National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos
National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos
National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos
4.6
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Ale61BuenosAires
Buenos Aires7,170 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We went from Playa del Carmen for a snorkeling trip. I didn't want to hire an excursion in advance so we did it with public transport.
From downtown Playa walking about 7 or 8 blocks down Calle 1 Sur we arrive at the place from where the shared vans go to Tulum or Cancun or anywhere in between that one asks. It's 1 or 2 blocks before you hit the highway. From Playa to Puerto Morelos it cost me 30 Mexican pesos per person (USD 1.70 to June 2024). Actually the van left us on the route and from there you have to take another van for a short drive to get from there to the small town of Puerto Morelos where the beach is. This 2nd van cost me 10 Mexican pesos (USD 0.57 to June 2024). I took the 2 vans with a minimum wait of a few minutes. This public transport is very organized.
The beach of Puerto Morelos didn't seem pretty, at least there in the center. It was very narrow with little sand and a lot of sargassum, perhaps because it had rained a lot the night before. But since we were just going snorkeling we didn't mind.
As soon as you approach the pier you are approached by people asking if you want to do the snorkeling walk. Since it is not yet high season and also the day was not very nice there were very few people and it was just my husband and I in the boat with the Guide. The reef is very close to the shore, about 10 minutes by boat. The sea there is quite moving but not dangerous. The Guide swam with us all the time and we were both clutching a life ring that he was throwing. That way we never separated and could enjoy the views of the reef that is beautiful. We saw fish of all colors and beautiful corals of different colors and sizes. We had already been here many years ago and again we really liked the walk. This reef is one of the most beautiful we have visited and is the walk I recommend most in Playa del Carmen.
The cost is 350 Mexican pesos per person (USD 20 to June 2024). It's too cheap for how cute it is. Haggling a little I paid 320 per person and the 60 pesos I had left over were tipped to the Boat Guide who was a love.
After the walk we returned to Playa in the same way taking the 2 vans with very little wait for each and the same cost. People in Mexico are very friendly and help you always indicating where you have to expect each means of transport as they themselves use it a lot for being economical and practical.
I would not go to Puerto Morelos to beach but I highly recommend that you go to know this reef that is the best in the area.
From downtown Playa walking about 7 or 8 blocks down Calle 1 Sur we arrive at the place from where the shared vans go to Tulum or Cancun or anywhere in between that one asks. It's 1 or 2 blocks before you hit the highway. From Playa to Puerto Morelos it cost me 30 Mexican pesos per person (USD 1.70 to June 2024). Actually the van left us on the route and from there you have to take another van for a short drive to get from there to the small town of Puerto Morelos where the beach is. This 2nd van cost me 10 Mexican pesos (USD 0.57 to June 2024). I took the 2 vans with a minimum wait of a few minutes. This public transport is very organized.
The beach of Puerto Morelos didn't seem pretty, at least there in the center. It was very narrow with little sand and a lot of sargassum, perhaps because it had rained a lot the night before. But since we were just going snorkeling we didn't mind.
As soon as you approach the pier you are approached by people asking if you want to do the snorkeling walk. Since it is not yet high season and also the day was not very nice there were very few people and it was just my husband and I in the boat with the Guide. The reef is very close to the shore, about 10 minutes by boat. The sea there is quite moving but not dangerous. The Guide swam with us all the time and we were both clutching a life ring that he was throwing. That way we never separated and could enjoy the views of the reef that is beautiful. We saw fish of all colors and beautiful corals of different colors and sizes. We had already been here many years ago and again we really liked the walk. This reef is one of the most beautiful we have visited and is the walk I recommend most in Playa del Carmen.
The cost is 350 Mexican pesos per person (USD 20 to June 2024). It's too cheap for how cute it is. Haggling a little I paid 320 per person and the 60 pesos I had left over were tipped to the Boat Guide who was a love.
After the walk we returned to Playa in the same way taking the 2 vans with very little wait for each and the same cost. People in Mexico are very friendly and help you always indicating where you have to expect each means of transport as they themselves use it a lot for being economical and practical.
I would not go to Puerto Morelos to beach but I highly recommend that you go to know this reef that is the best in the area.
Automatically translated
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benoit P
4 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
From the center of Puerto Morelo, there are tours organized by fishermen, it's $450 for about 2 hours. Departure guaranteed from 2 people.
It takes you to the coral reef which is close to the beach.
Lots of fish and sometimes turtles.
Great experience to do
It takes you to the coral reef which is close to the beach.
Lots of fish and sometimes turtles.
Great experience to do
Automatically translated
Written 20 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris B
4 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Mario was a great guide. We had to reschedule over a few days due to weather and he kept us updated and was very accommodating. A great price for two dives in different parts of the MBR off the coast of Puerto Morelos. Lots of different species of fish and some colourful coral. We even saw a squid. Mario kept us safe and pointed out interesting things. Thank you for a great experience!
Written 30 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LauraValensi
London, UK112 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Bucket list
Snorkelling at a coral reef has been on my bucket list, and I got very excited when we finally booked the guided tour at the beach of our hotel in Puerto Morelos. We got a decent deal, 35 US dollars per person for boat trip to the reef and back, guide and equipment. It was an unforgettable experience and we saw plenty of fish such as parrot & angler fish and a barracuda of a remarkable size, who left an impression. Our guide was amazing, she was very passionate about the reef and looked after everyone in the group. We stayed for 50 minutes at the reef.
Snorkelling at a coral reef has been on my bucket list, and I got very excited when we finally booked the guided tour at the beach of our hotel in Puerto Morelos. We got a decent deal, 35 US dollars per person for boat trip to the reef and back, guide and equipment. It was an unforgettable experience and we saw plenty of fish such as parrot & angler fish and a barracuda of a remarkable size, who left an impression. Our guide was amazing, she was very passionate about the reef and looked after everyone in the group. We stayed for 50 minutes at the reef.
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuzukiWB
Wasaga Beach, Canada424 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
Went on a tour with OmDelfin. I am so pleased that they had the foresight to protect this asset over 20 years ago. People have the opportunity to enjoy while decreasing the overall stress on the reef.
I happened to be there on the anniversary of the oatk and was so happy to see the pride they have in their reef.
People need to see this, but continue to be respectful to the oceans and the life it supports, including our own.
If you are going don't use sunscreen, shampoo etc before. The fish etc. will thank you. Ok, they don't actually talk outside of a Disney movie, but you get my point.
Salud
I happened to be there on the anniversary of the oatk and was so happy to see the pride they have in their reef.
People need to see this, but continue to be respectful to the oceans and the life it supports, including our own.
If you are going don't use sunscreen, shampoo etc before. The fish etc. will thank you. Ok, they don't actually talk outside of a Disney movie, but you get my point.
Salud
Written 6 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miguemex
Mexico City, Mexico32,317 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
It is the second largest barrier reef in the world!
And it is located here just a few minutes by boat from the Puerto Morelos dock.
Great snorkeling experience, I was able to marvel at fan corals, brain corals, etc.
Reasonable amount of colorful fish.
Highly recommended activity that is contracted with accredited providers at the booth near the dock.
Enjoy Puerto Morelos because: LIFE...is a JOURNEY!
And it is located here just a few minutes by boat from the Puerto Morelos dock.
Great snorkeling experience, I was able to marvel at fan corals, brain corals, etc.
Reasonable amount of colorful fish.
Highly recommended activity that is contracted with accredited providers at the booth near the dock.
Enjoy Puerto Morelos because: LIFE...is a JOURNEY!
Written 4 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sydney S
3 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Our experience here was excellent! Geo was our tour guide. He was great!! He made it very fun and an unforgettable experience. Beware!! You cannot wear sunscreen or make up! If you are going during the afternoon session or noon session, I’d cover up because we got burnt pretty bad. When you are in the water almost the whole time, you forget you can even burn. The experience was terrific! There are also no photos allowed. We did not purchase any because we didn’t bring enough money to purchase them.
Written 24 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin H
8 contributions
Mar 2023
We were two families with 5 children under 5 years old. Great spot to play in the sand and the water. Also a nice playground close to the main dock! There are good seafood restaurants (El Pesquero was amazing!) and a fun market in the evening in the central square (at least on Saturday). We also really enjoyed the free snorkelling here! The tour was ok, but you are so limited on time and where you can go, we saw just as many species snorkelling where it was free! The tour gives you a higher density of fish and shallower water, but the 30 minutes in each spot (we did two spots) felt very rushed. When you snorkel on your own you can spend as much time as you want viewing the fish! You also have the option of diving down to see things closer (please don't ever touch the reef) where on the tour you don't and life jackets are mandatory.
If you do decide to do a tour we would recommend Marcelo and his boat "Damara". He's located about 100-200 meters from the leaning lighthouse on the beach. Be clear on how much time you want actually in the water as the price depends on how much time you get to swim. I was told we'd have 45 minutes in each spot and it ended up being only 30 minutes per spot. But when I talked to Marcelo afterwards, he gave us the refund so that we only paid the 1 hour swimming (250 pesos) vs the 1.5 hour swimming (300 pesos). Also, go directly onto the beach and talk to Marcelo instead of asking about tours from any of the shacks on the road. We were on the same tour as people who paid 500 pesos (we only paid 250 each). You can also rent chairs and an umbrella from him too! Great spot and quieter/way less crowded than other locations on the beach.
If you do decide to do a tour we would recommend Marcelo and his boat "Damara". He's located about 100-200 meters from the leaning lighthouse on the beach. Be clear on how much time you want actually in the water as the price depends on how much time you get to swim. I was told we'd have 45 minutes in each spot and it ended up being only 30 minutes per spot. But when I talked to Marcelo afterwards, he gave us the refund so that we only paid the 1 hour swimming (250 pesos) vs the 1.5 hour swimming (300 pesos). Also, go directly onto the beach and talk to Marcelo instead of asking about tours from any of the shacks on the road. We were on the same tour as people who paid 500 pesos (we only paid 250 each). You can also rent chairs and an umbrella from him too! Great spot and quieter/way less crowded than other locations on the beach.
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allison F
Taylorsville, NC4 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I was so excited to have the opportunity to visit the Mesoamerican reef while on a girls trip to Cancun. Our excursion price included shuttle from our resort to the ALL tour Native snorkel outpost the tour itself and our lunch with open bar. Our trip was canceled due to rough seas the first day so we were rescheduled for the very next day. Thankfully the weather was cooperative the next day. The All tour native out post was beautiful, equipped with showers changing rooms restrooms lockers a gift shop, a bar, several hammocks and chairs to lounge in. The Mexican Caribbean was only a few steps from the outpost gorgeous blue water as far as you can see. In the distance waves crash upon the shallows of the Mesoamerican reef the second largest in the world and the largest reef in America spanning nearly 600 miles. No sunscreen or insect repellent in permitted as it bleaches the coral and poisons its aquatic inhabitants. You are required to take a brief rinse in the shower before entering the sea. The guides here were very passionate about the ecosystem and how to protect it for the future. Snorkel masks fins a photographer and beach towels are provided however you are welcome to bring your own. After a brief information packed safety talk it’s off to the boat where we crank up and head out to the reef. the guide and captain work Together to find the safest most beautiful area of the reef for us to take the plunge. On our trip the sea was very choppy requiring us to swim hard against opposing currents; however it was worth every bit of effort to see Into another world beneath the waves. On days like these you wish you were a fish more than anything else. Hoards of fish large and small weaving in and out of coral city’s. Lobster hiding in crevasses, sea stars cling to the sea floor. Green sea turtles glide with ease as the rhythmic motion of the sea waves push and pull you over the reef. Our guide Miguel at the head of our group kept us all together ensuring we all were having a great time, pointing out things for us to see and take photos of. The photographer swam along snapping priceless images of us taking in all the beauty. We made two stops along the reef before heading back to the shore. Our tour was simply incredible, I could stay out on the reef for ever. The scenery so beautiful it’s almost unreal, equal to a painting or a tropical calendar. The lunch provided was above what I expected. Traditional Mayan tacos or salad, black beans and saffron rice it was delicious! After we sat down with our plates we were waited on by the staff taking our drink orders. The staff went above and beyond. After eating we had time to
Enjoy a Mayan margarita on the shore as my sister and I soaked up the sun. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They staff here put 110% into their work. I highly recommend this trip to anyone visiting Cancun or it’s surrounding areas you will not be disappointed! Trip of a lifetime.
Enjoy a Mayan margarita on the shore as my sister and I soaked up the sun. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They staff here put 110% into their work. I highly recommend this trip to anyone visiting Cancun or it’s surrounding areas you will not be disappointed! Trip of a lifetime.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maddy C
Salt Lake City, UT17 contributions
Mar 2021
Snorkeling at Puerto Morales Nature Park was such a fun time. It was a beautiful experience from start to finish. We went first thing in the morning, and the environment was so calm, peaceful and also exciting. Our tour guide Mario was so fun, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable and safe. I would 100% recommend this place, and hope to return!
Written 29 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hola buenos dĂas ! una pregunta se puede grabar con cámara de video en el arrecife ?
Written 12 September 2022
Can you snorkel from the beach? / Puede snorkel desde la playa?
Written 12 March 2021
Could a person who is not that active and cannot swim be able to snorkel here? Is there a better location for them, especially shallow? thanks!
Written 11 June 2020
The previous answers are good. You don't really need to be able to swim...just kick you feet to move around. But if you are timid around water, it may not be enjoyable since you CANNOT stop and stand on the reef. So you need to keep that in mind.
Written 12 June 2020
For the tours, how long are you on the boat for? And are you on a bobbing boat for a long period of time? I have motion sickness on small boats when they are parked in the middle of the sea and bobbing.
Written 26 November 2019
As other mentioned, reef is very close to the shore. It is hardly 5 minutes ride to the reef. When they take you to next stop after snorkeling, it is hardly couple of minutes from first stop and then another 5 minutes to get back to beach after that round of snorkeling.
Written 14 December 2020
Hello, what is the age requirement for snorkeling. I have a 9 year old going on ten and a family member who I believe is 6-7?
Written 11 November 2019
This is Mexico ... meaning that so long as it won't hurt anyone, I suspect they'll be happy to have you. Make sure they have small life preservers that will fit. Also note that there is a lot of tiring swimming involved -- even with life preservers, our kids (11 and 16) were wiped out.
Written 2 December 2019
When we take the tour, a Newborn traveled with us on the boat. I guess is responsibily of the parents
Written 14 August 2019
Hola, si llego al muelle de Puerto Morelos, a cuánto puedo encontrar un tour para ver el arrecife?
Written 8 April 2019
El muelle queda al lado de la plaza central, en la plaza encuentras empresas que hacen los tours al arrecife.
Written 8 April 2019
yep, there's a beach to snorkel from. HOWEVER, the beach is fronting heavy boat traffic so it's not like you walk in and leisurely snorkel. You have to dodge the bullet and hope a boat doesn't run you over.
Written 27 September 2019
Hi Going to Puerto Morales in December and im excited about snorkeling the reef. Do they require any specific sunscreen to protect the reef and your skin? Karen
Written 27 November 2018
Yes, they require Eco-friendly sunscreen and insect repelient which we bought before we left home. We had a fantastic time.
ENJOY!!!
Written 30 November 2018
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