Puerto Morelos remains a quiet fishing village, perfect for lying on the white-sand beach and reading, with the occasional foray into snorkeling, diving, windsurfing or kayaking. This was the coast's boomtown 100 years ago, when its port shipped hardwood and chicle to the U.S. and Europe. Today, the biggest attraction is its small-town atmosphere and easy pace.
Puerto Morelos' section of the Great Maya Reef is designated a national park. The reef is close to the surface and easy to snorkel, and it protects the coast from storm surges. The government-maintained beaches are great, and the water is shallow, calm, and clear, with sea grass growing on the bottom.
Puerto Morelos brims with foreign tourists at times during the high season, but low season is so low that many businesses close for the season, earning it the affectionate nickname, Muerto Morelos (muerto means "dead").
Between Cancún & Playa del Carmen -- The coast directly south of the Cancún airport has several roadside attractions, all-inclusives, small cabaña hotels, and small boutique hotels and astonishingly luxurious all-inclusives. The agreeable town of Puerto Morelos lies midway along this 51km (32-mile) stretch of coast between the airport and Playa del Carmen.
