Planning a trip to the Riviera Maya, Mexico can feel a little overwhelming—there are just so many beautiful and unique places to choose from along this stunning stretch of coastline.
You’ve got the well-known favorites like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Then there are the lesser-known gems, like Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, and Bacalar. So how do you know which one is right for you?
Puerto Aventuras Mexico, a gorgeous gated community, really caught us off guard. We didn’t expect much—honestly, we’d hardly heard anyone talk about it. But after spending time there, we were pleasantly surprised. In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this peaceful little spot—and why we think Puerto Aventuras is the Riviera Maya’s best-kept secret!
What is Puerto Aventuras Mexico Known for?
Puerto Aventuras is a small gated community tucked along the Riviera Maya coastline. It’s home to some of the region’s more affluent locals, with big, beautiful houses lining the ocean inlets. Inside the community, you’ll find upscale restaurants, a few boutique hotels, and a scenic marina.
While Puerto Aventuras does attract its share of tourists, it’s much quieter and less busy than nearby Playa del Carmen, which sees hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. This peaceful little town feels more like a family-friendly neighborhood, built around calm ocean inlets. We even noticed a large school and plenty of teenagers walking around the area.
There’s also a lovely golf course within the complex, and lots of people get around by golf cart. Overall, the vibe here is slow-paced, safe, and perfect for families.
Where is Puerto Aventuras in Mexico, and How to Get There?
The small gated community of Puerto Aventuras is located in Quintana Roo, along Mexico’s beautiful Riviera Maya coastline. It sits about halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum—roughly an hour from each town.
To get to Puerto Aventuras, you’ll need to fly into either Cancun International Airport (CUN) or the brand new Tulum International Airport (TQO). The drive from Cancun Airport takes about an hour, while the drive from Tulum Airport takes around 1.5 hours.
Unfortunately, there’s no ADO bus service to Puerto Aventuras, so budget travel options are a bit limited. That said, there are still plenty of good ways to get there:
Top Ways to Get to Puerto Aventuras Mexico (from Cancun or Tulum Airport):
Private Shuttle (Most Convenient): Booking a private shuttle in advance is a must. Your driver will be waiting at the airport when you arrive, and you’ll ride in a clean, air-conditioned van straight to your accommodation. It’s one of the most comfortable and stress-free options.
Shared Shuttle: These also need to be pre-booked, and they’re a great budget-friendly option. Just be aware that your ride might take a bit longer, since other passengers may be dropped off first in places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Puerto Morelos.
InDrive (Cancun Only): Is the most affordable rideshare app available from Cancun Airport. Make sure to download it before your trip and set it up on your phone. Just note that it’s cash-only—but U.S. dollars are widely accepted if you don’t have pesos on hand.
Rental Car (Best Option for Exploring): We don’t usually recommend renting a car in the Riviera Maya, but Puerto Aventuras is a bit isolated. Having a car makes it much easier (and often cheaper) to explore nearby places without relying on taxis.
Taxi (Not Recommended): While it’s possible to grab a taxi directly from the airport, we don’t recommend it. Taxis here are known for overcharging and sometimes come with a bit of attitude.
Once you’ve made it to Puerto Aventuras, we highly recommend renting a golf cart! It’s a super fun and easy way to get around the community.
🚗 Looking for an affordable rental? Here are the best options!
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Is Puerto Aventuras Mexico Safe?
If you’re feeling nervous about travelling to the Riviera Maya because of all the dramatic headlines about safety—take a deep breath. As two locals who live in this region, we can confidently say that this part of Mexico is about as safe as it gets.
Yes, cartel activity does exist, particularly in popular places like Tulum. But unless you’re here looking to buy drugs or planning to attend some sketchy jungle party, you honestly have nothing to worry about.
Now, when it comes to Puerto Aventuras specifically, it’s one of the safest places in the entire Riviera Maya. The whole community is gated, and you’ll need an access code to enter—which definitely adds peace of mind. Plus, since this is mostly a residential area with just a handful of small hotels, it stays extra quiet, calm, and relaxed.
National Guard at Cancun Beach
Police at Isla Mujeres Beach
Is Puerto Aventuras Mexico Worth Visiting?
If you were to ask us whether Puerto Aventuras is worth visiting, we’d probably start by asking what kind of getaway you’re looking for in the Riviera Maya.
If you’re travelling with a young family and just want to relax on the beach, enjoy some good food, and unwind—then we highly recommend Puerto Aventuras. This little gated community is peaceful, quiet, and laid-back, making it perfect for a low-key beach vacation.
That said, it’s worth noting that there’s not a whole lot to do within Puerto Aventuras itself—aside from the beach and a few other things we’ll mention below.
So if you want to explore more of the region, you’ll definitely need a rental car or some other way to get around. That’ll make it easier to visit places like Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, the Xcaret Parks, or even just take a fun day trip to Playa del Carmen.
Now, if your goal is to do a lot of sightseeing and be right in the middle of all the action, Puerto Aventuras might not be the best fit. It’s at least an hour from the closest hotspot, Playa del Carmen. So if you’re planning a trip full of activities and exploring, we’d recommend staying in Playa instead. It’s centrally located, super walkable, and full of great restaurants, shops, and things to do.
🌴 Here are 13+ amazing things to do in Playa del Carmen Mexico
📸 WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
Where to stay in Puerto Aventuras Mexico
Puerto Aventuras is a small gated community—you can see the whole place in about 25 minutes by golf cart. Since it’s mainly residential, there aren’t a ton of places to stay. You’ll find a few vacation rentals, some boutique hotels, and maybe one or two all-inclusives.
We stayed at Chez Waffle Hotel, which is right on one of the ocean canals. It’s a small boutique spot with only about six rooms, so it felt really peaceful and quiet. The building is a little older, but it’s clean and well maintained.
One of the coolest features was the natural rock pool just outside the rooms. It connects to the canal, so tropical fish swim in and out, and there are even some cute swings hanging over the water—perfect for snapping a fun photo. There’s also a regular pool if you feel like swimming.
We’d definitely recommend Chez Waffle if you’re after something quiet, affordable, and low-key. Just a heads-up—the on-site restaurant only serves breakfast and lunch, and it’s set up like a waffle house. So you’ll likely be heading out for dinner most nights.
😴 Checkout this interactive map to find your perfect accommodation
The Best Things to do in Puerto Aventuras Mexico
As we’ve mentioned, Puerto Aventuras is mostly a residential area, so you won’t find a huge list of attractions here. That said, during our two-night stay, we had more than enough to keep us entertained—and we were never bored! Here’s a list of things we did and absolutely recommend:
🚙 Rent a Golf Cart
Not only is it the easiest way to get around the complex, but it’s also a fun way to explore and admire the stunning homes in this upscale community. We rented from Bemare Golf Carts, and highly recommend them. The owners are super friendly and know the area really well, so they’ll happily share insider tips and recommendations.
🐊 Cenote Media Luna
You can’t swim here—there are crocodiles! But it’s still worth a visit for a peaceful walk through the mangroves that lead you to the cenote. Most cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula are croc-free, but for some reason, this one has them. It’s a unique stop, even if just for the short nature walk.
🏝 Inlet & Mayan Ruins
On the west side of the complex, there’s an ocean inlet with a small Mayan ruin nearby. There are no entrance fees or barriers—just follow the marked path through the mangroves. When we visited, the inlet was full of sargassum, but we moved closer to the ocean, found a little ladder into the water, and swam in a totally clear area. Hidden gem!
🛍 Plaza Comercial Marina
This open-air shopping center is the go-to spot for a bite to eat or to pick up a few souvenirs. We also found a really nice boutique grocery store with artisanal goods and a few imported products.
🌿 Kantun Chi Eco Park
Looking for a stunning cenote experience nearby? EcoPark Kantun Chi is just a 4-minute drive away. We spent an entire day here exploring five beautiful cenotes, enjoying a tasty lunch, and napping in hammocks under the trees. A real highlight of our trip!
🌊 The Beach
Yes, there are beautiful beaches in Puerto Aventuras—you just have to know how to find them. The easiest access point we found was a small path directly across from Italian Bakery & Deli. We had the beach almost entirely to ourselves and found the perfect palm tree for some shady relaxation.
⛳️ Golf
We’re not golfers, but the course here looked amazing! If you’re into it, this could be a relaxing way to spend a morning.
🌮 Local Street Food
If you’re feeling adventurous, cross the highway to the local side of Puerto Aventuras for some authentic Mexican street food. We went around 3 PM and only found one place open, so we’d recommend going earlier in the day for more variety.
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Best Things to do near Puerto Aventuras Mexico
Puerto Aventuras is the perfect spot if you’re dreaming of a slow-paced, relaxing vacation. But if you’re craving a little adventure, there are plenty of fun things to do just a short drive away!
For most of the places listed below, you’ll need some form of transportation. While taxis are always an option, they tend to charge outrageous prices, so we’d definitely recommend renting a car. It’ll give you more freedom and save you the hassle of waiting around or getting overcharged.
🌆 Playa del Carmen
Just a short drive away, Playa del Carmen makes for the perfect day trip. Stroll down the iconic 5th Avenue and browse tons of shops—there are some amazing boutiques tucked between the touristy spots.
Don’t miss Parque Fundadores, where you can catch the Papantla Flyers and Mayan performers—usually around 5 PM. And of course, grab a bite at El Fogón—it’s one of the best spots for tacos al pastor in town.
🐠Xcaret Parks
This region is home to the world-famous Xcaret Parks—a group of eco-adventure parks that are built right into the natural landscape.
– For a mix of culture and water fun, Xcaret Park is perfect.
– If you’re all about adrenaline, Xplor has epic zip lines and the wildest 5-in-1 waterslide.
– Want a chill day in the water with a buffet? Xel-Ha is your best bet.
Xcaret Park
The Riviera Maya’s Most Visited Theme Park
✔︎ 50+ activities included
✔︎ Epic cultural shows & displays
✔︎ Private beach & inlet for snorkling
Xplor Park
The Riviera Maya’s Ultimate Zip Line and Adventure Park
✔︎ 8-part zip line course
✔︎ 5-in-1 mega slide
✔︎ epic lunch buffet included
Xel-ha Park
The Riviera Maya’s Ultimate Water and Snorkel Park
✔︎ access to multiple cenotes
✔︎ snorkeling & tubing
✔︎ all you can eat and drink
🏖️Cozumel Island
Hop on a ferry from Playa del Carmen and head over to Cozumel. The island is big—you could easily spend a few days there—but it’s also great for a one-day adventure. We recommend renting a car and beach-hopping your way around the island.
⛵️ Avoid Queues, Get Your Cozumel Ferry Tickets in Advanced Here
🌺Isla Mujeres
Looking for those dreamy, crystal-clear waters? Isla Mujeres is calling your name. It’s much smaller than Cozumel, so you can explore it all in a day. Head straight to Playa Norte to soak in those turquoise waters, then rent a golf cart to explore the island. Just note: you’ll need to get to Cancun first to catch the ferry across.
⛵️ Avoid Queues, Get Your Isla Mujeres Ferry Tickets in Advanced Here
Why We Think Puerto Aventuras is the Riviera Maya’s Best Kept Secret
As the Riviera Maya becomes more and more popular with both local and international travellers, it’s getting harder to find those hidden gems—because, let’s be honest, most places don’t stay “hidden” for long.
Most of the spots along this coastline are packed with tourists, especially during peak travel months. But Puerto Aventuras is different. This little gated community has somehow stayed under the radar. It mostly attracts families with young kids and older travelers who are just looking for some peace and quiet.
One of the things we loved most about this area? Not a single vendor trying to sell us anything. That’s incredibly rare in this part of Mexico. We also loved that there are still places you can enjoy for free—like the ocean inlet and Mayan ruin. In the bigger towns, it’s almost impossible to access these kinds of spots without paying.
It’s hard to find places in the Riviera Maya that still feel untouched by mass tourism. So, if you’re like us and prefer quiet over chaos and charm over crowds, Puerto Aventuras might just be your perfect escape.
If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it with a friend! And if you’ve got any questions or want to add your own recommendations, drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you! 👇
