Your Weekly Window Into Paradise

Friday April 3, 2026

On which day of Semana Santa do many communities in the Riviera Maya, such as Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, perform the dramatic "Viacrucis Viviente" (Living Way of the Cross)?

As Semana Santa brings joyful crowds and warm, humid weather, we've got the inside scoop on how to make the most of your time here.

From art openings to mezcal tastings and a special Easter pop-up dinner, we're highlighting the best ways to experience the Riviera Maya this week.

We're also featuring Wet Set Diving, a local favorite for underwater adventures, and sharing crucial local news about public safety upgrades, airport improvements, and how to protect yourself from counterfeit bills.

And we've added new features to our new events app. If you haven't yet done so, check it out today.

Pack an umbrella, stay hydrated, and have a wonderful holiday weekend.

See you out on the town! 😎

1. 🎨 Art Opening & Exhibition: Horacio Cárdenas

Experience the work of Mexican artist Horacio Cárdenas at a special exhibition in Puerto Morelos, featuring two of his notable series: “Oracles of the Cubes” and “How to Succeed in Life.”

Originally from Mexico City and now based in Cancún, Cárdenas is known for his experimental approach that blends painting, installation, and unconventional materials like henequén fiber, deeply connected to the cultural roots of the Maya region.

This exhibition brings a strong Caribbean Maya influence, making it a unique opportunity to experience contemporary Mexican art shaped by the region’s history and materials.

Opening: Monday, April 6, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Centro Cultural y Museo de Puerto Morelos
Exhibition Dates: April 6–14, 2026
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free

2. 🥂 Barra Local Artesanal, Spirits, Beer & Mead Night

Spend your Saturday night exploring the best of local craft drinks at Barra Local Artesanal, where producers from Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos come together for an evening of flavor and community.

Enjoy a curated mix of mezcal, rum, gin, craft beer, and local mead, along with DJs, great food, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a chance to discover regional producers and taste what makes the Riviera Maya’s craft scene so unique.

Featured Producers:
Manglares Brewery
Hidromiel de la Selva
SKÖGUR Mead
Destilería Cozumel (Rum & Gin)
Mezcales 77580 (Guerrero & Oaxaca)

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Layla Restaurant Bar, Puerto Morelos
Admission: Free entry
Contact: 554 381 0855

3. 🐰 Down the Rabbit Hole, A Late Easter Pop-Up Dinner

Step into a whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-inspired dining experience with Chef Umberto’s special Easter pop-up at KI Restaurant. “Down the Rabbit Hole” blends playful creativity with elevated cuisine, turning a traditional Easter meal into something unexpected and memorable.

Enjoy a vibrant evening of communal seating and family-style service, where dishes are shared, conversations flow, and the atmosphere feels both intimate and festive under the stars.

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Cocktail Hour: 6:00 PM
Dinner Service: 7:00 PM
Location: KI Restaurant @ Ojo de Agua Beach Club, Puerto Morelos
Price: $700 MXN (fixed menu, drinks not included)
Reservations: Recomended

For nearly three decades, Wet Set Diving and Snorkeling Adventures has been Puerto Morelos' premier gateway to the underwater world.

Founded in 1997 by Master Dive Instructor Dave Tossi, who learned to dive at West Point over 40 years ago, Wet Set has earned a reputation as one of the only 5-star PADI shops in town, trusted by over 1,500 five-star reviewers. 

What sets Wet Set apart isn't just their expertise or their pristine safety record. It's their philosophy: personalized service, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees, and a genuine commitment to conservation and community.

Every staff member is PADI-certified, boats are captained by professionals licensed by the National Marine Park, and all team members undergo annual safety and CPR training. 

Whether you're snorkeling for the first time, earning your PADI certification, or diving cenotes and reefs as an experienced diver, Wet Set handles everything, from carrying your gear to setting up your tanks to rinsing your equipment when you're done.

But perhaps most tellingly, Wet Set recently sponsored the Puerto Morelos charity motorcycle run and took inland kids snorkeling for their very first time ever. That's the kind of community spirit that defines this business.

What People Are Saying:

"Best snorkel of our week long vacation! Christopher was an awesome tour guide and we got to see rays and turtles!" ~ Amanda L. (TripAdvisor)

"Dave and his crew are wonderful! Caring to the individual needs of each diver new or old. A happy crew will guide you do some amazing dive sites. Professional,engaging and a thoughtful crew Dave has assembled is hard to come by! Enjoy diving with Wet Set you can’t go wrong!." ~ Harold M. (Facebook)

"Definitely a good option to go with this company. Christopher was excellent in showing us around, ended up seeing a turtle, shark, stingray. Best snorkelling experience so far." ~ Mani S. (TripAdvisor)

 

"Wow these guys are simply amazing!!! One of (if not the) best diving operations I’ve been with! They not only were exceptional in how organized and accommodating they were, but they also gave us local info of things to do and see above diving. Felicity made our first Cenotes experience truest unforgettable! Thanks so much everyone at Wet Set!!!" ~ Anna G. (Facebook)

Wet Set Diving Info

Location: Av. Javier Rojo Gómez, 2 blocks North of the town square, on the beach, Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Phone: +52 998 206 9204

WhatsApp: +52 1 998 130 3988

Email: Info @ Wetset.com

U.S. Toll-Free: 1-855-333-6222

UK Toll-Free: 0808 189 103

Services: Snorkeling tours, PADI certification courses, 2-tank reef dives, cenote diving and snorkeling, Discover Scuba, private tours, Cozumel dives, whale shark snorkeling

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 on TripAdvisor (1,546 reviews); 98% recommend on Facebook

👉 Insider Tip:

Wet Set is right next door to Don Ernesto's, one of the favorite spots of the local expat community. A great location right on the beach to enjoy a cold drink and delicious food after your dive.

This weekend is the biggest holiday of the year for Mexico, so expect to see a lot of people in town.

From Thursday (Jueves Santo) through Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección), the public beaches will be joyfully packed with families setting up for the day with umbrellas, coolers, and music. 

Get to the beach before 10 am if you want a quiet swim or a peaceful walk. After that, embrace the lively atmosphere or head inland and find a secluded cenote.

Puerto Morelos is spending millions of pesos to make sure its streets stay safe and quiet. The town is investing over 43 million pesos to give its police force a major upgrade this year.

New Tools and Technology

The police department is adding 15 new patrol cars to its fleet with even more units on the way. They are also installing 200 security cameras to watch over the town and nearby nature trails.

High-tech drones are already flying to help police monitor areas that are hard to reach on foot. A new police base is also being built to help officers cover more ground and respond to calls faster.

More Officers on the Street

The town now has 76 active officers to handle the growing number of residents and tourists. Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz recently welcomed 29 new graduates to the team to help protect the community.

The new cameras will also help firefighters and emergency teams see accidents in real time. This teamwork ensures that help arrives quickly whenever there is an emergency.

These big changes aim to keep Puerto Morelos one of the safest spots in the Riviera Maya. Whether you live there or are just visiting, the town is working hard to keep you protected.

Your next trip to the sunny beaches of Cancun is about to get a whole lot smoother. Officials are working hard to make the airport faster and more friendly for every visitor.

Faster Lines and Baggage

New immigration stations are coming soon to help move lines along quickly. This means international passengers can pass through and get to the fun much faster.

Airport leaders are also looking at how staff handle luggage. By improving pay and working conditions, they hope to get your suitcases to the carousel in record time.

Fair Prices and Big Events

Traveling to nearby towns like Puerto Morelos will also be easier. Officials want to make sure taxi and shuttle prices are fair and competitive for everyone.

These updates are helping the airport get ready for the 2026 World Cup. Mexico expects a huge jump in visitors during the tournament, so they are fixing travel problems now.

Smoother arrivals mean guests can reach their hotels without any extra stress. These big changes are a major win for anyone dreaming of a Mexican vacation.

Watch your wallet next time you visit Mexico. Fake cash is showing up more often in popular vacation spots like Puerto Morelos.

The Most Common Fake Bills

Mexico’s central bank says counterfeit money is at its highest level in three years. Over 290,000 fake bills were found in circulation during 2025.

The 500-peso bill is the one most often copied by criminals. However, fake 100-peso bills have also increased by over 200 percent. It is important to look closely at every bill you receive at markets or taco stands.

How to Protect Yourself

Check the feel of the money before putting it in your pocket. Real plastic bills feel slick, while paper bills have watermarks you can see when held up to the light.

Tilt the bill to see if the colorful ink shifts as it moves. If a bill feels too thick or looks "off," trust your basic instincts.

Never try to spend a bill if you think it is fake. This is a federal crime in Mexico that can lead to many years in prison. Instead, take the suspect bill to a bank to be safe.

The brown seaweed known as sargassum is washing up on the beautiful beaches of Puerto Morelos again.

With the busy Semana Santa (Holy Week) holiday weekend just days away, locals are working hard to keep the sand clear for thousands of visitors.

A Busy Break Ahead

Forecasts for 2026 show that the seaweed is arriving earlier and heavier than usual this year. Experts say the area expects over one million visitors during the busy spring holiday season.

Hotel leaders are moving quickly to prepare for the mess before it gets worse. They want to protect the local tourism industry and keep the coastline looking good for destination weddings.

Staying One Step Ahead

Puerto Morelos uses teams of staff and volunteers to clean the shoreline multiple times every day. A nearby coral reef helps slow the seaweed down, but it cannot stop it all.

Travelers should check the beaches early in the morning after the cleanup crews finish their work. Local shop owners and beach clubs are also great sources for real-time seaweed updates.

Hi, my name is Mordisco 🐾

I’m about 1 year old, medium-sized, and I’m a good boy looking for my forever home.

I’ll be honest, I can be a little shy at first. New things make me nervous, so I need a bit of time to feel safe. But once I trust you, I become very loving and will stay close to you. I really enjoy cuddles and being near my person.

I’m clean and I’ll let you know when I need to go outside. I like routines and calm spaces. I think I’d do best with a quiet couple who works from home, has patience, and understands how to help me keep learning and growing.

More than anything, I’m looking for a family who will love me and keep me forever. I’m not just a pet. I want to be part of your life.

If you think we could be a match, please reach out to my foster hoomans to arrange a meetup:

WhatsApp +52 998 8452306

We've got some exciting news for the Puerto Morelos Insider Events app!  You can now easily share your favorite events with friends and family. 

We just added a brand new share feature, so with one click, you can copy a link to send event details directly to WhatsApp, Facebook, or your favorite social media platform. Planning a get-together just got a whole lot easier!

Fresh on the Calendar This Week

We have been busy adding some fantastic new events. Here are three fresh additions you won't want to miss:

Son de Canay at Los Molcajetes Saturday, April 4 at 9:00 PM Get ready to dance! Son de Canay is serving up their signature blend of Caribbean-influenced Cuban music. It's a free event, so grab some friends and enjoy a lively night out.

2026 Caribbean Beer Festival April 17-19 at 12:00 PM (Parque Fundadores ) Beer lovers, rejoice! Enjoy more than 30 national and international craft breweries, guided tastings, a food court, live music, and cultural activities in a family-friendly atmosphere. Tickets are $250 MXN per day.

Puerto Morelos Fishing Tournament Saturday, May 30 at 9:00 AM (Main Pier ) Calling all anglers! Join this catch-and-release fishing tournament as part of Navy Day. There are huge cash prizes for the top three spots (up to $150,000 MXN!) and surprise prizes for the top 10. Registration is $4,500 MXN.

Help Us Grow the Calendar

Are you hosting an event, class, or special night? Submit your event here so the whole town can find it (and share it! ).

Browse all events and try the new share button: events.puertomorelosinsider.com

Viernes Santo (Good Friday). This reenactment of the Passion of Christ is one of the most solemn and visually striking events of the week, drawing large crowds of both locals and visitors