Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

✈️ Travel & Transportation

Q: What airport should I fly into?

Book your flight into Cancun International Airport (CUN) or to Tulum International Airport (TQO). Cancun is 1 hour 15 minutes from Puerto Aventuras and Tulum is about 45 minutes from Puerto Aventuras.

Q: How do I get from the airport to Puerto Aventuras?

We recommend pre-booking private airport transfers for convenience. lternatively, you can rent a car or take a taxi (note: taxis from the airport can be expensive if not pre-arranged).

Private Driver: Antonio at phone +52-984-120-7761

  • reservations via text and WhatsApp

  • Payment- Credit Card

Q: Do I need a passport?

Yes, a valid passport is required to enter Mexico. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past your travel date.

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?

U.S., French, Swiss, Belgian, and Spanish citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of 180 days or less. Other nationalities should check requirements with their local consulate.

Q: Do I need to rent a car?

If you are staying for 3 to 4 days then no. You do not need a car. Once you arrive to Puerto Aventuras all activities, restaurants, beach, marina and planned events are in walking distance.

You can get a taxi, green an white and well marked, outside of the Puerto Aventuras Hotel & Beach club to go to Playa Del Carmen or Tulum for dinner.

If you are staying for a week or more and plan excursions and explore other areas renting a car is advised.  

 

🏡 Accommodations

Q: Where should I stay in Puerto Aventuras?

There are several great options including private condos and villas (Airbnb or VRBO – many are beachfront or marina-facing), and hotels within the gated community. We commend Puerto Aventuras Hotel & Beach Club for the hotel. We have reserved a block of rooms. If you choose to rent a condo we recommend that you search for condos in Chac Hal Al section of Puerto Aventuras. This is where the Vandaeles have their condo.

Puerto Aventuras Hotel & Beach Club

  • Location of the Saturday Anniversary Celebration

  • We have a block of rooms reserved until June 15th

  • Rooms Starting at $250 USD + tax per night

Group Code: Vandaele 50th
Website: puertoaventurashotel.com
Tel. +52 984 875 1950

CONDO RENTAL

You want to rent a condo in the CHAC HAL AL section.

  • Shares a beach with Puerto Aventuras Hotel & Beach Club

  • Same Beach & section as Vandaele Condo

NOTE: we do not know the hosts of these condos but they are in Chac Hal Al.
List of Condos in Chac Hal Al Airbnb- LINK
List of Condos in Chac Hal Al VRBO-LINK

 

Q: Is Puerto Aventuras safe?

Yes. Puerto Aventuras is a gated, residential and resort community with 24/7 security. It is considered one of the safest and most family-friendly areas along the Riviera Maya.

🎉 Event Info

Q: When is the 50th Anniversary celebration?

1.       Friday, October 10th - Welcome Cocktail at 6 pm

2.       Saturday, October 11th – 50th Anniversary Party at 6 pm

3.       Sunday, October 12th- Catamaran Sailing Cruise 3-6 pm

Q: What should I wear to the anniversary celebration on Saturday?

Dress code is festive yet elegant. Women: dress, or nice pants and blouse, wedges, heels or flat sandals. Men: Linen shirts, button-down, and slacks.

🍽 Food & Drink

Q: Can I drink the tap water in Puerto Aventuras?

No, only drink bottled or filtered water. Most hotels and rentals provide purified water for guests.

Q: What restaurants do you recommend?

Guests can explore the variety of local restaurants in Puerto Aventuras offering everything from tacos to fresh seafood and Italian. All of the restaurants are in walking distance from all the accommodations we have recommended.

Puerto does not require reservations. We’ve never had to wait more than 5 min for a table.

1.      O Sole Mio –

  • On the Mariana next to Jessie’s Gelato and The Pub

  • Italian Restaurant

2.       The Pub

  • No website but well rated on TipAdvisor

  • Marina front dining with great Local Mexican food and strong margaritas. Best spot on the marina. Been a staple in town for over 20 years.

3.       Jessie’s Gelato            

  • On the marina next to The Pub

4.       Paparazzi Pizzeria

  • Website: Paparazzi

  • On the street side. Our favorite Pizza place in Puerto.

5.       Italian Bakery

  • Best croissants and chocolate croissants for breakfast and great Italian coffee. Next-door to Paparazzi Pizza 

6.      Mikato

  • Sushi, dumplings, Ramen and friend rice.

  • On the Marina

7.      Tuk Tuk – Thai

  • Pad Thai and other Traditional Thai food (My parents like it a lot)

  • On the marina next to Mikato

8.       Latitude 20

  • Website: Latitude 20

  • A bit of a walk neat the Catalonia hotel Marina-front dining with a varied menu. Try the seafood options.

9.      La Caleta

  • Website: La Caleta

  • Mexican Latin and Seafood. My parents and locals really like this restaurant as well. 

10.  Puerto Aventuras Hotel & Beach Club

  • Walk up from the beach or street side from the Condo.              

  • Good food and drinks (pricier than anywhere else in Puerto) Very convenient when on the beach.

 

🌞 Weather & Activities

Q: What’s the weather like in Puerto Aventuras in October?

Expect warm, tropical weather. Average highs are around 85°F (29°C) during the day and 70°F (21°C) at night. Pack light layers, swimwear, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Q: What can we do during free time?

There’s plenty to explore in Puerto Aventuras: beaches, pools, tennis, golf, snorkeling right from the beach, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, sailing and restaurants.

If you’d like to Explore outside of Puerto please see our recommendations:

Link to the Ruins close to Puerto Aventuras including recommendations and information

6 Best Ruins to Visit – Link https://puertoaventurasliving.com/best-mayan-ruins-near-puerto-aventuras/

For those staying longer than 3 days 10 Best Day trips from Puerto Aventuras  Link- https://puertoaventurasliving.com/day-trips-from-puerto-aventuras/

OUTSIDE OF PUERTO AVENTURAS:

Chichen Itza Ruins

  • Location: About 1 hour 15 minutes from Puerto Aventuras (via toll road).

  • Entrance Fee: Typically $30 USD per person (includes federal and state fees).

  • Explore by: Walking on foot through the vast and organized site—guides are highly recommended for context.

  • Highlights: Marvel at El Castillo (Kukulkán Pyramid), the Great Ball Court, and the Cenote Sagrado.

  • Best Time to Visit: Arrive as early as possible to beat the tour buses and tropical heat.

  • Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and bring plenty of water—shade is limited.

Tulum Ruins

  • Location: Approximately 30 minutes south of Puerto Aventuras, overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

  • Entrance Fee: Typically $4–5 USD per person (additional fee for parking and optional shuttle ride to the site).

  • Explore by: Walking along well-maintained pathways through the cliffside site.

  • Highlights: Iconic for its beachfront setting, with views from the Templo del Viento and El Castillo perched above turquoise waters.

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and midday heat.

  • Tip: Bring sun protection, water, and a swimsuit if you plan to enjoy the beach below the ruins.

 Coba Ruins

  • Location: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Puerto Aventuras, deep in the jungle.

  • Entrance Fee: Around $6 USD per person (additional fees may apply for bike rental or guided tours).

  • Explore by: Renting a bike or hiring a tricycle taxi to cover the large, shaded archaeological site.

  • Highlights: Home to Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán Peninsula (~137 feet), which visitors can still climb for panoramic views.

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.

  • Tip: Bring insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and water—Coba is more rustic and spread out than Tulum or Chichén Itzá.

Cenote Exploration

A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole, typically found in regions with limestone bedrock. These sinkholes are formed when the limestone collapses, exposing groundwater and creating a surface connection to underground water bodies. 

Cenotes are a significant source of freshwater and have historical and cultural importance for the ancient Maya. The ancient Mayans used cenotes for water supplies, religious rituals, and even as a means of communication with the underworld, according to some sources. Today, cenotes are popular tourist destinations, offering opportunities for swimming, diving, and exploring the underwater world. 

Explore the stunning cenotes in the region, including:

Cenote Azul

  • Location: Cenote Azul Map

  • Perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

  • Be sure to pack swimwear, snorkeling gear, and cash.

Cenote Dos Ojos

  • Location: Cenote Dos Ojos Map

  • Features intricate underwater cave systems.

  • Suitable for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

Cenote Eden

  • Location: Cenote Eden Map

  • Great for snorkeling and cave exploration.

  • Ideal for family adventure.

Charming Neighboring Cities

Tulum 30 minutes to the South of Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen is 30 minutes to the North of Puerto Aventuras.

Tulum is a captivating blend of ancient history, bohemian style, and natural beauty. Set along the Caribbean Sea, it’s home to one of the only beachfront Mayan ruins in the world, surrounded by turquoise waters and lush jungle. Tulum appeals to travelers who enjoy eco-conscious living, boutique hotels, and a laid-back, upscale vibe rooted in wellness and creativity.

Top Things to Do in Tulum:

  • Tour the stunning Tulum Archaeological Site, perched on a cliff above the sea.

  • Swim in nearby cenotes like Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera.

  • Relax or dine at chic beach clubs along the Hotel Zone.

  • Bike through Tulum Pueblo for local eats, artisan shops, and nightlife.

 

Playa del Carmen is a lively coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, cosmopolitan energy, and central location on the Riviera Maya. With its vibrant pedestrian strip, Quinta Avenida, Playa offers a mix of international cuisine, luxury shopping, beachside bars, and easy access to nearby attractions like Cozumel and eco-parks. It’s ideal for travelers looking for both relaxation and entertainment.

Top Things to Do in Playa del Carmen:

  • Walk along 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

  • Take a ferry to Cozumel for snorkeling, diving, and island exploration.

  • Spend the day at nearby Xcaret or Xplor eco-adventure parks.

  • Lounge on Mamitas Beach or explore hidden beach coves nearby.

 

Staying Longer we recommend visiting:

Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is a vibrant cultural hub known for its colonial architecture, rich Mayan heritage, and warm hospitality. Often called the “White City” due to its limestone buildings, Mérida offers a safe, walkable experience filled with museums, markets, and a thriving arts scene. It serves as an excellent base to explore the surrounding cenotes, haciendas, and ancient ruins, all while enjoying top-tier gastronomy and traditional Yucatecan music and dance.

Top Things to Do in Mérida:

  • Visit the Paseo de Montejo, Mérida’s grand boulevard lined with 19th-century mansions.

  • Explore the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, showcasing Mayan history and culture.

  • Stroll through the Plaza Grande and tour the Catedral de San Ildefonso, the oldest cathedral on mainland America.

  • Enjoy a traditional Yucatecan dinner and live trova music in one of the city’s charming courtyards.

Campeche is a coastal gem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impeccably preserved walled city, pastel-colored buildings, and tranquil vibe. Once a fortified port city defending against pirates, today it enchants visitors with its colonial charm, historical fortresses, and seaside promenade. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a quieter, less touristy destination steeped in history and authenticity.

Top Things to Do in Campeche:

  • Walk along the malecón (seaside promenade) at sunset for beautiful Gulf views.

  • Explore the Fort of San Miguel and Fort of San José, which now house museums.

  • Discover the historic walled city center, with its colorful streets and baroque architecture.

  • Visit Edzná, an impressive Mayan archaeological site just 1 hour from the city.

Adventure Parks

Xplor Park

  • Website: Xplor Park

  • Costs range from $100 to $150 for adults, $50 to $75 for children. ALL DAY EVENT

  • Thrilling ziplines, underground rivers, and adventures for all ages.

    • We have done this the last 3 times we visited PA. We last did this in March 2024 with William and Isabelle and it was very fun. It even rained on us but the kids loved it and so did we.

      • Kayak in the cenotes

      • Zipline

      • Drive ATV style cars through the jungle

Xcaret Park

  • Website: Xcaret Park

  • Costs similar to Xplor. ALL DAY EVENT

  • Nature, culture, and entertainment combined. Maya cultural shows, swimming, and exploring caves are highlights.

  • Erich and I did this many years ago a Loved it. There are so many activities to choose from. This is on our list for next trip in March.

Xel-Há Park

  • Website: Xel-Há Park

  • Costs vary but often similar to Xplor and Xcaret.

  • An aquatic wonderland with snorkeling, cenotes, and water activities.

  • We haven’t done this one but have heard great things.

 

 

🛜 Connectivity & Currency

Q: Is there Wi-Fi?

Most hotels and rentals offer free Wi-Fi. Cellular coverage is good, especially if you have an international plan or use apps like WhatsApp for communication.

Q: What currency is used in Mexico? Should I bring cash?

Mexican Pesos (MXN) is the official currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Puerto Aventuras. Bring small denominations in USD and/or pesos for tips, taxis, and small purchases. Credit cards are accepted in most places.

Q: What is the Tipping culture?

15%- 20% on cost of the food is typical. A small  tip is typical for good service after a tour or fishing charter.   Hotel bellhop $1-2 USD per bag. Tipping is accepted in Pesos and US dollars are ok as well.