Puerto Morelos, Playa del Secreto, and Playa Paraiso, Mexico

Puerto Morelos is a peaceful, charming Mexican fishing village located just 20 minutes south of Cancun. Nicknamed "La Joya del Caribe" (Jewel of the Caribbean), Puerto Morelos is a convenient base for exploring Mexico's Mayan Riviera.

The coral reefs of Puerto Morelos attained status as a National Marine Park after years of hard work by residents and ecologists. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing are popular in the park, since motorized watercraft are prohibited.

Puerto Morelos is home to the only Botanical Garden on the Mayan Riviera. Visitors enjoy plants and flowers of the tropical rainforest, monkeys, birds, iguanas, and small Mayan ruins. Children of all ages will enjoy the Crocodile Park and Regional Zoo. Knowledgeable guides provide multi-lingual tours. Anglers can charter deep sea fishing boats to catch blue marlin, yellow tuna, mahi mahi, sailfish, amberjack, and dorado. The annual Sport Fishing Tournament takes place in May.

The zocolo is the town's gathering place, much like a town square, where people gather at the end of the day. Restaurants and gift shops surround the zocolo and local fishermen sell their daily catch.

Playa del Secreto (Secret Beach) and Playa Paraiso is 5 minutes south of Puerto Morelos. The private residential communities stretches along beautiful beaches. Giant 300-pound sea turtles arrive at Playa del Secreto each year from May to October to lay their eggs. The community is central to Mayan ruins, world class diving, and sports fishing.