Attractions
Cenote Trail: The cenotes between Cancun and Puerto Morelos can resemble rustic swimming holes with a zip-line or two or be full-blown attractions such as Boca del Puma (bocadelpuma.com) and Selvática (selvatica.com.mx) with all-terrain-vehicle rides or extreme zip-line tours.
National Marine Park: Find locals at the main dock to take you out snorkeling or get lessons and set up specialized tours from English-speaking outfitters such as Wet Set Diving Adventures (wet set.com). Among divers' favorites are exploring C-56, a sunken naval ship, or watching whale sharks during the summer season.
Little Mexican Cooking School: Rotating five- to six-hour classes explore the cuisine of seven regions throughout Mexico with the chance to make seven to eight dishes and authentic drinks (thelittlemexicancooking school.com).
Ya'ax Ché (Jardin Botánico): Paths wind past orchids, ferns, a replicated Mayan ruin, a replicated chilero (or gum) camp and to an expansive overlook of mangroves on this 148-acre preserve (bgci.org/garden).
Where to sleep
Hotel Hacienda Morelos: Affordable and on the beach, these basic rooms include ocean views, a beachside pool, a few hammocks and a restaurant and bar (haciendamorelos.com).
Hotel Marina El Cid: For a splurge, this all-inclusive resort about 2 miles south of downtown Puerto Morelos offers several complexes of upscale condos, a postcard-perfect pool and family-friendly evening shows (elcid.com).
Lisa Meyers McClintick
