun, the sleepy fishing village delivers a more laid-back, boutique experience in contrast to its counterparts lively mega-resorts.

The fishing village is well situated, perched at the edge of one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. The Puerto Morelos National Reef Park is the second largest reef in the world, second to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It is teeming with wildlife and visitors who join a snorkeling tour will have the chance to see lobsters, seahorses and even sea turtles who frequent the area.

Snorkeling tours are easy to find and are very affordable. The excursion is also a great shore excursion for travelers visiting the Riviera Maya on a cruise.

Cenotes are another major draw to the region as, in addition to being home to one of the largest barrier reefs, Puerto Morelos has an extensive underwater river system.

Visitors can travel along the Ruta de Los Cenotes, a road just south of the Puerto Morelos. Travelers will find several sinkholes along the way where there are opportunities to hike, bike, ATV and off-road to each of them.

They will also find Selvatica, a local eco-park that allows guests to easily enjoy more than 330 acres of jungle with a menu of adventures that includes zip lining, snorkeling and access to cenotes. The park is ideal for the true adrenaline junky, with a jungle coaster, bungee jumps and a skywalk.

While Puerto Morelos offers a more small-scale experience in comparison to the Riviera Maya’s major tourism hubs, it’s not lacking in accommodation options. There are more than 5,000 rooms packed into the areas resorts, small hotels and boutique properties.

Those looking for a high-end stay at the edge of the reef with excellent access to the marina will want to Ventus, the newest addition to the Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort. The property capitalizes on the region’s laid-back vibe while offering all of the comforts of a large, luxury resort.