Puerto Morelos

The settlement is split by Highway 307 and a mangrove swamp into three distinct sections. West of the highway lies the residential area known as Colonia Joaquín Zetina Gazca, while east of the road the neighbourhood called Colonia Pescadores spreads toward the sea. The original fishing village, referred to as Antiguo Puerto Morelos, now blends private homes, hotels, condominiums and tourist shops along the coast. Inland, about two kilometres from the highway, single‑level dwellings house local workers, and recent multi‑story apartments and private developments have added new housing options between the highway and the mangrove.

Visitors can explore attractions that have multiplied along the Riviera Maya, including the Crococun Crocodile Zoo, a botanical garden and a growing network of cenotes. New smaller inns provide evening programs featuring talks on local history, marine biology and healthy living practices. Historically the town served as the main port for the ferry to Cozumel, a role reflected in its name honoring independence leader José María Morelos. The combination of reef protection, mangrove scenery and a compact coastal layout makes Puerto Morelos a uniquely preserved slice of the Caribbean coast.