Timeline
17:52
Grab a frozen margarita and some fresh ceviche at La Petita en la Playita. This palapa bar sits right on the beach, so you can watch the waves while you eat. The seafood is super fresh and the drinks are cold, which is exactly what you need before the heat of the day fully breaks.
18:02
Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos
Walk seven minutes from the bar to the edge of Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos. This spot is close enough to keep your footing but far enough to get that unobstructed view of the water. Find a quiet patch of sand or rock to settle in. The national park protects the reef, so the water clarity here is generally excellent for watching the light change.
18:27
Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos
The sun sets toward the WSW, which aligns perfectly with your view from this side of the park. As the sky turns orange and purple, the water reflects the colors. Keep an eye on the horizon line where the sky meets the sea. This is the peak moment, lasting only a few minutes before the light fades completely.
18:47
Walk back toward town to John Gray's Kitchen. It is a bit more upscale, but the atmosphere is calm and the view of the square is nice. Order one of their better margaritas to celebrate the day. The duck breast is a must if you are still hungry, but even just a drink here is a great way to wind down after the sunset.
Local tip
La Petita en la Playita closes at 20:00, so finish your drink before you head to the park. John Gray's Kitchen is closed on Sundays, so check if your trip falls on a Sunday and swap to El Pirata (open except Wednesdays) or Cantina Habanero (open daily) instead.
Check before you go
- La Petita en la Playita hours: Mo-Su 12:00-20:00
- John Gray's Kitchen hours: Mo-Sa 15:00-22:00; Su off
Worth knowing
- John Gray's Kitchen is open at 18:47 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Puerto Morelos (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).