Puerto Morelos Reef National Park (Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos)
Puerto Morelos Reef National Park (Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos)

Puerto Morelos Reef National Park (Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos)

Rafael E. Melgar 1, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, 77580

The basics

Conservation efforts in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park mean this area has some of the best-preserved coral in the Riviera Maya. Expect to see sergeant major fish, parrotfish, barracuda, and many more species in the barrier reef, as well as sea turtles swimming in the nearby seagrass. Since snorkeling off the beach is not allowed here, visitors must join a tour that includes a boat ride to the reef.

Options for snorkeling and scuba diving range from short outings to full-day trips, plus some tours add additional activities such as ATV jungle tours, visiting nearby cenotes, and ziplining. If you’d like to try scuba diving but don’t have a certification, guided “discover scuba” experiences are available as well.

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Puerto Morelos Catamaran Secret Sandbar Sail with Lunch and Drinks
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Puerto Morelos Catamaran Secret Sandbar Sail with Lunch and Drinks
star-4.5
$94.00 per adult
Traveler Favorite
The perfect boat day!
My boyfriend and I had such a great time! Easy pick up from the hotel, they arrived 10 minutes earlier than expected. The boat was large and not crowded. Other couples were fun to talk to. Drinks were flowing, they would even bring it out to you at the sandbar. The sandbar is gorgeous in the middle of the ocean. The sandwiches they provided was super yummy as well, my only feedback would be to provide more food like chips and salsa. The staff have been so nice and accommodating. Overall, highly recommend this experience!
Anastasia_B, Apr 2024
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Things to know before you go

  • Bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. Only varieties free of ingredients including oxybenzone and octinoxate are allowed here.

  • This is a great destination for wildlife lovers. Puerto Morelos is one of the best places in the Yucatán to see sea turtles.

  • Calm water and mandatory life jackets mean even beginning snorkelers can feel comfortable here.

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How to get there

Puerto Morelos is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya. Most tours provide pickup and drop-off at hotels in all three towns, with departure times that vary according to your location.

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When to get there

Puerto Morelos is a year-round destination, but the wildlife you’ll see varies with the month. The high season of December through April attracts sharks and other pelagic species to the coast here. Visibility in the water is best from May through November, warm months that also see fewer crowds. From May through September, loggerhead and green turtles come to Puerto Morelos to nest.

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Best places to dive in the Yucatan

There’s diving up and down the coast, but the best-preserved coral is often found in protected marine reserves. On the nearby island of Cozumel, the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park has shipwrecks and a wide variety of coral formations. Isla Mujeres, accessible on day trips from Puerto Morelos, is home to the beautiful Garrafon Natural Reef Park. In Cancun, check out the submerged sculptures of the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art (Museo Subacuático de Arte).

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Puerto Morelos Reef National Park (Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos)?
A:
Attractions near Puerto Morelos Reef National Park (Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos):

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