Your Weekly Window Into Paradise

Friday February 27, 2026

February is a prime month for birdwatching in the Yucatan. Which iconic pink bird can be seen in large colonies at the Ría Lagartos or Celestún Biosphere Reserves during this time?

Happy Friday, Puerto Morelos!

This week's issue is packed. We've got a free circus coming to Parque Fundadores this Saturday night... yes, an actual circus under the stars.

There's also a brand new farmers market in the Colonia where you can shop directly from local growers. And if you're willing to set your alarm early Tuesday morning, a total lunar eclipse is going to turn the moon blood red right over the Caribbean. Don't miss it.

In Local News, we're covering the new Nuestra Cosecha market, a tiny Mexican island that just won best beach in the world (and it's a day trip from here!), and what Puerto Morelos is doing to tackle what could be a record sargassum season in 2026.

Our Small Business Spotlight this week shines on Pecao Fonda de Mar, a hidden gem on the Colonia side that locals have been quietly loving for a while. Fresh seafood, creative flavors, and a vibe that feels like eating at a friend's house. If you haven't been, this is your sign.

We've also got your weekly events calendar, live music picks, happy hours, classes, markets and of course, an adorable pup named Rosco who is ready to be your new best friend.

See you out on the town!

1. Imagine Puerto Morelos – Circus

The magic of the circus comes to Puerto Morelos this Saturday at Fundadores Park. IMAGINE Puerto Morelos – Circus brings an evening of acrobatics, live music, and high-energy performances for the whole family under the stars.

The night kicks off with Galactika Deep Roots, followed by the Imagine Circus performance packed with excitement and spectacle. Come early, bring the family, and enjoy a festive atmosphere in the town square.

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm (Galactika Deep Roots 6:30 pm | Imagine Circus 7:30 pm)
Location: Parque Fundadores (Parque del Puerto), Puerto Morelos
Admission: Free

2. Nuestra Cosecha Farmers Market

This Friday, shop local at the new Nuestra Cosecha Market and connect directly with Puerto Morelos producers. Find fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, eggs, chicken, medicinal plants, and more, all grown or made by local families.

This new market is planned to take place once a month. It is a great way to support the local economy while bringing home fresh, high-quality products for the week.

Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Sports Dome, Col. Zetina Gasca, Puerto Morelos
Admission: Free

3. Total Lunar Eclipse – Blood Moon Over Puerto Morelos

Set your alarm early Tuesday morning for a stunning Total Lunar Eclipse that will turn the Moon a deep copper-red as Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon. No special equipment is needed, just clear skies and a good view of the western horizon.

In Puerto Morelos, the eclipse will unfold before sunrise, with the Moon setting as it reaches its deepest shadow. Plan to be outside at least 15–20 minutes early to let your eyes adjust and enjoy the full experience.

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time (Quintana Roo / CST): 3:44 am – 7:10 am (Maximum eclipse around 6:33 am)
Where to Watch: Look toward the western horizon in Puerto Morelos
Admission: Free

If you haven't made it to the Colonia side of Puerto Morelos yet, Pecao Fonda de Mar is your reason to go.

This little gem sits on Av. Joaquín Zetina Gasca and serves up some of the most creative, fresh seafood in town at prices that won't make you wince.

The menu is rooted in coastal Mexican flavors with a creative twist. Aguachile rojo that hits just right.  Fish tacos done Tikin Xic style. Marlin gobernador tacos. A fish burger that regulars can't stop talking about.

And for the plant-based crowd, jackfruit pibil and papaya salads that are anything but an afterthought.

The vibe is pure Colonia: casual, colorful and completely unpretentious. Plastic chairs, a cool breeze, cold drinks and food that comes out looking like it belongs in a food magazine.

The team here treats every guest like a regular, takes time to walk you through the menu and makes sure you leave happy.

When you see the tables filling up with local families around 3 pm, you know you are in the right place.

What People Are Saying:

"Pretty much the best seafood restaurant we have been to in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo. The food is perfectly seasoned and presented with extreme attention to detail. The aguachile rojo was so delicious, and the fish Pibil and marlin gobernador tacos were inventive and off the chart good." ~ Jason P. (Google)

"Splendid meal and fantastic service!  Beautiful presentation and super creative and delicious dishes and drinks!" ~ James W. (Facebook)

"A hidden gem on the colonial side of Puerto Morelos. The fish burger was the star of the show, perfectly cooked and full of flavor. But honestly, everything we ordered was delicious. The service was warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere had a local charm that made us feel right at home. Highly recommended for anyone exploring the other side of Puerto Morelos." ~ David C. (Google)

"Food is spectacular with unique & delicious flavor profiles! Staff are amazing (especially Danielle & Amon)! Ambiance is perfection with chill, island-vibes music! I've visited Puerto Morelos many times, & this is hands down my favorite restaurant... I have to stop myself from eating here everyday." ~ Sheila S. (Tripadvisor)

"Wow. Lifetime top 5 best meal. Their aguachile is my new religion. Friends had been raving about this place for months and it was that rare experience of actually living up to the hype. I would return to Puerto Morelos just to eat here again. Do not skip the green papaya salad." ~ Kevin R. (Google)

Pecao Fonda Info:

Location: Av. Joaquín Zetina Gasca, corner of Calle Caoba, Puerto Morelos (Colonia side)
Google Maps: Get Directions
Facebook: facebook.com/pecaofondademar
Phone: +52 998 527 3425
WhatsApp: +52 1 998 346 5521
Email: fondademarelpecao@gmail.com

Hours: Monday closed. Tuesday through Saturday 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Sunday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

👉 Insider Tip: Go around 3 pm on a weekday. That is when the locals show up and the energy picks up. Order a mix of things to share: the aguachile rojo, a couple of Tikin Xic tacos for the table and the coconut flan if it is available that day. Sit outside if you can.

After lunch, take a slow walk down Zetina Gasca toward the neighborhood park and pop into a tienda or panadería along the way. This is the real Puerto Morelos, and Pecao is the perfect place to start exploring it.

Viewing tips for the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse on Tuesday March 3rd. 

The ancient Maya astronomers interpreted a lunar eclipse as a fearsome event, believing a celestial “jaguar” was devouring the Moon.

This is a pre-dawn spectacle, so you’ll need to set your alarm. If possible find a rooftop to watch from as the moon will be just above the western horizon when in totality.

The show begins in earnest when the partial eclipse starts at 4:50 am. The Moon will begin to turn a reddish color as totality begins at 6:04 am, reaching its maximum, darkest red color at 6:33 am. Be in your chosen viewing spot no later than 5:45 am to see the best part.

Fresh food and local culture meet in the heart of Puerto Morelos. The new Nuestra Cosecha monthly market is the best place to find local goods and support the community.

Fresh Food From Local Farms

Nuestra Cosecha means “Our Harvest.” It is a special market where local farmers sell their food directly to you without any middlemen.

You can buy fresh items like tomatoes, papayas, and honey. There are also handmade gifts like soaps and oils made by local artists.

Shopping here keeps money in the neighborhood. It is a great way to skip the big grocery stores and meet the people who grow your food.

Growing the Local Economy

This market helps farmers from nearby towns reach more people. It bridges the gap between rural farms and the busy tourist areas along the coast.

City leaders are even helping these farmers sell their goods to big hotels and restaurants. This helps small family businesses grow much larger over time.

Be sure to visit early to get the best items before they sell out. Keep an eye on local announcements for the market's next dates and hours.

Move over, Greece and Aruba! A tiny Mexican island most people haven't heard of was just named the best beach in the entire world.

A Hidden Tropical Paradise

Tripadvisor announced that Isla Pasion took the top spot in its 2026 awards. Over 3,600 travelers voted for this small, private island near Cozumel. It beat out famous beaches in Europe and the Caribbean to win the crown.

What makes it so special? Travelers say the water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling. You can even find sea turtle nesting sites along its quiet, white-sand shores.

The island is only half a mile long, making it feel like a secret oasis. The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is warm and sunny.

Getting to the Winner

If you are staying in Puerto Morelos, you can reach this world-class beach in about two hours. First, travel south to Playa del Carmen to catch the passenger ferry.

Once you reach Cozumel, boat tours depart regularly for the private island. Some popular tours even include extra stops for snorkeling at famous reefs nearby.

It is a full-day adventure, but it is worth the effort to see the world's number-one beach. It is a great reminder of how beautiful the Mexican Caribbean truly is.

A giant wave of sargassum is heading for the beaches of the Riviera Maya in 2026. This could be one of the biggest seaweed seasons the Mexican Caribbean has ever seen.

Why the Seaweed is a Problem

The brown seaweed, called sargassum, comes from the Atlantic Ocean and piles up on the shore. When it stays on the beach, it rots and smells like rotten eggs.

The rotting plants can make it hard for people to breathe and can hurt the local coral reef. It also makes it difficult for tourists to enjoy the beautiful white sand and clear water.

The Plan to Save the Beaches

The town is using special water barriers to stop the seaweed before it hits the sand. Experts are also watching the ocean with satellites to track exactly where the floating mess is moving.

Cleanup teams work very early every morning to keep the coastline clear for visitors. They take extra care to protect sea turtle nests while they shovel the seaweed away.

Scientists say the morning is the best time for tourists to visit. Even with the record seaweed, the town is finding smart ways to stay open for business.

Hi, I’m Rosco 🐶

I’m 8 months old, medium sized, and still very much a happy puppy. I was born in a home, and all my siblings have already found their forever families. Now it’s my turn and I’m waiting with the biggest smile.

I’m super cheerful and loving. I wag my tail a lot and yes, I actually smile when you talk to me. I’m obedient, a little active, and always ready to be your happy sidekick. If you need a best friend who brings good vibes every single day, I’m your guy.

I’m very clean and I’ll let you know when I need to go outside. I love cuddles, belly rubs, and being close to my people. Being your companion would be my favorite job in the whole world. ❤️

If you think we’re meant to be, please send a WhatsApp message to +52 998 8452306.

I’ll be waiting and practicing my best smile just for you.

Live Music All Week Long

There's something happening almost every night this week. Spots like La Sirena, Tanino's, Micheladas del Semáforo, and Live Music Hall have nightly lineups covering everything from reggae and flamenco to classic rock, jazz, and blues.

Afternoons get going early too, with Diving Bar and Unico Beach Club both offering live sets starting around 2:00–4:00 pm.

Happy Hours Worth Knowing

Several spots run daily happy hours, making it easy to explore somewhere new without breaking the bank. Highlights include Fonda Americana Grill, La Sirena, My Paradise, and Portside PM, all running specials from around 3:00–6:00 pm.

Classes & Community

There's plenty to do beyond the bar scene. Beach yoga, pilates, salsa lessons, self-defense for women, free Spanish classes, and cooking experiences are all on the weekly calendar. Most are beginner-friendly and a great way to connect with locals and long-term visitors.

Belly Dance Class

Sunday March 1st at 5pm there is a free Belly Dance Class at the Portside Gazebo (Parque Fundadores) with April Hirschman. Donations Appreciated. No experience necessary, all are welcome (ages 11 and up).

Weekly Markets

The Wednesday farmers market near the main square, the Sunday tianguis in La Colonia, and weekend artisan markets in Parque Fundadores are all running as usual.

Click Here for the complete events schedule

American Flamingo. February is part of their non-breeding season when they congregate in the shallow coastal lagoons to feed on brine shrimp, which gives them their distinctive pink color