Puerto Morelos Reef National Park

A National Marine Park (1998) Protecting 20 Km Of Fringing Reef A Few Hundred Metres Off The Shore Of A Small Fishing Town, Part Of The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Calm Shallow Water For Snorkelling With Turtles, Rays And Parrotfish, A Ferry Route To Cozumel And A Quiet Alternative To The Busier Riviera Maya Towns. Sunscreen Is Restricted In The Park · Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo

Puerto Morelos Reef National Park protects about 20 km of fringing reef lying a few hundred metres off a small fishing town between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and because it sits so close to shore the water is shallow and calm, which makes it one of the easier places on the Riviera Maya to snorkel. Licensed boats take small groups out from the town pier, and visitors commonly see parrotfish, rays, sea turtles and brain coral. The town keeps its fishing-village feel, with a square, a leaning lighthouse and a ferry to Cozumel. It suits snorkellers, families and anyone who wants reef without the crowds of Cancun or Tulum. It is worth the detour for a morning on the water and a seafood lunch; it is less rewarding for divers seeking big walls, or in rough weather when tours are cancelled. Cancun airport is about 35 km north, so it works as a first or last stop.

Puerto Morelos fringing reef, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, reached by boat from the town beach; coordinates approximate, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico

The reef is open all year but you can only reach it with a licensed boat operator, and tours usually run in the morning and early afternoon on calm days. Exact departure times vary by operator, so confirm when you book. Tours are often CLOSED or cancelled by the port captain in strong wind, storms or a norte, and during hurricane season. Swimming and sunbathing on the town beach and walking the pier and square are FREE at any time. Entering the reef area by boat needs a paid tour or a park fee collected by the operator. The botanical garden outside town keeps its own hours and may be CLOSED on some days, so check before you go.

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