Your Weekly Window Into Paradise

Friday Aug 1, 2025

What Mexican beverage has historical roots in the Puerto Morelos region, where locals still celebrate its cultural significance during traditional festivals?

Do you love pizza as much as we do? Then be sure to check out our featured local business I Wanna Pizza. Where else can you find traditional thin crust pizza and also flavor combos like brie, rosemary, and strawberries; and argula with figs.

It's Whale Shark Season! And if you have not yet swam with these gentle giants, check out the article below. It's an experience you will never forget.

Some great choices in our Best Bets this week. From an art exhibition grand opening at the Puerto Morelos Museum to a festival of Oaxacan culture and a celebration of 9 years for Pescadores Brewing. One of our favorite local craft beers.

And a big shout-out to Jeannine Zagiel for sending in the stunning photo we selected for Photo of the Week this issue. Send in your photos, we might publish yours next.

Enjoy this weeks issue!

This week's Photo Of The Week by Jeannine Zagiel

Send us your photos: support@puertomorelosinsider.com

1. Art Exhibition Grand Opening

Don't miss “Among Jungles, Mangroves, Corals, and Paintbrushes.” This exhibition opens on August 1st at the Puerto Morelos Cultural Center and Museum. Celebrate and enjoy works from 16 local and regional artisans.

Location: Centro Cultural y Museo de Puerto Morelos (corner of Rojo Gomez diagonal from the town square)
Date: Friday August 1st (grand opening)
Time: 6:00 pm (grand opening)
Regular hours: Daily 10am - 6pm
Admission: Free

2. Pescadores Brewery 9th Anniversary Party

This Saturday, August 2nd, the anniversary party will feature an afternoon of live music, the debut of their Black IPA, raffles, gifts, and surprises for everyone.

Location: Pescadores Tasting Room, Cancún–Tulum Highway, km 316.5
Date: Saturday August 2nd  
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.  
Admission: 250 MXN, includes 5 pints

3. Guelaguetza Festival Cancun

Experience the vibrant Oaxacan culture with over 80 artists, traditional dances, delicious cuisine, and colorful crafts.

Enjoy regional music, dance, food, and crafts, celebrating the cultural ties between Oaxaca and Quintana Roo.

Kickoff with the Calenda parade at 6:00 p.m. from Monumento al Ceviche to Parque de las Palapas, the main venue.

Location: Parque de las Palapas, Cancun

Date: August 1-3
Time: 6:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m.
Admission: Free

Friday, August 1:
⛅ Partly Cloudy — High: 33°C (91°F), Low: 24°C (75°F)
Hot, humid, and mostly sunny with a few clouds. A brief tropical shower could pop up in the afternoon, but it won’t last long. Perfect for beach time—just bring your hat and plenty of water!

Saturday, August 2:
🌤️ Sun & Clouds — High: 33°C (91°F), Low: 24°C (75°F)
Plenty of warmth and sunshine, with a few clouds drifting by. There’s a small chance of a quick rain shower, but most of the day will be great for outdoor fun.

Sunday, August 3:
⛅ Mostly Cloudy — High: 33°C (92°F), Low: 24°C (76°F)
Clouds hang around but let the sun peek through. Humid and toasty—ideal for a lazy beach afternoon or a siesta under a palapa.

Tip:
💧 Classic Caribbean summer weather—hot, humid, and mostly sunny with a few clouds. Stay hydrated and keep an eye out for quick tropical showers. Perfect for beach days, but plan for shade and cooling off in the sea!

I Wanna Pizza is a beloved local pizzeria known for its creative, thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas and super casual, welcoming vibe.

The menu features unique topping combos (try the Especial or Tomorrow Land), and you can even order half-and-half pizzas to sample more flavors.

Their gourmet salads are huge and perfect for sharing, and the friendly staff and twinkly lights make it a cozy spot for families, friends, or a casual date night.

Whether you’re a pizza purist or love to experiment, I Wanna Pizza is a must-try for anyone craving a slice of something special in town!

"With a great wine list and delicious, creative pizzas - I Wanna Pizza is a true gem in Puerto!" ~ Chelly K.

I Wanna Pizza
Location: Avenida Javier Rojo Gómez MZ 8 LT 8, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, 77580, Mexico
Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Phone: +52 998 281 3036
Facebook: I Wanna Pizza

Insider Tip: Indoor air-conditioned seating is available for those steamy Puerto Morelos evenings.

Portside Perspective

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." — Jacques Yves Cousteau

Skip the crowds at Cenote Siete Bocas or Verde Lucero and head to Cenote Zapote Ecopark, but here’s the twist: ask for the Hells Bells dive site.

Most visitors never see the unique underwater mineral formations (only visible to divers), but even from the surface, this cenote feels like a jungle hideout—less traffic, more mystery, and often just locals enjoying a peaceful swim.

Pro tip: arrive before 10am for near-private access.

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 and Xico Dive Center, offer guided excursions with inclusive amenities and experienced guides, making it possible to safely encounter these peaceful giants while protected within their vibrant Caribbean habitat.

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Friday, Aug 1
Diving Bar: Sofit Music 2pm
Cantina Habanero: Tony of Vertigo 777 7:30pm
Jake's Bar: Crisis Project 8pm
La Sirena: Free Salsa Lessons 8pm
Los Molcajetes: Astrid Consentimiento 8pm
LIVE Music Hall: Candy Time 9:30pm
La Sirena: Salsa Night with Tren Latino 9pm
Cielito Lindo: DJ Anayo Live 10pm
Micheladas: live music 10:30pm

Saturday, Aug 2
Diving Bar: Mashiakh 2pm
Unico Beach Club: live music 4pm
LIVE Music Hall: DJ Leo 7pm
Tulipan: Karaoke Night 8pm–10pm
Jake's Bar: Deja Vu Rock Band 8:30pm

La Sirena: Santuario 9pm
LIVE Music Hall: Ambar Rock Band 10pm
Micheladas: live music 10:30pm
 

Sunday, Aug 3
Diving Bar: Deja Vu 2pm
Unico Beach Club: live music 4pm

Muses Restaurant: live music 7:30pm
LIVE Music Hall: live rock music 9:30pm
La Sirena: Flamenco Night with Puerto Malix 8pm

Happy Hours
Blue Morelos: All day, every day
Cielito Lindo: Daily 4pm-8pm
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
Tulipan: Wed-Fri 4pm-7pm

Ongoing Classes
Villas la Playa: Mosaic Art Class Friday 4pm
Parque Fundadores: Zumba class Saturday 8am
El Pirata: Paella Cooking Class with Chef Karla Romo 4pm
Casa de la Cultura: Pilates for Adults & Adolescents – Friday & Monday 7am–8:30am
Casa de la Cultura: YogaKids – Saturday 4pm–5pm
Casa de la Cultura: Jazz for Kids & Teens – Monday 5pm–7pm
Casa de la Cultura: Salsa Lessons – Monday & Wednesday evenings
Mexico Lindo Cooking: Cooking Classes – Daily 10:30am–3:30pm

Local 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

Xtabentún – a traditional anise-flavored liqueur made from fermented honey and herbs, originally crafted by the ancient Maya and still enjoyed in parts of the Yucatán Peninsula, including Puerto Morelos.