Your Weekly Window Into Paradise

Friday September 5, 2025

Puerto Morelos is named after a Mexican independence hero - who was he and what denomination of Mexican peso bill features his image?

While this weekend might feel a little quieter here in our charming town, don't let the calm fool you.

Think of it as the peaceful prelude to a very exciting events ahead!

Starting next weekend, Puerto Morelos will be buzzing with vibrant celebrations for Mexican Independence Day. (Time for some Chiles en Nogada!)

So now is the perfect chance to enjoy our local spots, swim with the gentle giants of the sea, or dive into a Tequila University class... this weeks Local Business Spotlight.

Have a great weekend and enjoy this weeks issue!

Featured Photo by
Ana Yohualli Dubink

Send us your favorite photos: support@puertomorelosinsider.com

1. International Equestrian Jumping Championship

Playa del Carmen is hosting its first CSI3 International Equestrian Jumping Championship, with more than 200 riders and horses competing in a new world-class arena in Puerto Aventuras.

This weekend features the exciting national phase, while the international stage follows next week. Expect Olympic-level talent, thrilling jumps, and a festive family atmosphere.

Date: Friday, Sept 5 – Sunday, Sept 7 (National Phase) 
Time: All Day Events
Location: Hípica Salazar, Puerto Aventuras (near Playa del Carmen) Click For A Map
Admission: For ticketing information visit the official pages:
Federación Ecuestre Mexicana – CSI3 Playa del Carmen 2025
Let’s Playa – Event Information

2. Swim with Whale Sharks

Whale sharks return to the Mexican Caribbean each summer, creating a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim beside these gentle giants.

The season ends on September 17, so now is the perfect time to go!

Book a tour for crystal clear snorkeling, unforgettable encounters, and maybe even bonus sightings of manta rays, dolphins, or sea turtles.

Date: Now through Sept 17, 2025
Time: Tours run daily, 7–12 hours (depending on departure)
Location: Departures available from Puerto Morelos, Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Holbox, Cozumel, Tulum & Akumal
Admission: $160–$220 USD (transportation included in most tours) Reservations: Click here to learn more and book your tour


3. Brunch with Live Music at Cafe Layla

Café Layla is a cozy hangout at Layla Guesthouse in Puerto Morelos serving brunch, coffee, and live music on the weekends.

Café Layla serves up one of Puerto Morelos’ most relaxed weekend traditions: brunch with live music. Fresh local dishes, delicious coffee, and sunny terrace vibes set the stage.

Local musicians bring the energy with easygoing tunes that make it the perfect start to your Saturday or Sunday.

Date: Saturday, Sept 6 & Sunday, Sept 7, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Layla Guesthouse, 2 av Rafael E Melgar Puerto Morelos

Facebook: facebook.com/layla.guesthouse
Phone/WhatsApp: +52 998 688 5040

Friday, September 5:
⛅ Partly Cloudy — High: 32°C (90°F), Low: 25°C (77°F)
A steamy tropical day with plenty of sunshine mixed with clouds. A quick afternoon shower could sneak in, but nothing too serious. Great beach weather.

Saturday, September 6:
🌤️ Sun & Clouds with Showers — High: 32°C (90°F), Low: 25°C (77°F)
Expect a mix of sunshine and passing rain showers, especially late afternoon. Perfect to hit the beach early, then grab tacos and a margarita while the rain passes.

Sunday, September 7:
🌦️ Cloudy with Scattered Showers — High: 31°C (88°F), Low: 25°C (77°F)
Clouds stick around, and there’s a higher chance of scattered showers and storms. Still warm and tropical, so don’t cancel outdoor plans, just keep your flip-flops ready for puddles.

Weather Tip:
☂️ Don’t let a little rain stop you! In Puerto Morelos, showers are often short and sweet. Locals know: when the rain comes, it’s just a good excuse for a seafood lunch or a cold cerveza.

Want to become a tequila pro? Join in as La Sirena hosts its popular “Tequila University” each week.

La Sirena’s “Tequila University” is a weekly rooftop event designed to educate and entertain. 

A tequila master guides guests through the history, flavors, and styles of Mexico’s most famous spirit, complete with tastings and food pairings.

The experience combines learning with fun, all while enjoying La Sirena’s famous rooftop view of Puerto Morelos.

At Tequila University, students not only sip, savor, and learn all about Mexico’s favorite spirit—they also graduate with a certificate! Yep, you’ll walk away with proof that you “studied hard” on the rooftop.

What people are saying:

"We are now Tequila alumni, after attending the best course we’ve ever attended in our life, and we have the diploma to prove it! This should be on everyone’s to-do list." Robert S. on Tripadvisor

"Do yourself a favor and book this amazing class!!" Wendy C. on Tripadvisor

"Great experience. Miguel was super friendly and knowledgeable. The view was great, the food was also awesome. Felt like VIPs and would definitely recommend for a group." Sully B. on Tripadvisor

Date: Every Monday 
Time: 4:00 PM (check schedule)
Admission: $700 MXN ($40 USD)
Location: Av. Javier Rojo Gómez, Rooftop Terrace, Puerto Morelos

Website: La Sirena – Tequila University

Facebook: facebook.com/LaSirenaPM
Phone/WhatsApp: +52 998 192 4668

Insider Tip:
Locals know to arrive a little early, grab a seat facing the ocean, and order some ceviche before class starts. By the time the tasting kicks off, the sky is lit up in orange and pink, and you’ve got front-row seats to one of the prettiest shows in town.

Portside Perspective

"If you're looking for a place where flip-flops are formal wear and the biggest decision is which taco stand to visit, Puerto Morelos is your paradise."

~ Matt Kepnes

The morning of your snorkeling tour or fishing excursion, savvy locals always check one thing first: the flag flying at the port master's office near the pier.

This simple but crucial system tells you everything you need to know about whether boats can safely venture out to the reef.

🟢 Green Flag = All clear! Calm seas, light winds, and excellent visibility.  Perfect conditions for tours, fishing, and water activities.

🟡 Yellow Flag = Moderate waves, use caution. Trips may still run, but expect some chop, strong winds, and a bumpy boat ride.

🔴 Red Flag = No boats allowed out. High winds, rough seas, or dangerous conditions. All tours are cancelled. Time to enjoy the beach, cenotes, or explore the town instead.

⚫ Black Flag = Port closed for all vessels. Usually only during major storms. Find a dry place to hunker down and ride out the storm.

Many tour operators will call you if conditions change, but knowing how to read the flag yourself means you can plan your day accordingly.

This system has kept locals and visitors safe for decades – when the port master says no boats, even the most experienced fishermen respect the call!

Insider Secret: The flag is usually updated by 7:00 AM each morning, so check it before heading out for breakfast.

Our beautiful Puerto Morelos is stepping up to protect its stunning beaches and precious coral reef!

Recently, the town’s Environmental team led a special cleanup focused on something you can barely see: microplastics. These are tiny bits of plastic that can be super harmful to our marine life and even to us.

On Wednesday, August 21, 2025, dedicated crews carefully sifted through the sand, removing these invisible pollutants.

This isn't just about making our beaches look pretty; it's about keeping our ocean healthy and protecting all the amazing creatures that call it home. 

This effort shows how serious Puerto Morelos is about being a responsible and eco-friendly place to visit and live.

It’s also part of a bigger goal for Mexico to have 100% plastic-free beaches by 2030. So, when you see our clean shores, know that a lot of care goes into keeping them that way.

We can all be proud of Puerto Morelos for leading the charge in protecting our natural paradise for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future!

Each summer, Cancun’s warm Caribbean waters welcome migrating whale sharks, the world’s largest fish.

From mid-May to mid-September, especially between June and August, these docile giants gather to feed on abundant plankton, drawing visitors eager to swim alongside them.

The Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve, north of Holbox Island and stretching to Contoy Island, protects these animals, while guided swims also depart from Isla Mujeres and just north of Cancun.

Strict regulations are enforced to keep both humans and whale sharks safe: visitors must keep their distance, avoid touching the animals, wear life jackets, and forgo sunscreen.

Boat capacities and tour durations are also limited, ensuring a sustainable experience that minimizes impact. 

Two authorized tour operators, Mexico Whale Shark Tours and Whale Shark Tour Cancun, offer guided excursions with inclusive amenities and experienced guides, making it possible to safely encounter these peaceful filter feeders while protected within their vibrant Caribbean habitat.

Hi there! I’m Nala, a furry bundle of love and tail-wagging joy.

I’m about 5 months old, and everyone says I’m quite the looker! I’ve got all my shots, been dewormed, and yep, I'm spayed too.

I'll probably grow into a medium to big size, which means more of me to love! 🐶

I absolutely love playtime and I hang out with both doggos and kitties—so I'd fit right into your furry family.

If you're looking for a new best friend who’s ready for endless adventures, then maybe I’m the pup for you! 🐾

Give my humans a shout if you want to bring me home! 💕

Send a message to: adoptaunamigo@gmail.com

Friday, 
Diving Bar: Sofit Music 2pm
Micheladas: Zapata 6:30 pm
Cantina Habanero: Tony of Vertigo 777 7:30pm
LIVE Music Hall: Candy Time 8pm
La Sirena: Salsa Night with Tren Latino 9pm
Micheladas: Talla Musical 10:30pm

Saturday, 
Diving Bar: The Killing Grooves 2pm
Unico Beach Club: live music 4pm
Micheladas: Cherry Lovers 6:30pm
LIVE Music Hall: DJ Leo 7pm
Tulipan: Karaoke Night 8pm–10pm
LIVE Music Hall: Ambar Rock Band 8pm
La Sirena: live music 9pm
Micheladas: Kramel Y Su Team 10:30pm
 

Sunday, 
Diving Bar: The Blackout 2pm
Unico Beach Club: live music 4pm
Muses Restaurant: live music 7:30pm
Micheladas: Crist Project 8pm
LIVE Music Hall: live rock music 9:30pm
La Sirena: Flamenco Night with Puerto Malix 8pm

Happy Hours
Blue Morelos: All day, every day
Dai Smokehouse: Tue-Thu 3pm-6pm
Don Ernestos: Daily 3pm-4pm and 6pm-7pm
El Refugio: M,W,Th 6pm-8pm
Habeneros: Daily 2pm-4pm
La Sirena: Mon-Fri 4pm–6pm
Micheladas: Daily 12pm-3pm
Lola y Moya: Daily 6pm-8pm
My Paradise: Daily 3pm-6pm
Portside PM: Daily 3pm-6pm
Restaurante Chilam Balam: Daily 3pm-5pm 
Tulipan: Wed-Fri 4pm-7pm

Ongoing Classes
Villas la Playa: Mosaic Art Class Friday 4pm
La Sirena: Free Salsa Lessons Friday 8pm
Parque Fundadores: Zumba class Saturday 8am
El Pirata: Paella Cooking Class with Chef Karla Romo 4pm
Casa de la Cultura: Pilates – Friday & Monday 7am–8:30am
Casa de la Cultura: Salsa Lessons – Monday & Wednesday evenings
Mexico Lindo Cooking: Cooking Classes – Daily 10:30am–3:30pm

Local Outdoor Markets
Town Square: Artisan & Food Market – Friday & Saturday 3pm–10pm
Town Square: Farmers Market – Wednesday 8am–1:30pm

Send us your event: support@puertomorelosinsider.com

José María Morelos, a revolutionary leader in the Mexican War of Independence, whose image appears on the 50 peso bills issued up until 2022. Most are in circulation.