FAQs · Destination Guide
A protected reef, quick boat rides, and cenote adventures from a laid-back Riviera Maya base
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 16 sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
Scuba diving runs year-round, but March to June is a strong bet for stable weather and consistent reef access. Winter can bring nortes (often October to January) that create rough seas and occasional cancellations, while September and October add higher storm and hurricane risk. Water is commonly around 25°C in winter and can approach 29°C in late summer. If you travel in shoulder or stormier months, plan extra dive days and be ready to pivot to cenotes on windy mornings.
Snorkeling is most comfortable when the surface is calm, so March to June often offers the best balance of weather and visibility. Nortes in October to January can make the sea choppy, which is harder for kids and first-timers even if water temps stay warm. Summer months are hot and can bring afternoon storms, but mornings are often workable. Because the reef is a national park, trips are guided and usually require life jackets, which helps reduce fatigue and accidental coral contact.
Most reef activities take place inside Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park, which has an entrance fee charged per person per day. In practice, many dive and snorkel operators collect the fee during check-in and handle the paperwork, but you should confirm what is included when you book. If you are asked to pay separately, bring cash in pesos to keep the process quick. The CONANP listing also notes exemptions and discounts for certain groups, so carry any relevant credentials.
Sargassum is highly variable by year and even by week, but higher beach impact is common from spring through early fall. To reduce frustration, build an itinerary that does not depend on perfect beaches: prioritize reef dives and boat snorkeling (often less affected than shorelines), add cenote days, and check regional forecasts before committing to beach clubs. NOAA and university satellite products can show regional risk, but local conditions still depend on wind direction and currents. If beaches are affected, choose inland activities and save beach time for clearer days.
Start early and choose a focused route: pick one or two cenotes on the Ruta de los Cenotes (for example, Siete Bocas or Verde Lucero) and plan a relaxed pace. Bring cash for entries, water shoes for slippery steps, and a dry bag for electronics. Cenote water is often cooler than the sea, so pack a light thermal layer or a 3mm to 5mm suit if you get chilled easily. If you want cavern diving or structured freedive training, book a qualified operator rather than attempting it independently.
Puerto Morelos is a short transfer from Cancun International Airport (CUN), roughly 26 km by road. The simplest option for most travelers is a pre-booked shuttle, especially if you are carrying dive gear. Authorized airport taxis are another direct choice, while rental cars add flexibility for cenotes and day trips. If you are traveling light and on a budget, regional buses and colectivos can work, but last-mile access depends on where you are staying. In peak season, book transport in advance to avoid long waits.
Sea turtle nesting on Riviera Maya beaches generally runs from May through October, with protected beaches often restricting nighttime access. Whale shark season in the region typically overlaps late spring and summer, with many tours departing from Cancun or Isla Mujeres and operating as snorkel-only encounters. For both, choose reputable operators and follow wildlife rules: keep distance, do not touch, and avoid flash or bright lights. If your trip is outside these windows, reef snorkeling still offers plenty of resident fish life year-round.
Night diving is possible in Puerto Morelos, but it is regulated because the reef is inside a national park. Start by contacting local dive operators and asking whether they have current authorization for night dives, which sites they use, and what experience level they require. Bring a primary and backup light, and expect strict buoyancy and spacing rules to protect corals. Because conditions can change quickly with wind events, keep your schedule flexible and avoid placing your only must-do dive on a single night.
Most divers are comfortable year-round, but the right exposure protection depends on your temperature tolerance and whether you will visit cenotes. In winter, water can be around 25°C, and many people choose a 3mm full suit or a 3mm shorty plus rashguard. In late summer, water can approach 29°C, so a rashguard or thin suit is often enough. Cenotes feel cooler than the sea and can chill you after multiple swims, so consider a 3mm to 5mm suit for freshwater days.
Arrecife de Puerto Morelos is a protected national park with rules designed to prevent reef damage. Expect guides to enforce distance from corals (more than 2 m), and divers may be stopped if buoyancy control is poor. For buceo libre, park rules require life jackets for participants, and wildlife feeding or harassment is prohibited. Gloves and knives are restricted, which helps keep hands off the reef. Plan for organized trips, follow briefings closely, and treat conservation rules as part of the experience.