About Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is the ideal location for those who want a quiet beach vacation away from the glitz, but with ample tourist amenities. The town has just two principal streets and you can walk from one end to the other in about 15 minutes.
You can get by with English in Puerto Morelos, but Spanish is well appreciated. Most places accept US dollars but not credit cards (but some do). Almost all prices are quoted in Mexican pesos and it is generally cheaper to pay in pesos, than in US dollars. There is no bank in town, but several bank cash machines (ATM’s) for withdrawals.
The reef just off shore of Puerto Morelos is part of the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere, right in te Caribbean. In 1998 the reef in front of Puerto Morelos became a protected National Marine Park, preserving its rich biodiversity and making this area one of the best preserved of the Great Mesoamerican Reef and one of the best places to take Snorkeling Tours in the area. Buildings in Puerto Morelos are limited to three stories by local bylaws, to preserve its village character.
Puerto Morelos’ reputation as a laid-back Caribbean destination is supported by its scattering of boutique hotels, condominiums, villas, plus various small restaurants and tourist shops. Its appeal is especially strong to travelers who eschew all-inclusives and built up “touristy” attractions. For the most part, the town is a residential community with a mix of Mexicans, Canadians, Americans, and Europeans who live there full or part time.
Symbol of Puerto Morelos
The Original Lighthouse at Puerto Morelos, In 1967 the structure was tilted over in Hurricane Beulah. It has since survived Hurricanes Gilbert in 1987 and Wilma in 2005, but has not been knocked down. The new lighthouse replacing this one is visible in the background.
But the importance of this leaning lighthouse is that is now the symbol of Puerto Morelos, more as a coincidence (like the Pisa Tower) made by a Natural disaster than on purpose
The Original Lighthouse at Puerto Morelos, In 1967 the structure was tilted over in Hurricane Beulah. It has since survived Hurricanes Gilbert in 1987 and Wilma in 2005, but has not been knocked down. The new light house replacing this one is visible in the background.
But the importance of this leaning lighthouse is that is now the symbol of Puerto Morelos, more as a coincidence (like the Pisa Tower) made by a Natural disaster than on purpose
