Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Puerto Morelos has a history that dates to the ancient Mayan civilization.
They inhabited the island of what is now Puerto Morelos from about the 9th to the 14th centuries A.D.
Although much of the original structures are gone, the remains of some settlements, those of the Chiefdom of Ekab, have been discovered in the area.
The Spanish conquered Puerto Morales in the 16th century.
The Spanish controlled the island until the late 19th century.
Puerto Morelos soon began thriving as a popular agricultural region, which attracted many new residents and visitors.
Once the early 20th century arrived, the area was a fishing village.
Today, it has a reputation for having pristine beaches, great snorkeling and diving opportunities, spectacular cenotes, and the opportunity to see and do many other things.
Some people visit for the breathtaking natural beauty, while others visit Puerto Morelos to experience the laid-back lifestyle and atmosphere.
Although Puerto Morelos has a reputation for having many things to see and do, and it has increasing numbers of visitors every year, there are some people who may wonder if it is really a safe place for them to visit.
Learning about safe places to visit, places that travelers should avoid, and how following the top safety tips for travelers can help visitors have a great time with no risks to their safety when they visit Puerto Morelos.
Warnings & Dangers in Puerto Morelos
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Puerto Morelos is usually a safe place to visit, whether you travel alone, with family members or with a tour group. The local government and local law enforcement officials spend time, money, and other resources on helping ensure the safety of travelers and residents.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
People who use taxis when they are in Puerto Morelos usually do not have the same issues with safety or scams, compared to many other areas of Mexico or around the world. Taxis are usually safe if you take a cab from a reputable, registered taxi service. Do not get into a taxi on the street.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Secure your belongings by keeping them in an inside pocket or maybe a belt bag to avoid pickpockets. Keep your wallet, credit cards, and cash out of the sight of pickpockets, and you will likely avoid becoming their victim. Stay especially alert in crowded areas.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Travelers need to check the weather report before they go on their trip to Puerto Morelos and while they are visiting the island. The reason is that flooding and hurricanes are a risk. The area may also experience earthquakes. Most people travel to the area without much risk of natural disasters occurring during their visit.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Keep your large amounts of money and valuable belongings at home or lock them up while you are in Puerto Morelos, and you will likely lower your risk of becoming a mugging victim. Most muggings are likely to occur at night, so avoid dark streets. Do not walk alone at night.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The risk of terrorism is low in Puerto Morelos, partly because of the law enforcement and government efforts. Travelers should stay alert to any possible threats. Stay away from large gatherings of people that may lead to terrorist actions.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Puerto Morelos does not have the higher risk of scams that is common in many other areas. Travelers still need to be alert to things like taxi scams. Make sure that you know the cost of your ride before you get into the taxi. Do not accept help from anyone whom you do not know and who seems overly anxious to help. Do not let anyone help you carry your bags or walk you to your hotel or resort.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Many women travel to Puerto Morelos, including solo women travelers, who have no safety issues. Be alert to your surroundings, especially at night. Do not walk alone after dark.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Most people are likely to drink bottled water or filtered water during their visit to Puerto Morelos. The reason is the risk of contamination from distribution systems. The tap water is also very hard.
Safest Places to Visit in Puerto Morelos
The many safe places to visit in Puerto Morelos are one of the reasons that millions of travelers have flocked to the area, with many of them returning on future trips.
There is always something fun to do and a place for visitors who enjoy the excitement of the attractions.
There are also plenty of safe places to visit for travelers who prefer a more laid-back, relaxed setting.
One of the top things to do in Puerto Morelos is to visit the National Reef Park and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Enjoy seeing the coral reefs, snorkeling, seeing sea turtles, stingrays, and the wide varieties of marine life.
Some people are likely to think that no trip to Puerto Morelos is complete without diving into and exploring the cenotes.
Many people swim in the cenotes, while others visit the cenotes on a tour or zipline across the area.
Visit the stunning beaches of Puerto Morelos that are so popular with tourists.
Relax on the beach, go swimming, enjoy scuba diving, a boat tour, or just soak up the sun, taking in the natural beauty of beaches like Playa Caracol or Playa Secreto.
Visit the Puerto Morelos Artisans Market for handmade, authentic jewelry, clothing, and keepsakes.
The locals often create the items right in front of visitors.
Visit the Crococun Zoo for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Walk among the snakes, crocodiles, birds, and other creatures during your tour.
Take a walk around town to experience the old Mexico charm.
Stop at the shops, dine at the restaurant,s and look at the architecture of the buildings and homes.
Some other safe places to visit are the many restaurants, nature sanctuaries, and places to enjoy the nightlife.
Take a horseback ride, go kayaking, or hike along a trail.
Places to Avoid in Puerto Morelos
The safe places to visit in Puerto Morelos far outnumber the places that travelers should avoid.
Taking precautions can help keep travelers safe.
Do not venture into remote areas, including remote beaches, especially at night.
Stay away from poorly lit areas, especially after dark.
Some people may have heard that Puerto Morelos has had incidents of gunfights in the streets.
Stay alert to your surroundings, and you are likely to avoid these types of situations.
When things like this happen, it is usually between rival gangs or over drugs.
The people involved rarely harm tourists.
Avoid wandering around the nightclubs by yourself.
Do not get intoxicated.
You can easily become a target of criminals.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Puerto Morelos
- Do not flash cash. Carry only the cash that you think you will need when visiting the sites, the restaurants, or enjoying the nightlife in Puerto Morelos.
- Keep your belongings out of sight. Wear clothing that has at least one inside pocket. Consider using a belt bag or a purse that has zippers inside.
- Do not hail a taxi on the street. Do not get into a taxi on the street. Do not get into a taxi when the driver offers to take you to where you want to go if you did not call for a taxi. Use a reputable, licensed taxi company.
- Do not get intoxicated. Getting intoxicated makes you a good target for pickpockets, muggers, and other criminals.
- Stay away from deserted or unfamiliar areas. Stay in areas that are popular with tourists. Do not go to neighborhoods or areas that are known for being unsafe.
- Choose safe accommodations. Book your accommodation with a reputable site. Stay at a hotel or resort that is closer to the central part of Puerto Morelos.
- Do not leave your drink unattended. Keep your drink with you at all times to avoid having a spiked drink.
- Stay with your friends or your travel group. Although Puerto Morelos is generally safe, staying with your friends or your group can help increase your safety.
- Use inside ATMs. Do not use ATMs that are outside or inside small businesses. Use the ATMs that are inside banks or in other reputable businesses.
- Do not accept drinks from other guests at a bar or nightclub. If someone wants to buy you a drink, order it yourself and accept it from the bartender or the restaurant staff.
So... How Safe Is Puerto Morelos Really?
Puerto Morelos is one of the safest places in Mexico.
It has a low overall crime rate. It also has a very attentive local police presence.
Travelers who use good judgment and who stay alert to their surroundings are less likely to become victims of pickpockets, scammers, and other safety risks.
Staying in safe areas and walking with friends or with your tour group can help to increase your safety.
How Does Puerto Morelos Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Puerto Morelos |
80 |
| Cozumel |
82 |
| Zamora |
30 |
| Monterrey |
58 |
| Merida |
82 |
| Queretaro City |
63 |
| Chihuahua |
40 |
 Edinburgh | 75 |
 Abilene | 67 |
| Smithville | 84 |
| Lewisboro | 88 |
 Edirne | 72 |
| Shreveport | 52 |
Useful Information
Visas
Tourist visas are not required for people who plan to visit Puerto Morelos or anywhere in Mexico, for 180 days or less.
Currency
The official currency in Puerto Morelos is the Mexican Peso. Many businesses and restaurants are likely to accept U.S. dollars. Travelers should carry some official currency because some places, like smaller shops and restaurants, may not accept U.S. dollars.
Weather
Puerto Morelos has beautiful weather throughout much of the year. It is the tropical climate that attracts many visitors to the area. The rainy season runs from May to October. The dry season runs from November to April. A lot of people are likely to feel that this is the best time to visit Puerto Morelos.
Airports
Cancun International Airport is the closest airport to Puerto Morelos. It is a distance of just over 13 miles away. It is the airport that most travelers use when they visit Puerto Morelos. Tourists and other travelers who fly into Cancun have options for transportation from the airport to Puerto Morelos. Taking a taxi has some risks if travelers do not make sure that they use a registered taxi service. Avoid being overcharged and use a registered taxi service or another form of transportation. Some other transportation options to get from the airport to Puerto Morelos include a private shuttle, shared transportation services, and car rentals.
Travel Insurance
All travelers should purchase travel insurance before they leave for their trip to Puerto Morelos. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. The agency says that travelers should check with their travel insurance provider to determine the best options for their personal travel insurance needs.
Puerto Morelos Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 27 |
| Low °C |
20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 |
| High °F |
81 | 81 | 82 | 84 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 86 | 82 | 81 |
| Low °F |
68 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 73 | 72 | 70 |
Enjoy Puerto Morelos
We spent a week at a rental home in P.M. last Winter. Also rented a car and traveled South to visit ruins in the area. Police presence heavy in all areas we traveled. We walked into the town in the evenings from our house and never once felt any sort of risk. There had been an assault on a Police Station in Playa Del Carmen the previous week but that was an isolated incident. Felt safer there than I do in many large American cities….common sense is a must and be vigilant of your surroundings. Avoid ANY offers for illicit items! We have been approached to purchase illegal drugs nearly every time we have traveled into Mexico.
Police ARE the criminals
First day in town my nieces apartment was robbed twice. A few days later four family members traveling to Ek Balum were pulled over by 7policemen with rifles who demanded money or jail in Cancun. An hour later were stopped by lone policeman who took the rest of their money. A day later family friends on way to airport in Cancun were pulled over on highway by police and robbed. This was our 3rd trip to Puerto Morelos and we have always loved it. Never again will we risk our lives being shaken down by armed policemen. Please take warnng!!!!
So all and all your trip sounded awesome and I think the locals appreciated your generosity when they robbed you.
When/What year did this happen?
Well, that stinks! Not sure when this comment was made, but the Reply is hilarious. The stay sounds worse than a “Wham, bam, thank you ma’am”. As in, thanks for visiting, come again when you need to be accosted and paying to have it done! Yikes! Thank you for your review.
If we do make the trip, do you think that our Credit Cards are safe? Serious question. Or did they take those too? I know that I was told that our U.S. pennies are not like by children, so to hand them at least a nickel, dime or quarter, as pennies just get thrown away. That was in February 2000, yep, I know, but that’s the one and only time we stayed a week there, other visits have been by cruise ship to Cozumel. Thanks!
So Sorry to hear about your experience that’s terrible!
We were warned about this at our hotel in Cancun when we went on vacation we rented a car and wanted to go see some of the other towns and ancient ruins but the hotel told us that dangerous people may try to stop you posing as police and they told us what to to if that occurred, so it’s possible that could have been the case for you but I don’t know I’m just passing on the information and I hope if you go back to Mexico you have a much better vacation.
Very odd about the police and being robbed. In fact, hard to believe hearsay is really what it is. You were not there! I wrecked an SUV in Playa Del Carmen and everyone was great, especially the police and guy I hit. The ass was the rental agent who was American. We take in-laws who are in their 80’s, nephew and daughter. We have gone as a family for last 11 years until COVID hit. We shop Wal-Mart with thousands of Mexicans who always help me with my father in law who has trouble ambulating. Most gracious people in the western hemisphere. Safer than Cincinnati where I live and much safer than any city in America 200K plus population. Stay out of alleys at night and don’t try to buy drugs but If I have to tell you that your are too stupid to have a job, no passport and or money to travel to Mexico.
Thank you. I was looking for a current review and your commenting on Covid helped me place the timing.
I have never had a bad experience traveling to Puerto Morales, and I have been 4 times. The only advice I have is to prepay for your transportation to your hotel round trip from the Cancun Airport website. You avoid the taxi scam, which can be part of the robbery complaint that I see in this blog. Random taxis also stick together to scam you on the fare, or take you to a place where you are scammed to buy something. Always use the hotel taxi, let them call for one, and the hotel airport transportation arrangements. Safe and much cheaper.
Always happy in puerto
I walk out of airport to public bus to puerto morales. Could not be better!! Then if you are going to remote fishing village part of puerto I get a cab for $2.00, or take that public bus for .50 cents. It could not be easier!! I don’t rent cars in Mexico! Only if you have a Mexican person you know to drive. But the bus goes everywhere, very easy. I speak close to no Spanish and survive nicely. Love Mexico and the people.
Airport shuttle safe?
I am considering an airport shuttle to/from Ojo de Agua. Do you think that’s safe enough for a lone female traveler?
Strolling through Puerto Morelos felt like stepping into a postcard, especially with those colorful boats lining the pier!
I spent a few days there recently, and it felt like such a breath of fresh air, especially strolling along the pier and watching the sunset over the water; it’s the kind of place where you can really just unwind and soak up the tranquility.
Reading about how it went from a quiet fishing village to this busy spot with cenotes and all, do you feel like that laid-back vibe is still really there when you’re just walking around town at night or does the tourism kind of change the way it feels?
Sure, “pristine beaches”, but sand in my shoes for a week wasn’t exactly relaxing.
I swam in a cenote near town and felt oddly calm, and it makes me wonder how they keep it so tucked away as visitors increase.
Wait, are you saying Puerto Morelos is safe enough to snorkel right off the reef when I almost got swept toward the pier by a strong current yesterday?
Snorkeling here once left me unexpectedly peaceful, and I still stick to basic safety tips now that the place gets busier.