Your Weekly Window Into Paradise

Friday May 29, 2026

Which specific type of large sport fish, known for its long "bill" and impressive jumps, begins to appear in higher numbers off the coast of Puerto Morelos in May?

Hola! If you love the ocean, fresh catches, and the maritime traditions that built this town, this is your week.

Navy Day brings the 2026 Fishing Tournament with 300,000 pesos in prizes, the Sabor a Mar Gastronomic Festival serving up fresh seafood and coastal flavors, and the iconic Fishermen's Pier nearly complete after its major rebuild.

But here is what really stands out: even though we are in the quieter low season, Puerto Morelos is absolutely packed with things to do.

Between the fishing tournament, the seafood festival, live cumbia dancing, circus acrobatics, private fishing charters, and so much more, you could not be bored if you tried.

The energy around town is electric, and it is a perfect reminder that paradise does not take a break just because the high season has passed.

Whether you are a longtime resident or visiting during this magical time of year, there is something for everyone.

See you out on the town! 😎

1. 🍽️ Sabor a Mar Gastronomic Festival

Puerto Morelos is serving up a delicious weekend by the sea with the Sabor a Mar Gastronomic Festival, a two-day celebration of coastal flavors, local cuisine, live music, tastings, and family-friendly fun.

Held at Parque Fundadores and Ventana al Mar, this festival is part of the 2026 International Sport Fishing Tournament and Puerto Morelos’ 10th anniversary celebrations.

Expect seafood favorites, Mexican flavors from the sea, tacos, grill stations, cold bars, oysters, craft beer, Mexican spirits, live entertainment, and plenty of festive seaside atmosphere.

Date: Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31
Time: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Parque Fundadores and Ventana al Mar, Puerto Morelos
Admission: Free admission; food and drinks are extra
More Info: View event details

2. 🎣 Navy Day Catch & Release Fishing Tournament and Seaside Celebration

Puerto Morelos is celebrating Día de la Marina with a full weekend of sports, tradition, cuisine, culture, and entertainment by the sea. From May 29 to June 1, the 2026 Navy Day Catch & Release Fishing Tournament brings together anglers, families, locals, and visitors for one of the town’s biggest seaside celebrations.

The fishing tournament is the centerpiece, but there is much more happening throughout the weekend. Look for beach volleyball and beach soccer at Ojo de Agua, swimming relays at the Fisherman’s Pier, local artisans at Parque Fundadores, live music, a popular dance party, civic ceremonies, and the always-entertaining palo encebado, or greased pole competition, at the pier.

Date: Friday, May 29 to Monday, June 1
Main Tournament Day: Saturday, May 30
Location: Fisherman’s Pier, Parque Fundadores, Playa Ojo de Agua, and nearby waterfront locations in Puerto Morelos
Tournament Registration: $4,500 pesos
Family Activities: Many public celebration events are free to attend
More Info: View event details

3. 🎶 Cumbia Dance Party with Grupo Más Kumbia

Get ready for an evening of lively cumbia, nonstop dancing, and great vibes with Grupo Más Kumbia, one of the region’s favorite party bands. Known for upbeat rhythms, crowd-pleasing dance hits, and a high-energy stage presence, this Veracruz-based group knows how to keep a crowd on its feet all night.

This free concert is part of the Navy Day weekend celebration and takes place in the town square by the Fisherman’s Pier. Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy a classic Puerto Morelos night out with music, movement, and plenty of local flavor.

Date: Saturday, May 30
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Parque Fundadores, the town square near the Fisherman’s Pier, Puerto Morelos
Admission: Free
More Info: View event details

💎 BONUS PICK: 🎪 Imagine Circus with Galactika Deep Roots

Start the weekend with a lively night of acrobatics, magic, and live music at Parque Fundadores. Galactika Deep Roots will open the evening with upbeat calypso, reggae, and cumbia vibes, setting the mood for a fun family night in the square.

Then, Imagine Puerto Morelos Circus brings its signature creativity and energy to the stage with jaw-dropping acrobatics, magical performances, and a playful atmosphere that is perfect for all ages.

Date: Friday, May 29
Time: 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Parque Fundadores, the town square near the main pier, Puerto Morelos
Admission: Free
More Info: View event details

With Puerto Morelos in a fishing mood this week for the Navy Day Fishing Tournament and the Sabor a Mar seafood celebration, Just Snorkel’s new private fishing charters are arriving at exactly the right time.

Best known for small-group reef trips and a personal, no-rush approach on the water, Just Snorkel is now bringing that same easygoing style to private fishing days from its beachfront shop inside Don Ernesto’s.

The idea is simple: gather your group, head out on a private boat, enjoy cold drinks and good company, and take the time to actually settle into the day.

Their standard trip is a 4-hour private fishing charter for up to 6 people, with morning and afternoon departures, beer and water included, and the option to arrange larger or more premium outings for groups that want extra space or a bigger boat.

What makes this especially Puerto Morelos is what happens after the lines come in. Guests can bring their catch back to Don Ernesto’s and have it prepared fresh at the restaurant, whether that means ceviche, deep-fried fish, or straight on the griddle.

For visitors who want more than just a boat ride, and locals who want an easy day out with friends or family, it turns a fishing trip into a full beachside experience.

What People Are Saying:

“We had a relaxed boys' day on the water with Mario and his team. Cold beers, great company, lots of laughs, and a fishing trip that felt more like hanging out with buddies than a paid tour.”
— Brian D. (Local Expat)

“Alex was an awesome guide. Knowledgeable about the area, the reef and passionate about the ecosystem. We saw lots of marine life and was just a fantastic experience and a terrific value.”
— Elise P. (TripAdvisor)

“Highly recommended. Easy to book online and confirmation email returned within 5 minutes. English speaking friendly guide... Cold bottled water was provided, which was very welcome.”
— Claire A. (TripAdvisor)

 

“We had an amazing time... Very small group (just our party of 4)... Our guide Alejandro was fantastic. I highly recommend this tour and this guide.”
— Dave D. (TripAdvisor)

Just Snorkel Info

Location: Av. Javier Rojo Gomez, Lote 15, Manzana 2, Supermanzana 2, Puerto Morelos, Mexico, 77580. Located inside Don Ernesto’s on the beach.

Phone: +52 998 104 5143

WhatsApp: +52 998 104 5143

Email:  snorkelinginpuertomorelos @ gmail.com

Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Website: JustSnorkel.com

👉 Insider Tip:

If you are planning around the fishing tournament or a seafood-focused weekend in town, ask about the morning departure. You will beat more of the midday heat, get your time on the water in early, and still have the rest of the day to settle in at Don Ernesto’s while your catch is prepared.

One of the most entertaining moments of this weekend's Navy Day festivities is the "palo encebado"... the greased pole competition at 6pm on Saturday at the Fisherman's Pier.

A long wooden pole is slathered in grease and extended out over the water. A prize is attached to the far end. Contestants try to crawl across without sliding off into the sea. Most of them don't make it, and that's exactly the point.

It's an old-school maritime tradition rooted in Mexico's fishing towns and port communities, and in Puerto Morelos, it fits like a glove. Stake out a spot near the water, have your camera ready, and prepare to laugh. The splashes are guaranteed.

Our beloved fishing pier in Puerto Morelos, Mexico is nearly finished with a major makeover.

The Muelle de Pescadores, also known as the Fishermen's Pier, is more than 90 percent complete with its second round of repairs as of this writing.

It should be done by Saturday for the Navy Day Fishing Tournament.

A Storm Started It All

Hurricane Zeta hit the Yucatán Peninsula in October 2020 and badly damaged the pier. The structure had already been aging, and the storm made it too unsafe to use.

Two Phases of Repairs

The first round of repairs began in 2024 and was finished in 2025. It replaced the most damaged section with new wood decking and fresh support piles.

What's Being Built Now

The second phase costs 3.8 million pesos, or about $190,000 U.S. dollars. Workers are adding new beams, planks, and stainless steel hardware to the remaining 190-square-meter section. Special mesh is also being placed to protect the reef below.

A citizen oversight committee was formed in April to keep an eye on the work. Once finished, the pier will serve local fishermen and visitors once again.

Puerto Morelos is a town built by fishermen, and every year it proves it. On Saturday, May 30, the annual Puerto Morelos Fishing Tournament returns to celebrate Mexico's Navy Day.

The Competition

This is a catch-and-release tournament, meaning fish go back in the water after they're caught.

The prize pool is the biggest yet, totaling 300,000 pesos. First place takes home 150,000 pesos, second place wins 100,000 pesos, and third place earns 50,000 pesos.

The Full Experience

The fun starts the night before with a Captains' Dinner on Friday, May 29.

On tournament day, the Ventana al Mar plaza will host a seafood food festival with local restaurants. You don't have to be on a boat to enjoy the day.

How to Join

Registration is open now through the Puerto Morelos Tourism Office. Spots fill up fast, so sign up soon. Whether you're fishing or just watching, May 30 is a great day to be in Puerto Morelos.

Mexico is making history as a three-time World Cup host, and the Bank of Mexico is celebrating with a stunning set of commemorative coins. These limited coins are already creating a buzz across the country.

What's in the Collection

The bank released 12 coins total, including four bimetallic coins and eight precious metal collector pieces. The designs feature famous Mexican landmarks like Chichén Itzá, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the beloved Catrina figure.

How to Get One

The bimetallic 20-peso coins entered circulation on May 18 through regular bank branches. Gold and silver collector coins are sold through authorized distributors, including the Mexican Mint. Each person is limited to buying 800 pesos worth of coins.

Watch Out for Scams

High demand has attracted scammers selling fake or overpriced coins online. The Bank of Mexico warns buyers to only purchase from official bank branches and authorized sellers. Avoid anonymous social media profiles or unverified websites completely.

That stinky smell coming from rotting seaweed on the beach is not just gross, it could actually make you sick. 

Scientists are now tracking the gases released by decomposing sargassum, and what they're finding is alarming.

The Smell Is a Warning Sign

Researchers in Playa Del Carmen recently set up a special monitoring station to measure the gases sargassum releases as it rots.

The station measures carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and compounds related to sulfuric acid, including hydrogen sulfide, the gas behind that rotten egg odor.

The biggest concern is hydrogen sulfide. The EPA says breathing it for too long can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even neurological problems.

Puerto Morelos Is One of the Most at Risk

Puerto Morelos is one of three spots along the Riviera Maya most vulnerable to sargassum.

The seaweed even started arriving earlier than usual this year, showing up in January instead of March. Local officials are working hard to protect 20 kilometers of coastline using offshore barriers.

What You Should Do

Stay away from large piles of rotting sargassum, especially when the smell is strong. Move upwind if you can, and people with asthma should be extra careful.

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Saying Goodbye to Los Molcajetes, Welcome New Venues & Experiences

The Puerto Morelos entertainment landscape is evolving. While we say goodbye to Los Molcajetes, a beloved venue that hosted countless memorable Saturday nights of salsa and bachata dancing.

The good news is that the dance floor is far from empty. Diving Bar has stepped up to fill the void, now offering Salsa and Bachata lessons every Saturday from 7 PM to 9 PM.

And there's exciting new energy on the scene: Tiburon & Grill, a fresh restaurant and live music venue next to Maiz Maix, has recently opened its doors with a diverse lineup including DJ's and country music. 

Word on the street? The food is excellent too. The calendar keeps growing, and so do the ways to enjoy Puerto Morelos.

Fresh Events This Week

Alex Hernandez Live Country Music Friday, May 29, 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Tiburon & Grill ) Live country music performance by Alex Hernandez at the newly opened Tiburon & Grill. Free admission.

Cena Prehispánica con Danza Azteca Friday, May 29, 7:00 PM (Pulquería Tlacoyo Azul ) An unforgettable 6-course Pre-Hispanic  Dinner. Enjoy a powerful pre-Hispanic Aztec dance ceremony with drums, fire, movement, and sacred energy. Cost: 900 MXN.

Palo Encebado - Greased Pole Competition Saturday, May 30, 6:00 PM  (Fisherman's Pier) Contestants try to walk or crawl across the slippery pole to get a prize while the crowd laughs and cheers. Free Admission.

2nd National Children's Choir FINALE Saturday, May 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Church of San Jose) CoralCun presents The FINALE CONCERT of the 2nd National Children's Choir Congress to be held in the Church of San Jose, Puerto Morelos (by Parque Fundadores) Free admission.

DJ Aldito Acid Saturday, May 30, 7:00 PM (Tiburon & Grill ) DJ set with tropical music, cumbia, and salsa. Free admission.

Salsa and Bachata Dance Lessons Saturday, May 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Diving Bar ) Local favorite dance instructors Esteban Romero and Alejandra Guzmán lead you in learning Salsa and Bachata dancing. Free admission.

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Blue Marlin. While Sailfish are common earlier, the larger Blue Marlin start their peak season as the waters warm up in May