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12 Things to KNOW Before Going Scuba Diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico

12 Things to KNOW Before Going Scuba Diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico

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Sitting along Mexico’s Caribbean coast just south of Cancun, you’ll find the cozy little town of Puerto Morelos. Once a laid-back fishing village, it only takes one visit to realize that it hasn’t lost a touch of its charm!

Unlike its big brother Cancun, Puerto Morelos is full of small-town vibes, making it perfect for a relaxing holiday. That being said, there are tons of things to do in Puerto Morelos, with one of our favorite activities here being scuba diving!

With easy access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the diving here in Puerto Morelos is world-class. Dan and I were so surprised when we first arrived to find that there were huge reef walls, intricate cave systems, and tons of colorful sea life just waiting to be explored in this quiet coastal town.

That being said, another awesome part about staying in Puerto Morelos is that you’re also in the ideal spot to plan a day trip to Cancun or Playa del Carmen, which are both world-class scuba diving spots in their own right. Whether you fancy exploring the best beaches in Cancun or the cenotes near Playa del Carmen, both locations are no more than a 40-minute drive away. It’s a breeze to rent a car in Cancun or Playa del Carmen and go exploring.

So, if you’re looking for somewhere with buckets of laid-back charm, heaps of unspoiled beaches, and some of the best scuba diving around, Puerto Morelos is the perfect spot to strap those flippers on! Here’s our guide to everything you need to know to have an incredible time scuba diving here in this cute seaside town.

Don’t have time to read the full article? For a fun get-away, check out this Puerto Morelos scuba tour to get some beginner diving insight, then journey out to “sea” an absolutely breath-taking coral reef.

1. About scuba diving in Puerto Morelos

Daniel and Bailey pose for a photo underwater while scuba diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
So beautiful!
A rock lobster under a rock off the coast of Puerto Morelos, Mexico
A rock lobster under a rock off the coast of Puerto Morelos, Mexico

When it comes to laid-back tropical vibes, it really doesn’t get much better than Puerto Morelos. But beyond hanging out at the beach or by the pool, the beautiful turquoise waters of Puerto Morelos make it one of the best places to go scuba diving in Mexico! Dan and I have been back here a few times now and every time we’ve gone diving, we’ve loved it.

One of the best parts about diving here is that you can dive for pretty much the entire year, around 300 days in fact. It does tend to be more popular in the dry season (November to April), however, this is also peak tourist season, so you’ve still got the option to dive in the rainy season when holiday prices are lower. Plus Puerto Morelos tends to be a lot less busy than Cancun or Playa del Carmen in both the dry and rainy seasons.

The water temp hangs right around a balmy 24-29°C (75-84°F) year-round – perfect for those who don’t like freezing their fins off (and I mean, who does?). Visibility is stellar too, ranging from 80-115 feet (24-35 meters), so you can soak up all the eye candy while you dive.

Speaking of things to see, there is some seriously incredible marine life here! We’ve spotted nurse sharks, lobsters, sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays … I could keep going. Let’s just say the reef is full-to-the-brim with all kinds of creatures that will blow your mind. No wonder we keep coming back!

To top it all off, there are lots of environmental protections in place to keep the reef and its inhabitants happy and healthy. The Puerto Morelos Reef is actually part of the Riviera Maya National Park looking out for reefs, mangroves, and more, so you can rest assured that you’re supporting sustainable tourism while taking part in the dives here.

Related Read: You can’t visit the Yucatan without seeing a cenote! And for the best, you have to visit the cenotes around Tulum! Plus there are lots of tours in Tulum to help make your trip super smooth.

2. Why do I love scuba diving in Puerto Morelos?

Bailey and Daniel scuba diving with beautiful coral and fish around in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
The corals are full of color!

There’s a good reason why Dan and I keep coming back to this spot in Mexico! Of course, the reefs have to be one of the big reasons why I love scuba diving here. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System off the coast of Mexico is actually the world’s second-largest reef, stretching over 1,000 km (621 miles). It really seems like it goes on forever!

More specifically to the little fishing town of Puerto Morelos, there are also some really unique dive sites scattered along the reef nearby, such as the C-58 Navy wreck (which is a popular meet-up point for HUGE schools of fish). Then there are other great dive spots like the Maroma Wall and Bajito​ (more on these dive sites later!).

I think the biggest draw to visit Puerto Morelos over Cancun or Playa del Carmen is that it’s a lot less crowded, especially in the busy dry season. That said, you’re still super close to these spots whenever you fancy a change of scenery. Scuba diving in Cancun (and Playa del Carmen) is something you shouldn’t miss either.

Pretty much anywhere you go in this part of Mexico you’ll find amazing dive operators. It’s always worth checking out their reviews beforehand (one reason we love booking through Viator), but generally, the standard over here is a lot higher compared to some other countries that we’ve been to.

Honestly, the scuba diving scene in Playa del Carmen and Cancun is quite a bit more developed than in Puerto Morelos, but there are still some great dive shops to pick from (just less of a variety).

These guides here know their stuff and are happy to point out and show some of the coolest dive spots around. Plus, the entire community is just so cool! The locals, ex-pats, and holiday regulars have built up a community that you’ll instantly become a part of when you go scuba diving here for the first time. So whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s a spot for you here.

3. When is the best time to go scuba diving in Puerto Morelos?

Bailey swims past some corals while scuba Diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
The diving isn’t that deep either!
Daniel at the catalina islands scuba diving off the coast of Puerto Morelos, Mexico
There are so many fish!

Here in Puerto Morelos, you can dive pretty much year-round, but I’d say that the most popular time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. This is when visibility is at its highest, around 100 feet (30 meters), so you’ll have some of the best views of the reefs and marine life. Plus, these conditions make for some great underwater photos too!

If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker and already a certified diver, then November to March is the perfect time to go diving with bull sharks. Going as part of a guided tour like this bull shark tour from Playa del Carmen is incredibly safe, and this is definitely an experience you’ll remember. This is one of only a few places in the world where you can dive with bull sharks and even experienced divers say this tour is among the best! It’s $179 USD and a small group is guaranteed which is awesome.

The rainy summer season still offers good diving, although the diving conditions are dependent on the weather which can be more unpredictable. Regardless of which season you travel in (although this is especially important in summer), it’s a good idea to go scuba diving in the morning if possible, as it tends to be less windy compared to the afternoon – meaning better visibility!

May to September is also the peak whale shark (aka the gentle giants) season, and while I didn’t go on a whale shark experience here in Puerto Morelos, I did go on this whale shark tour in Cancun which was a blast! If you’re visiting at this time, this is definitely something that needs to be on your itinerary.

4. What can you see when scuba diving in Puerto Morelos?

Bailey and Daniel look under a rock for fish while diving Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Be sure to look under rocks!

When you imagine a reef, what do you think of? Colorful coral? Schools of vibrant fish swimming past? Well, here in Puerto Morelos, you can experience all that in person!

While we’ve already mentioned going swimming with bull sharks and whale sharks, even just going diving in the reefs will give you an amazing taste of the marine life here. Vibrant reef fish like angelfish, parrotfish, and blue tang dart throughout the reef, adding pops of color wherever you look. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot lurking moray eels or camouflaged scorpionfish.

You can also swim alongside manta rays, sting rays, and eagle rays here. It’s also pretty common to see barracuda, boxfish, and starfish around. There are also a few different turtle species, like the green sea turtles, which are often seen munching on seagrass or grabbing a breath at the surface. You’ll recognize them easily by their smooth shell and fat round shape, they look almost like they’re smiling back at you.

And of course, the reef itself is the star of the show. Definitely bring a waterproof camera with you to grab some shots of the huge barrel sponges, swaying sea fans, and intricate branching corals. Maybe even snap a shot or two of yourself while you’re at it.

Related Read: Thinking of visiting Cancun for a few days? I’d definitely recommend visiting Isla Mujeres on a tour while you’re there – the scuba diving here is amazing, but there are also a ton of fun things to do in Isla Mujeres too!

5. What are the best dive spots in Puerto Morelos?

A huge coral while diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
A huge coral while diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
A lion Fish in the ocean while diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
The invasive lionfish!

Puerto Morelos Reef

The closest place to go scuba diving near Puerto Morelos is at the Puerto Morelos Reef. This reef is coneineently located just 400 meters (1,312 ft) from shore.

Part of the world’s second-largest barrier reef, this spot offers a rich and vibrant underwater world that’s just waiting to be explored! You’ll be diving into a world filled with Brain, Staghorn, and Elkhorn corals, with a spectacular show of fish like Parrotfish and Blue Tangs. Even closer to the shore, you can expect to see Barracudas, French grunts, and maybe even a porcupinefish or two!

If you want to explore the Puerto Morelos reef, then you can’t go wrong with this beginner scuba dive! You’ll learn some theory about diving before jumping into a pool to practice. Then, it’s time to hit the reef for some really diving – it’s the complete package for those who aren’t already scuba certified.

The C-56 Juan Escutia Wreck

One of the most popular wreck dives in Puerto Morelos is the C-56 Juan Escutia, which was a WWII-era US Navy minesweeper that was intentionally sunk back in 2000! It’s safe to say that the wreck is now completely given over to the ocean, as it’s covered in coral with schools of fish calling it home.

Sitting at around 70-90 feet deep (21-27 meters), this is a dive site for the more advanced divers out there. Make sure to keep your eye out for the resident stingrays, moral eels, and eagle rays too! Blue Experience Diving offers this C-56 scuba diving tour that includes two dives, transportation, and all the gear you’ll need to have an unforgettable time beneath the waves.

If you’re over in Cancun and fancy trying out another wreck dive, then I’d suggest giving this 2-wreck diving experience a try, which includes two tank dives to the popular C-58 and C-55 wrecks!

Bajito​

Perfect for beginner divers, Bajito​ is another great diving site that has a maximum depth of around 65 feet (20 meters). It’s absolutely full of natural bridges, tunnels, and all kinds of fun caverns to explore – just make sure to keep an eye out for angelfish, parrotfish, and maybe even an octopus or two.

Aquanauts Dive Adventures is a family-owned dive shop that runs out of Puerto Morelos – it’s actually the oldest dive shop here! They’re PADI certified and run a whole host of scuba dives (for complete beginners and advanced), including their popular 1-tank shallow or intermediate reef experience. Bajito is one of the areas they cover, among a few others, so make sure to check out their website to learn more.

Maroma Wall

Experienced divers definitely shouldn’t miss a shot at seeing the breathtaking Maroma Wall in person! Just a 40-minute boat ride away from shore, you can look right off the edge of the wall down into the abyss below – think of that scene from Nemo!

But this wall is far from bare, there are barrel sponges and coral decorating its side, while eagle rays, turtles, and large marine fish stop here for a much-needed rest. If you’re a beginner, there’s also the 30-50 foot deep (9-15 meter) Maroma Mini Wall, which has much less current while still having tons of exciting marine life.

Cancun/Playa del Carmen

Of course, the best part about staying in Puerto Morelos is how close you are to other popular dive sites, like Cancun and Playa del Carmen!

Cancun is probably one of the most popular diving spots in Mexico, so if you’ve got a little bit of time to spare, I’d seriously recommend stopping by for a day trip here. You’ll get to taste some of the amazing restaurants in Cancun, and if you’re up for it, go scuba diving too! Dan and I had a blast on this 2-tank diving experience which visits the MUSA Underwater Museum and the beautiful Manchones Reef. It’s only $100 USD when you book online and seeing all the sculptures on the ocean floor is so neat – the coolest museum I’ve been to!

6. Is scuba diving in Puerto Morelos safe?

a huge coral while scuba diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
The visibility is amazing!

Yup! Diving in Puerto Morelos is just as safe as anywhere – diving schools here are PADI certified (keep an eye out for this when booking), which means they’ve undergone thorough safety training and hold the highest safety standards. This means that you can focus on enjoying yourself and taking in all the sights, and trust me – the sights are next-level!

Related Read: Vacation is all about relaxing and having fun, but it’s important to stay safe and aware too! Here are our top safety tips when visiting Mexico.

7. What is a Discovery Dive in Puerto Morelos?

Scuba diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
A discovery dive is a great beginner option!

If you’ve never tried scuba diving before and are keen to give it a whirl, then this discovery dive is the perfect way to start! In a nutshell, a discovery dive will give you a brief intro to the scuba gear you’ll be using, as well as the theory and skills you’ll need from a certified PADI instructor. After this, you’ll then head out for some pool training before beginning a shallow supervised free dive.

It’s the perfect way to get a taste of what scuba diving is all about, without committing to the cost of a full certification. But if you’re diving for the first time here in Mexico, then you really couldn’t ask for a better place to start! Not only is the diving community here incredibly friendly and welcoming, but the general cost of scuba diving courses and dives tends to be a bit more affordable too.

During your dive, you’ll get to experience what scuba diving is all about, from seeing the dazzling reef fish to exploring all the weird and wonderful coral formations. With your instructor by your side, you’ll even get to practice a few skills that’ll be super handy if you continue with training. After getting a taste of this, you’ll probably be itching to come back and complete the full PADI certification!

There are a few schools around Puerto Morelos where you can complete a discovery dive, but one we’ve heard great things about is this 4-hour discover scuba diving experience.

Costing $175 USD, you couldn’t ask for a more friendly and knowledgeable guide. The small group sizes also mean that you’ll have round-the-clock attention throughout the duration of the dive. You can check availability and book online here.

If you’re planning to spend some time over in Cancun, this is also another great opportunity to try out a discovery dive! Cancun is literally FULL of amazing diving schools – you really can’t go wrong here! Out of them all, I’d recommend this 2-tank scuba diving for beginners tour, which focuses on providing a personalized and complete introduction to diving for $135 USD per person.

8. What are the best scuba diving tours in Puerto Morelos?

Two fish on the ocean floor while scuba diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
So cute!
Bailey and Daniel look at a Sting Ray Puerto Morelos, Mexico
A sting ray!

Beginner Coral Reef Dive

In Puerto Morelos, you can do this scuba dive experience which is suitable for complete beginners! It’s your ultimate introduction to scuba diving with a professional instructor who’s by your side the entire time. You’ll get to learn some theory and even practice in a pool before heading out to Puerto Morelos reef.

You’ll board a boat with your instructor and head out to the reef, where you will take your first breaths underwater (it’s honestly so cool!) The experience lasts for about 4 hours and includes all of your equipment and transport. You can book it easily online here for $175 USD.

1-Day, 2-Dive Reef Scuba Diving

This 3-hour scuba diving experience runs daily to two different dives throughout the Puerto Morelos protected reef. It’s designed for scuba divers who are already certified and fancy a go at the waters around this quiet coastal town. If that sounds like you, you know what to do!

Tickets for this tour cost $2,100 MXN ($123 USD), including all of the equipment, national park fees, and transport to the dive sites. All in all, I’d say this is pretty sweet value considering what’s included, plus the organizer is well-known in the community for their high level of service. I’d highly recommend booking this tour if you’re returning to scuba diving or simply looking for a new spot to conquer.

Scuba Diving Wreck and Reef in Cancun for Certified Divers (Cancun)

These next two tours might not be in Puerto Morelos, but if you’re planning a day trip away, then why not go all-in with a scuba diving tour? This scuba diving wreck and reef tour is designed for certified divers with at least 20 dives, where you’ll get to visit the wrecks of two WWII minesweepers as well as a picturesque diving spot on the local reefs.

For $115 USD per person (awesome value!), you’ll be part of a small group of up to 6 people, but tickets for this experience do sell quickly, so make sure to reserve your spot online in advance.

Scuba Diving in Cenote Kukulkan (Playa del Carmen)

Fancy going diving somewhere a little different this time? If you’ve never been diving in a cenote before, then Playa del Carmen is the place for you. These natural sinkholes are iconic here in Mexico, and this full-day tour to Cenote Kukulkan will give you the authentic experience of scuba diving in a cenote for the first time.

Every cenote is unique, but one thing remains the same – you’ll come away with huge smiles on your faces and a love for cenote diving! Tickets for this tour cost $165 USD per person and can be booked online here.

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

9. Can you learn to scuba dive in Puerto Morelos?

School of tropical fish while scuba diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
School of tropical fish while scuba diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Absolutely! Puerto Morelos (and pretty much any part along the Yucatan Peninsula) is a fantastic place to learn to scuba dive. There are plenty of world-class, PADI-certified dive schools here with instructors that know exactly how to teach beginners.

If you’re completely new to diving, I’d highly recommend trying out a discover scuba diving course like this one before going all in on a certification course. Once you’re sure you want to go for it, then let the fun begin!

During your PADI Open Water Diver course, you’ll master the skills and theory required to stay safe while scuba diving, starting off in a pool or isolated space before heading out to a series of open water training dives. Over a 3 to 4-day period, your instructor will guide you through everything from gear assembly all the way to buoyancy control!

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to dive up to 60 feet (18 meters) anywhere around the world – pretty cool, right? From there, you can continue to advanced courses like the PADI Advanced Open Water and Padi Rescue Diver … You’ll be a scuba diving superhero in no time!

Puerto Morelos’ calm protected reefs and gentle currents create the environment for learning scuba diving. Combine that with expert instruction, and you’ll gain skills and confidence in no time at all.

Aquanauts Dive Adventures offers one of the most complete selections of open water courses I’ve seen over in Puerto Morelos. If you’ve never been on an open water course before, you’ll want to have a look at their PADI Open Water certification, which is priced at $490 USD per person, and will have you all trained up and confident within 3 to 4 days.

10. Is scuba diving in Puerto Morelos suitable for children? 

Bailey and Daniel scuba dive in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Kids can scuba dive!

With plenty of sheltered reef spots and a TON of marine diversity, Puerto Morelos is a great place for kids aged 10 and up to start scuba diving!

If they’re under 15, then they can still take part in discovery dives and get their PADI Junior Open Water certification, which allows them to dive under adult supervision. If they’re 15 or older, then they can enroll in the full PADI Open Water course to become fully certified divers.

With a PADI Junior certification, kids aged 10 to 11 can dive up to 12 meters (39 feet), while kids aged 12-14 can dive up to 18 meters (59 feet), which is actually the same as an adult certification!

That aside, scuba diving is a wonderful way for kids to get to know the underwater world and develop a passion for the ocean! Under the guidance of a professional instructor, they’ll gain a whole host of skills and the confidence that comes with it, all while having a ton of fun too.

11. Scuba diving vs snorkeling in Puerto Morelos

Fish swim under a rock that we saw while snorkeling in Cancun, Mexico
Fish swim under a rock that we saw while snorkeling in Cancun, Mexico

I absolutely love scuba diving (especially here in Mexico) – it’s such an adventure to get out there and explore some of the hidden parts you just can’t get to while snorkeling. That said, I can totally understand why you might prefer to go snorkeling, especially in a place like Puerto Morelos where you can see a ton of marine life from the surface!

Plus snorkeling is easy to pick up and learn, with no certification required. There’s also the point of cost – snorkeling is definitely more affordable than scuba diving, although you do limit yourself to just the surface and can’t fully explore the deeper reefs and wrecks (which is where a lot of the magic is!).

On the other hand, scuba diving allows you to see all those areas you never knew existed, plus there’s a giant sense of reward you feel from mastering a new skill like this. However, it does require a bit more time and money to get into the scuba scene, which is also worth considering if you’re strapped for time!

I would say snorkeling is ideal for those who want a quick, easy taste of the underwater sights here in Puerto Morelos without much gear or investment. It’s also great for young kids! Here are a couple snorkeling tours I love here:

This small-group snorkeling tour lasts just under 2 hours and fits perfectly into any tight schedule (especially if you’ve booked some much-needed sun-lounging time!). Meeting up at Don Ernestos Restaurant, you’ll head out to explore the local reefs and meet the locals – I’m talking colorful fish, sea turtles, eels, you name it! With tickets costing $35 USD per person, it’s also great value.

If you’ve got a little more time on your hands to explore, then why not try this half-day snorkeling experience with lunch? Lasting around 4 hours, you get to choose between taking a morning or afternoon snorkeling tour (I recommend morning weather-wise!), followed by a tasty lunch to top everything off. Tickets for this tour cost $46 USD per person.

12. Is scuba diving in Puerto Morelos worth it?

Bailey swims past a huge school of fish on a scuba diving trip from Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Yes!

You bet! Whether you’re a complete beginner to scuba or a seasoned pro, the dive sites here are world-class and so are the local instructors. From swimming through coral archways to getting to know the finned locals, scuba diving really doesn’t get much better than this. I’m sure it’s something that’ll turn out to be the highlight of your trip, make sure to take plenty of photos for the memories!

Other Activities to do While You’re in Puerto Morelos

Bailey with her tacos and margarita on a taco tour in Cancun, Mexico
Tacos and margaritas!
Bailey poses for a photo in front of El Castillo Pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico
What a temple!

This may be a small port town, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t loads of fun activities in Puerto Morelos to get stuck into! Plus, with Cancun and Playa del Carmen on your doorstep, this is the perfect chance to see what these popular places have to offer too. Here are a few activities we personally recommend while you’re in Puerto Morelos:

  • Visit Mayan ruins – The Yucatan Peninsula is a goldmine for Mayan history, so even if you’re not a huge history fan, I’d still recommend visiting some ruins while you’re here! Of course, if seeing Chichen Itza is on your list, you can drive yourself or go with a tour. This private tour is one of the best Chichen Itza tours from Puerto Morelos and will help you avoid the long drive. Plus, you’ll get guidance while you’re there too!
  • Drink craft beer – If you’ve read a few of our blogs, you’ll know that Dan and I are huge craft beer fans. So you can imagine how happy we were when we learned that there was a brewery in Puerto Morelos! If you’re like us and can’t imagine anything better than a cool beer on a hot day, head over to Fábrica Casa Cervecera Pescadores and make sure to try their fantastic IPA and Habanero Ale.
  • Go adventuring – When we were last here in Puerto Morelos, we decided to try out this full-day adventure tour, which is absolutely jam-packed with all kinds of adrenaline-fueling activities! From ATV to horseback riding, ziplining to swimming (as well as a super lunch) this tour really has it all, and it’s also a really nice way to get to know the local area too. Starting from just $152 USD per person, it’s great value too.

Where to Stay in Puerto Morelos

The Fives Oceanfront Puerto Morelos
Photo credit: The Fives Oceanfront

Puerto Morelos is definitely no Cancun when it comes to major resorts and nonstop action. But that can also be a good thing, especially if you’re looking to have a more chilled-out stay. There’s still a nice variety of places to hang your hat after your scuba adventure, as well as some of the best beaches in the Yucatan – without all the crowds and chaos.

Here are a few of our favorite hotels in Puerto Morelos based on different budgets:

Cuca Macuca – $

Located just two blocks from the beach, Cuca Macuca is our favorite budget accommodation in Puerto Morelos for a good reason! If you like the hostel vibe, then you’ll fit right in here as the facilities are all typical for a hostel, including a communal kitchen and even a common area with a pool on the roof.

Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to meet new buddies on the road, or traveling as a group on a budget, the beds here are clean, and the staff are also super friendly – what more could you want? Plus, if sleeping in a dorm isn’t your thing, they also offer private studios too.

A bed here in a dorm starts at $24 USD per person, with a studio costing around $59 USD per night on average. Prices here may rise though, so I’d advise booking online in advance on Booking.com or Hostelworld to secure the best rate – especially if you’re planning on traveling in the high season!

Arrecifes Suites – $$

If you’re looking for a nice hotel in a medium-budget range, I’d definitely check out Arrecifes Suites. Situated on its own private beach, it also has a lovely outdoor swimming pool if you’re not tired of swimming after your scuba dive!

While the hotel itself is not as luxurious as some of the other hotels in the area, I’d say this is great value for money (a luxury hotel usually comes with a luxury price tag!), and really has all you need for a great stay.

Rooms here start at $72 USD per night, with every room having air conditioning. Some rooms also have a sea view, so make sure to book in advance to have the most selection!

The Fives Oceanfront – $$$

If budget really isn’t an issue, then staying at one of the best hotels in Puerto Morelos is a no-brainer! The Fives Oceanfront is our top pick for this category, with all of the facilities you can expect from a 5-star hotel. With a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness center, as well as coffee machines in every room, it’ll be hard to leave the hotel to go scuba diving!

They also have an on-site restaurant called Al Mare (while offering room service too), which serves incredible Italian cuisine. Plus, the cocktails they serve are just amazing, try the Cosmopolitan – you won’t regret it.

Offering a range of suites all the way up to 3-bedroom apartments, one night here at The Fives Oceanfront starts at $236 USD per person. You can check dates and secure your spot online here.

Renting a Car in Mexico

Bailey and Daniel take a selfie while driving around Mexico
A rental car means freedom to go to the beach whenever you want!

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car. 

I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically. 

I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too. 

Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit. 

Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper! 

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

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Daniel and Bailey take a selfie on a Cancun Sunset Catamaran cruise
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From the best dive sites and optimal conditions, to where to get certified and stay during your visit, I hope you’ve found this blog helpful for your upcoming scuba trip to Puerto Morelos! If you’re looking to bulk out your itinerary a little further and fancy exploring some more of the gorgeous coastline, don’t forget to check out the best things to do in the Riviera Maya.

Feel free to let us know what you’re planning to do while you’re here, and who knows, maybe you’ll even see us with our fins strapped on! Here are a few more articles we think will be helpful:

How to Get from Cancun Airport to Puerto Morelos – 9 Things you NEED to KNOW!

21 BEST Mayan Ruins in Mexico and How to Visit Them

33 BEST Things to do in Cozumel, Mexico

12 Things you NEED to Know about the Day of the Dead in Mexico