Puerto Aventuras: What to Know Before Visiting This Riviera Maya Gem
If you’re planning a trip to the Riviera Maya and looking for a quieter, more relaxed alternative to Playa del Carmen or Tulum, Puerto Aventuras might be exactly what you’re searching for. This gated marina community is known for its calm beaches, waterfront restaurants, friendly local vibe, and easy access to cenotes, adventure parks, and cultural sites. Whether you’re visiting for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or want a peaceful base for exploring the region, this guide covers everything you need to know about Puerto Aventuras, from where to stay and what to do to safety tips, transportation, beaches, and the best time to visit.
Where Is Puerto Aventuras?
Located along the stunning Riviera Maya coastline, Puerto Aventuras sits perfectly between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, making it a peaceful yet convenient base for exploring the region. This gated marina community offers visitors a quieter, more relaxed environment while still being close to some of Mexico’s most popular beaches, cenotes, and archaeological sites.
Puerto Aventuras is located almost exactly between two international airports: Cancun and Tulum.
What Puerto Aventuras Is Known For
Puerto Aventuras is renowned for its tranquil beaches, stunning marina, and relaxed atmosphere. Unlike busier resort towns, it feels more intimate and community-centered, with waterfront dining, boutique shops, and easy access to water activities. There is a large international expat community here. In addition to Mexicans, there are many residents from the United States, Canada, and the European Union. There is also an international school here.
Marina Lifestyle & Waterfront Dining
Puerto Aventuras is considered the capital of nautical life in the Riviera Maya. It is the only marina between Cancun and Belize that offers services for large boats, including catamarans and sailboats. The marina is bustling with activity and is the centerpiece of the town, with boardwalks all throughout.
All along the marina are restaurants overlooking the water. There are brewpubs, Italian, Mexican, Argentinian – truly an international community with something for everyone.
Beautiful Beaches & Calm Waters
The bays around Puerto Aventuras are known for calm waters and are good for snorkeling and swimming. There are three main beach areas: Fatima Bay, Chan Yu Yum, and Chac Hal Al. Fatima Bay is the largest beach area and is open to the public. It spans about 1.5 miles.
Chan Yu Yum is a smaller bay and where we stayed as it is part of the Catalonia Resorts. There is not much of a beach here but it is protected so the waters are very calm. There is also quite a few fish in the water and since it is so clear you can see them even without a snorkel. Chac Hal Al is a smaller and quieter bay.
Dolphin Discovery
Dolphin Discovery is an enclosed area where dolphins are kept in Puerto Aventuras. There are swim with dolphins programs along with opportunities for interactions with sea otters and manatees. The dolphins are in the sea inlet so as to provide a natural habitat for the dolphins.
Quiet, Gated, Family-Friendly Vibe
Puerto Aventuras is a gated community. When entering, there are security guards checking IDs and reservations or residency status. As such, it has a safe feel to it. There also seems to be a large expat community here with many people from outside Mexico calling this area home. This might not be for you if you want more of an authentic Mexican experience.
Best Things to Do in Puerto Aventuras
Whether you’re into snorkeling, exploring local markets, or simply relaxing by the water, Puerto Aventuras offers a wide range of activities for every type of traveler. From the marina to nearby cenotes and adventure parks, here are the top things to do during your stay.
Explore the Marina District
The marina area is full of shops and restaurants right along the water. Stroll through the docks and admire the yachts, and check out the hauls that local fishermen bring in.
Snorkeling & Kayaking in the Bay
The water here is incredibly clean. Snorkeling is possible in the bays right from the beach. In fact, the water is incredibly clear, so even without a snorkel, it is possible to see fish swimming up right alongside you in the water.
There are also companies that will take you to the Puerto Aventuras reef. The reef is close to the shore in Puerto Aventuras. The marine life here is vibrant – you can see turtles, stingrays, and thousands of tropical fish species.
Visit Local Shops and Artisan Markets
In addition to typical tourist shops, there are some nice boutiques and grocery spots to shop at in Puerto Aventuras.
We ventured into Del Prado at the main marina. They had everything from meats and cheeses to produce and packaged items.
Morgan Beach is a nice boutique that has women’s clothing, beach, and resort wear.
Jessie Gelato has artisinal gelato flavors. All of the gelatos are homemade and made fresh every day. They have a wide variety of flavors as well as milkshakes and coffee.
Golfing & Tennis Options
Puerto Aventuras has a 9-hole golf course. It was the first golf course created in the Riviera Maya. Tee times are available for members and non-members alike.
There is also a tennis club in Puerto Aventuras. The tennis courts have synthetic grass on them.
Day Trips to Cenotes, Tulum, Playa del Carmen
There are cenotes near Puerto Aventuras that are easily accessible. Cenote Azul is a popular cenote located between Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen. This cenote is a bit different from some others in Mexico in that it is an open cenote. It isn’t covered by a rock dome. As a result, sunlight hits the cenote and creates some beautiful blue hues.
Swimming and snorkeling are possible at Cenote Azul. Prices for adults are $8 USD. There are also rentals possible here if you don’t have your own snorkel or life jacket. The best times to go are early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid larger crowds. They do not have a website, but they do have a Facebook page where you can get up-to-date information on pricing.
Tulum is only about 35 minutes away from Puerto Aventuras by bus or car. Tulum Ruins are an absolute must-do in this area. We rented a car on our own and were able to walk around the ruins for a few hours and return to our hotel and jump in the pool afterwards. It can get hot in the sun so I would recommend going early in the day.
There are also two popular cenotes in Tulum: the Gran Cenote and the Dos Ojos. Gran Cenote is known for its turtles and underwater caves and is good for snorkeling and diving. Dos Ojos actually has three cenotes on site. There are also hammocks to relax in, food, and shopping. Casa Cenote is an open air cenote that you can paddle on like a river.
Playa del Carmen’s “5th Avenue” is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. This mainly pedestrian street is the main hub of Playa del Carmen. It runs parallel to the beach. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and colorful art to stroll by here.
Where to Stay in Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras has accommodations for every travel style, from all-inclusive beachfront resorts to modern condos right along the marina. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to stay and who they’re perfect for.
All-inclusive resorts in Puerto Aventuras
We stayed at the Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort and would not recommend it overall. We had issues with not having hot water in our room, the food was subpar (with the exception of the restaurants), and the water in the pools was very cold. On top of that, there are aggressive sales pitches here. We liked the staff at the restaurants and the food at the Mexican restaurant and BLoved (which was a privileged exclusive). That was not enough to make me want to return in the future.
Barcelo Maya Palace is another option in Puerto Aventuras, along with the Hard Rock Hotel. The Hard Rock Hotel also has an adults-only area, which can be better for couples with no kids. I found that even though we travelled during an off-peak time, the first week of November, there were a lot of kids jumping and splashing in the pool all day long at Catalonia.
Beachfront condos & Airbnb options
We liked Puerto Aventuras a lot. In the future, we were looking at options like this vacation rental site. There are many options here for groups of different sizes. There are so many great restaurants and markets in the area that you will not run out of options for different taste buds.
Whether you stay at an all-inclusive resort or an oceanfront condo, or a house depends on your travel wishes and group. If you want to stay on the resort and eat three meals a day there with free drinks, an all-inclusive might be your best bet. If you want to do your own thing or if you have a larger group you want to hang out with, renting a home or condo is a good option.
Is Puerto Aventuras Safe?
Safety is one of the biggest reasons travelers choose Puerto Aventuras. As a gated community with controlled access points and 24/7 security, it offers peace of mind that’s hard to find in many beach destinations.
Puerto Aventuras is a gated community. There are barriers that control access to the community. There is security on-site 24/7. When entering, security is checking the IDs of tour drivers and hotel reservations for guests.
Once inside, there is also a security presence with guards patrolling the community on motorcycles. They wear red vests that are distinguishable and help with parking tickets, direct traffic, and answer calls from the community.
Getting Around Puerto Aventuras
Getting around Puerto Aventuras is easy thanks to its walkable layout and marina pathways. You can explore on foot or on wheels, depending on your needs and ability level.
Golf carts are by far the most popular way to get around Puerto Aventuras. You can rent them right by the marina from Bemare.
Aside from golf carts, Puerto Aventuras is relatively small. We walked a lot down the streets and around the marina easily. There is not a lot of vehicle traffic so it is very easy and safe to walk around.
Scooter rentals are also popular in this area and around Mexico in general. You can rent scooters right in Puerto Aventuras here.
Practical Tips for Visiting Puerto Aventuras
A smooth trip starts with knowing what to expect. From the best time to visit to packing tips and budget advice, these practical insights will help you make the most of your stay in Puerto Aventuras.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Puerto Aventuras is the dry season from November through April. The weather is sunny and warm, but less humid than in the summer months. There may be higher prices, especially in the colder winter months when many visitors from the US, Canada, and Europe want to escape winter weather.
The shoulder season of May and June offers a chance for a budget-friendly trip. The weather is still warm and less humid than in the summer, and the crowds will be smaller.
Hurricane season runs from June through November. Typically, the greater risk for hurricanes is towards the end of the season in September and October.
Sargassum seaweed season generally runs from March through October in the Riviera Maya. Resorts do a lot of work picking up the seaweed on the beaches but they can only do so much so be aware that it is a possibility that you will not enjoy the beach during high season.
Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertes is a traditional holiday and typically spans November 1st and 2nd. There are often festivals, parades, and other events during this period with colorful displays everywhere. The holiday involves community gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. It is a celebration of life and Mexican celebrations are joyous traditions. It is a unique time to be in Mexico to observe all of this in person.
Budget Tips & Costs to Expect
Mexico is generally very affordable for visitors. The U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar go far here. That said, there are plenty of overpriced places in town. Tourist shops often do not have prices listed, so expect to do a little haggling. It is best to keep a currency converter app on your phone to remain vigilant about prices.
The all-inclusive resorts here are generally affordable but not top-of-the-line resorts. Transportation is often included as well. Since we flew into Tulum, we had shared transportation, which took quite a long time as we were one of the last groups to be dropped off.
Puerto Aventuras has a farmer’s market with affordable produce that is a great option if you are staying in a condo or rental with a kitchen. Some of the other grocery stores are chains in Mexico, so I would not expect to be overcharged there.
Language
This is Mexico so the official language is Spanish. Many in this community speak English as it is much more an international community. Resort staff all speak English for the most part. It is helpful to learn a bit of Spanish to interact with people here and it doesn’t hurt to show some initiative there even if you are not completely fluent.
Is Puerto Aventuras Worth Visiting?
Puerto Aventuras is absolutely worth visiting. We loved how it felt like a quiet sleepy little community. It definitely feels like a hidden gem of the Riviera Maya. There is much more of a local community feel here compared to other areas that are resort-heavy. This is a real community where people are living and working.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras is one of the Riviera Maya’s most underrated destinations offering the perfect balance of relaxation, safety, beaches, and access to top attractions. Whether you’re a couple looking for a peaceful getaway, a family needing a safe and easy destination, or a traveler who wants a quieter base near Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Puerto Aventuras is absolutely worth considering. With beautiful beaches, a charming marina, great restaurants, and plenty of things to do nearby, it’s a place that truly makes vacation feel effortless.
If you’re planning a trip, save this guide to help you make the most of your time in Puerto Aventuras Mexico!
