Your Weekly Window Into Paradise

Friday May 1, 2026

May 1st is a national holiday in Mexico.
What does it commemorate?

Welcome to this week’s Puerto Morelos Insider!

Last week quietly marked an important milestone for us... one full year of publishing the Insider. Honestly, we were so busy we almost missed it! 

In our first year we published:
• 52 newsletter issues
• 151 local articles
• Grew to 1,162 newsletter subscribers
• Reached 4,543 followers on our Facebook page
• Built the first keyword searchable events app for Puerto Morelos.

We also had the opportunity to help promote some fantastic local events this past year, including the Bob Weir Musical Tribute at La Sirena and the Puerto Morelos Charity Motorcycle Run, both of which turned into very successful community events.

And this is only the beginning. We’re preparing to move to a brand-new publishing platform very soon, which will bring some exciting improvements and new features for readers, local businesses, and event organizers alike. More news on that coming soon.

As always, a big thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting local events, businesses, musicians, artists, and organizers who help make Puerto Morelos such a special place to live and visit.

See you out on the town! 😎

1. 🏇 Kentucky Derby & Mint Juleps at La Sirena

Join La Sirena for the most exciting two minutes in sports as the Kentucky Derby returns to Churchill Downs this Saturday.

Expect mint juleps made fresh, derby hats, great drinks, and one of the best race-day atmospheres in the Riviera Maya.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM (main race scheduled for approximately 5:57 PM local time)
Location: La Sirena, Puerto Morelos
Website: lasirenapm.com
Admission: Free entry

2. 🍝 Pop-Up Dinner with Chef Umberto: Mamma’s Favorites

Chef Umberto returns with another intimate family-style dining experience at KI Restaurant, this time inspired by the dishes his mother loved most back home in Italy. “Mamma’s Favorites” is a warm, communal evening centered around traditional Italian comfort food, shared plates, and the feeling of gathering around a family table.

Set against the beachfront backdrop of Ojo de Agua Beach Club, guests will enjoy cocktail hour at sunset followed by a multi-course dinner featuring handmade Italian classics, seafood, roasted pork, and tiramisu.

The evening is designed for sharing, conversation, and savoring each course together in a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Cocktail Hour: 6:00 PM
Dinner Service: 7:00 PM
Location: KI Restaurant (next to hotel Ojo de Agua)
Price: 700 MXN per person (drinks not included)
Reserve Your Spot: WhatsApp Reservation

Featured Menu Highlights:
Fritto Misto
Insalata Rossa
Involtino di Asparagus
Crespelle al Salmone Affumicato
Melanzane alla Parmigiana
Arrosto di Maiale al Latte
Tiramisu

3. 💃 Salsa & Bachata Dance Night at Los Molcajetes

Experience an unforgettable Latin dance evening in Puerto Morelos with salsa and bachata classes led by instructors Vero Bustamante and Kike. This lively Saturday night combines dance lessons, Latin rhythms, and a social atmosphere.

After the classes, stick around for live music and dancing in one of Puerto Morelos’ most authentic and energetic nightlife settings. Whether you're a beginner or already love Latin dance, this is a fun way to immerse yourself in the rhythm and culture of the Mexican Caribbean.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Salsa Class: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bachata Class: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Los Molcajetes Restaurant
Admission: 100 MXN per class

Rooftop Dining With One of Puerto Morelos’ Best Views

If you are looking for a dinner spot in Puerto Morelos that feels a little elevated without losing its warmth, Portside stands out for exactly that reason.

Located on the rooftop of the Areia Hotel across from John Gray’s, this restaurant combines international modern food with Italian and Mediterranean influences, strong cocktails, attentive service, and sweeping rooftop views over town and the sea. 

Visitors love that the setting feels special from the moment you step off the elevator, with sunset views, ocean breezes, and a welcoming team that makes guests feel like regulars even on a first visit.

The food gets just as much praise, with recurring mentions of handmade pasta, pizza, chicken mole, gnocchi, grilled octopus, creative cocktails, and thoughtful wine pairings.

For visitors who want more than just another dinner out, PortsidePM offers one of those evenings that feels distinctly Puerto Morelos: relaxed, scenic, and unexpectedly memorable.

Use your Puerto Discount Card and save 10%

What People Are Saying:

 

"Delicious Mexican/Italian fusion. Wonderful service in this family operated establishment. Our server/owner Jessica was lovely, informative and extremely attentive. The food was fantastic! The open rooftop views spectacular." — John P. (TripAdvisor)

 

"Our family spent thanksgiving here during our vacation. We enjoyed a mezcal tasting and five course dinner. Food was delicious! Javi and Jessica really made our family thanksgiving special!" — Maggie B. (Google)

 

"The view from the rooftop is jaw dropping, but we stayed because the owners were so nice and the drinks were great. We returned with friends and all meals were delicious. The mezcal tasting was the cherry on top" — Paula F. (Facebook)

"Food was excellent. Jessica the waitress was lovely and welcoming. Great service. Nice view. Would definitely recommend!" — Nancy H. (TripAdvisor)

Portside PM Info

Location: Niños Heroes 30, Q.R., Mexico, Puerto Morelos (across from John Gray’s)

Hours: Daily, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Phone: +52 984 315 8308

WhatsApp: +52 984 315 8308

Facebook: PortsidePM 
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on TripAdvisor (154 reviews); Facebook 100% recommend from 15 reviews.

👉 Insider Tip: Go before sunset, because the rooftop setting is a big part of the experience. And there's a daily happy hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, so arriving a little early for cocktails and staying through golden hour is a smart way to enjoy both the view and the vibe before dinner begins.

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, and it is not celebrated in Quintana Roo. It commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862 where May 5 a local holiday, but not like what you see in the USA.

While tourist bars will have drink specials, don't expect local parades or town-wide celebrations. Enjoy a margarita, but know It is not a nationwide holiday.

Puerto Morelos Beach Access Gets a Fresh New Look

Puerto Morelos has completed upgrades to six public beach access points in the historic Old Town. The local government invested in improvements that make these spaces cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for residents and visitors.

What Changed

Workers painted wooden decks and railings with special marine-grade paint built to handle salt air. They also trimmed overgrown plants, added new trash cans, installed fresh signs, and painted the curbs yellow.

The two southernmost access points feature rehabilitated wooden decks totaling over 779 square meters of boardwalk. That is a lot of wood to maintain, especially near the ocean.

The first four access points feature stamped concrete floors with benches, planters, and bike parking. Storm drains were also installed to prevent beach erosion during rain.

Smart Lighting for Sea Turtles

New LED lights were installed at all six access points, but they are kept dim on purpose. Bright lights confuse sea turtles trying to nest on the beach, so low lighting helps protect them during nesting season (April through November).

Puerto Morelos is quickly turning from a quiet fishing village into a major food destination. There is a lot more to eat here than just fresh fish tacos and ceviche!

More Than Just Tacos

The town now has over 200 restaurants across the center and local neighborhoods. You can find everything from Mediterranean dishes to Yucatan style meals and traditional local cooking.

New spots like BUBA are opening right on the main town square. This growth shows the local dining scene is bigger and busier than many people realize.

Gastronomy Events

Puerto Morelos hosts various cultural events and markets that boost local restaurants, with more culinary happenings expected in the area.

Events like the Caribbean Grill Festival, Los Sabores de Puerto Morelos (Flavors of Puerto Morelos), and the recent success of the Festival de Cerveza del Caribe (Caribbean Beer Festival) allow people to experience Puerto Morelos and it's foodie scene.

Local leaders are planning more fun events like these. These events give tourists a great reason to leave their all-inclusive resorts and explore the town.

Growth Challenges

However, growth also brings tough competition for local business owners. To succeed, restaurants must focus on high quality and consistent service to stand out from the crowd.

Puerto Morelos is proving it can grow while keeping its unique charm. Every meal served is helping this small town build a very bright future.

Great news for travelers! Getting through the Cancun airport is about to become much faster and easier for everyone.

More Gates and Less Waiting

The airport is adding many new electronic gates to help people pass through immigration quickly. Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 will each have 20 of these automated machines soon.

If you prefer talking to an agent, there is good news for you too. The number of traditional checkpoints is increasing from 48 to 54 lanes to keep lines moving.

These changes mean you will spend less time standing in long lines. You can get out of the airport and start your vacation much sooner.

Safer and Smarter Travel

The airport is also upgrading its security cameras and monitoring systems. This will help make the entry process feel more organized and safe for all visitors.

These updates are very helpful for people staying in nearby towns like Puerto Morelos. Travelers can now reach their hotels and the beach faster than ever before.

Cancun is one of the busiest airports in Latin America. These new steps will make a big difference for the millions of people who visit every year.

Drones Are Helping Protect Mexican Caribbean Beaches

Scientists are using drones to track a growing seaweed problem along Mexico's Caribbean coast. What they're finding is both alarming and hopeful.

The Sargassum Problem

A brown seaweed called sargassum keeps washing up on beaches in huge amounts. When it rots, it releases toxic gases that irritate eyes and lungs, and it's causing serious damage to coral reefs and coastlines.

Good News for Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos has a natural advantage... a reef barrier sitting about 200 meters offshore that helps block incoming seaweed. In 2025, the Mexican Navy also intercepted more than 400 tons of sargassum before it ever hit the beach.

Fighting Back With Technology and Teamwork

Drone technology helps scientists predict where sargassum will land next, giving cleanup crews a head start. A 40-person team collected around 30 tons of seaweed per day from local beaches.

What's Coming Next

Mexico is building a plant that will turn collected sargassum into clean energy, expected to open in 2026. Staying informed and supporting local cleanup efforts is the best thing residents can do right now.

Hi there... I’m Emma, a 7-year-old medium/large girl looking for my forever home.

I’ve been waiting at the shelter for such a long time. I watch other doggies leave with their families, and I’m happy for them… but I keep wondering, “When will it be my turn?”

I’m active, cheerful, and I love cuddles and walks. I promise to be the best companion for someone who wants a loyal friend by their side every day.

I’m spayed, vaccinated, healthy, and so ready to love and be loved.

Would you like to meet me?

Send a message to my foster hooman — I’m waiting for you.

Send a message for more info: +52 993-456-0762

Will you be my forever family? 🏡🐶💗

Heading Into Low Season, Plus Exciting News About Version 2!

As we head into low season, some events have wrapped up for now (we'll see you again soon, Bluegrass Brunch and Belly Dance Class!).

But the Puerto Morelos Insider Events app continues to deliver fresh experiences. More importantly, we're thrilled to announce that Version 2 of the PMI Events App is in development!

What's Coming in Version 2

The upgraded app will feature lightning-fast load times, a dedicated section for featured events, and full bilingual support in Spanish and English. We're also adding event posters as images when available, additional contact fields for venues and events, and map links to event locations.

Three New Events This Week

Kentucky Derby & Mint Juleps Saturday, May 2, 5:30 PM (La Sirena ) Join us for the most exciting two minutes in sports! Mint juleps made fresh. Race ready. Good drinks. Great races. Good company. Free admission (drinks & food extra).

HWY 307 Saturday, May 16, 8:00 PM (La Sirena ) A little country never hurt anyone 🤠 Free admission!

Pop-Up Dinner with Chef Umberto: Amalfi Coast Wednesday, May 20, 7:00 PM (Kí Restaurant ) Communal and family-style dining with Chef Umberto featuring an "Amalfi Coast" menu. Cocktails at 6 PM, dinner at 7 PM. Menus shared 10 days in advance. Drinks not included. Cost: 700 MXN.

Stay Tuned for Version 2

Browse the current calendar and submit your events: events.puertomorelosinsider.com

Have feedback? Email support@puertomorelosinsider.com

Día del Trabajo (Labor Day). It is a day of rest for workers and often features parades or marches by labor unions to advocate for workers' rights