Puerto Morelos

The most popular dive site in Puerto Morelos, Mexico is the C-56 "Juan Escutia" Wreck. This intentionally sunk naval minesweeper rests at around 30 meters (100 feet). Its popularity stems from its impressive size and the abundant marine life it attracts, including schools of fish, moray eels, and often majestic spotted eagle rays patrolling the wreck. It's a fantastic site for advanced and wreck-certified divers.

Besides the famous wreck, the "Jardines" (Gardens) are a popular and beautiful shallow reef dive in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, perfect for all levels. For a less-crowded experience, ask dive operators about "Acuario" or "La Pared," which offer stunning coral formations and diverse fish life. These sites are part of the same protected reef system but are sometimes overlooked for the main attractions, providing a more serene dive.

Water temperatures for diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico are warm all year. In the summer months (June-October), expect temperatures around 28-30°C (82-86°F). During the winter (December-April), the water cools slightly to a still comfortable 25-27°C (77-81°F). The consistent warmth makes it a pleasant destination for diving in any season.

The best time to visit Puerto Morelos, Mexico for diving is from November to May. During these months, the weather is typically drier with calmer seas, offering optimal surface conditions. While diving is excellent year-round, the summer and early fall (June-October) fall within the hurricane season, which can occasionally bring storms and rougher water. However, great diving can still be found between weather systems.

Underwater visibility when diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico is generally excellent, consistently ranging from 20 to 30 meters (65-100 feet). The clear Caribbean waters allow for fantastic views of the reef and marine life. Visibility can occasionally be reduced after heavy rains or during plankton blooms, but for most of the year, conditions are clear and ideal for underwater photography.

Yes, Puerto Morelos, Mexico is known for seasonal marine life events. The most notable is the congregation of spotted eagle rays during the winter months, typically from December to March. While whale shark encounters are more common further north, you can also see sea turtles year-round, with nesting season running from May to October, increasing the chance of sightings on the reef.

In Puerto Morelos, Mexico you can expect to see abundant Caribbean marine life. The healthy reefs host a variety of hard and soft corals, sponges, and colorful fish like angelfish, parrotfish, and damselfish. Larger encounters include green and loggerhead turtles, southern stingrays, barracuda, and large groupers. Moray eels are common, and in winter, majestic spotted eagle rays are a frequent highlight.

For diving in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, a 3mm wetsuit is the most versatile option. During the warmer summer months, many divers are comfortable in just a rash guard or a 3mm shorty. In the slightly cooler winter (December-March), a 3mm full suit is recommended to stay warm and comfortable, especially if you are planning multiple dives in a day.

To get to Puerto Morelos, Mexico, you will fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN). The town is conveniently located just a 20-30 minute drive south of the airport. From CUN, you can easily take a pre-booked shuttle, an official airport taxi, or an ADO bus. This short transit makes it one of the most accessible destinations in the Riviera Maya.

Puerto Morelos, Mexico is a destination best experienced with a shore-based stay. All dive sites are located within the national park, just a short boat ride from the town's piers. There are no liveaboards that operate in this specific area. Staying in a local hotel or rental allows you to enjoy the town’s charm and easily access the numerous dive operators for daily trips to the reef.