Marketplace

Peaceful and tranquil, Playa del Secreto is the perfect place to relax while still having access to all the amenities desired for a perfect vacation.

Things are changing fast in this popular area. The area has completely recovered from Hurricane Wilma (2005), with many improvements to local infrastructure (highways, electricity, telecommunications) along with new developments.

Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is 10 km north of Playa del Secreto. We love the casual ambiance of this small fishing village (population 2,000), which has a number of restaurants, shops and small resorts. There are a couple of small grocery stores, the largest being Super Casa Martin, offering a variety of groceries, wines, liquors, and sundries, as well as an ATM. In Puerto Morelos you will find pharmacies, internet cafés, travel agency, book store, dive shops, ATM/money exchange, and a PEMEX gas station. Be sure to stock up at the fruit and vegetable farmers market held every Wednesday morning beside the large church. Fresh seafood is sold at the fishermen’s co-op each afternoon. Interested in diving? Drop in to Dive Puerto Morelos and meet Sonvya and Brett.

Playa del Carmen
This fast growing yet charming city is the hub of activity in the Mayan Riviera, with great restaurants and shops, plus full access to services and activities. You can stock up on groceries at the several large grocery stores, shop for local crafts or international goods on the famous Avenida Quinta (5th Avenue), dine at virtually any kind of restaurant, enjoy the nightlife or arrange tours and sightseeing trips. Playa del Carmen is 20 km south of Playa del Secreto.

Stocking up on supplies is easier than ever; new stores openned since 2006 include Walmart, MEGA, and Sorianos, all offering groceries, beer/wine/liquor, personal care/pharmacy, and clothing.  At the south end of town near Playacar is a Sam’s Club, Chedraui (large Mexican supermarket, similar to Walmart). There are several other small groceries, bakeries, and specialty food stores throughout the city.

The passenger ferry for Cozumel departs regularly from the dock in downtown Playa del Carmen (40 minutes crossing)–perfect for day trips.

Cancun
In addition to great restuarants, fun nightlife, tours and souvenir shopping, there are a number of large American chain stores and shopping malls. The ferry to Isla Mujares departs from the Embarcadero at the north end of the Hotel Zona.  A city map is highly recommended to help you navigate.

Click to open Google Maps

For the kitchen
Meals are not provided, so when you’re not visiting one of the area’s great restaurants, you will need groceries, beverages, condiments, paper towels, food wrap (you can never have enough zip lock bags). You may wish to stop in Puerto Morelos at the Super Casa Martin on your way in from the airport for initial supplies, and do a larger grocery shopping in Playa del Carmen or Cancun (but try to avoid shopping on Sunday, it’s usually very busy!).

For your body
Personal toiletries: soap, shampoo, lotion, hand sanitizer, etc.
Sunscreen, bug spray, first aid kit, medications.

For relaxing
Favourite CD’s, DVD’s (there are some in the villa) books, plus diversions for children. The villa has a DVD/CD player.

For memories
Camera, film, binoculars, plus extra batteries.

For the water
Snorkle gear (can also be rented from dive shops).
Life jackets or floatation devices, and beach toys for children.

For carrying things
A backpack is perfect for carryon (especially on charter flights, where in-cabin baggage is often restricted to 5 kilos) and can double as a beach bag and shopping tote. A fold-up tote bag is also great for shopping at the market, and keeping stuff dry and sand free at the beach.

For refreshment
Consider bringing good quality water bottles (for your flight, and for refilling from supplied water – freezing overnight guarantees cold drinks on your next day adventures) and insulated coffee mugs (great for margaritas on the beach).

Remember, Casa Merlin is not all-inclusive.
Combining the best of Mexico with privacy and quiet, you have freedom that comes from being in control. It’s the best way to relax!

Leave the stress behind

Relax and take it easy. Life doesn’t move quite as fast in Mexico, and that’s a good thing. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destinations, and don’t plan too much in a single day.

Money - In smaller towns (like Puerto Morelos), many establishments do not take credit cards or travelers cheques. American dollars are accepted everywhere, although you will receive your change in pesos. Bank machines are getting more common (even Puerto Morelos has two, and more are coming). We recommend bringing US dollars and pesos with you, and using cash, or credit cards where they are accepted (always your best exchange rate).

Brochures and Maps – Pick up brochures and maps at the airport, or order ahead – here is a good source of books on the Yucatan. If you are a member of the auto association, you can pick up tour books and maps before you leave home.

Forecast: sunny and warm – The sun and heat are part of the attractions, but take care. Sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. Wear a hat and sunglasses, and light coloured, loose fitting clothes are most comfortable. Drink lots of bottled water (freezing water bottles overnight guarantees a supply of cool water during your daytime activities), stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day, and cool off in the pool or ocean.

Cenote Diving – Swimming (or scuba diving) in a cenote is a marvelous experience, unique to the area. These fresh water caverns are located throughout the area. Dive shops can provide more information.

¿usted habla español? – You don’t need to speak Spanish to get by, but a little bit of knowledge (and a good dictionary – we recommend Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish) can smooth things over.

Mayan Archeology and Art – Plan on checking out a least one of the archeological sites. These Mayan ruins are fascinating, and easily accessible. You can take an arranged bus tour (great idea for first time visitors), or hire a guide at the site. There are many to choose from: Chichen Itza is the largest, Tulum is the only one on the ocean, and Coba is being actively worked by archeologists. Tours can be booked in advance on the Internet, at the travel agency in Puerto Morelos, or just about anywhere in Playa del Carmen or Cancun.

Ocean swimming – Playa del Secreto is a great walking and swimming beach. Do exercise caution, especially when the waves are up. Never swim alone, stay close to shore, and don’t let yourself become exhausted. There can be undertows, and the waves are surprisingly strong. Consider wearing a t-shirt when snorkeling or swimming, to protect your back from the sun. You should not wear sunscreen when snorkeling in the coral reef areas, as it is harmful to sealife.

Don’t drink the water – The local water is not (generally) contaminated, but the high mineral content makes it unsuitable for drinking or rinsing food with. Use the purified water for drinking, cooking, making coffee or tea, rinsing dishes and food, brushing teeth, etc. You may wish to bring hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial food spray along with you. Also use a couple of drops of Microdyne (iodine solution, available in most Mexican grocery stores) when rinsing fruits and veggies.

Itchin’ to go? – The ocean breezes help keep the bugs away, although you may notice some mosquitoes, especially at dawn and dusk or if you are in the jungle. Bring repellant and anti-itch lotion.

Taxis - Taxis are easily arranged (just ask the Manager), and not too expensive. If you are planning an evening out, you may be more comfortable taking a taxi to and from your destination, rather than dealing with night driving.

Speed – Even if everyone else seems to be speeding, it is always safer to obey posted speed limits, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the roads, or at night. Getting a speeding ticket is not a recommended vacation experience.

No parking

Yield

No carts?

Speed Bumps

'Don't Damage the Signs'

Car Rentals - You will most likely want to rent a car for your vacation at Casa Merlin—although taxis are available (you can get also get short term rentals at several Puerto Morelos locations), or you can pre-arrange transfer by van to and from the airport. Car rentals in Mexico are not cheap, but you will likely get the best rate and type of car you want by arranging in advance through the Internet, rather than at the rental agency counter. Check with your Credit Card regarding insurance coverage in Mexico.

Taxis – Taxis are easily arranged (just ask the Manager), and not too expensive. If you are planning an evening out, you may be more comfortable taking a taxi to and from your destination, rather than dealing with night driving.

Highway 307 – Highway 307 is a divided four lane highway that runs from Cancun to Tulum (then south to Belize as a two-lane highway), with pretty good signs and markers. Be very careful when approaching towns, because there are concrete dividers at Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, which split off the access roads. There are also the notorious topes (speed bumps) in all towns, which are usually marked. These will make you slow down, which is the general idea.

Retournos – Use the retournos which enable u-turns with properly marked turning lanes, and are located at the ends of most towns. This is the safest way to get to the left side of the road, especially during heavy traffic.

Off the pavement - Unpaved sideroads, such as the access road to Playa del Secreto, can be pretty primitive, with potholes replacing the topes as the way to keep your speed down.

Maps – Maps are provided in the villa (please leave them for the next guests) and are available on many of the brochures. Plan your route, designate someone other than the driver to navigate, and make use of the kilometer markers along the highway to help with orientation.

Turn(?) Signals – The turn signal is used to alert other drivers of, well, something. Perhaps a left turn, maybe that there is trouble ahead, or that it is safe to pass, or that there is police ahead. Just be wary whenever you see someone with their signals on.

Pee break

Dive In Puerto Morelos

For a great diving experience visit Brett at Dive In Puerto Morelos

To find the dive shop, take the second left turn coming into Puerto Morelos; the shop is half way down the block on the left hand side.

Phone: 52 (998) 874-0477

Cell: 044 (998) 830-7244

Web: www.diveinpuertomorelos.com

Scuba diving in a cenote

Clear Water Cenotes or offshore snorkelling and scuba diving –

let Dive In Puerto Morelos help you experience the adventure.

Cenotes are beautiful fesh-water caverns dot the Yucatan. Explore them up close and personal with an experienced certified guide.

The reef off Puerto Morelos offers a chance for snorkelling that is both relaxing and stimulating. Beautiful water, beautiful fish. You can surf right at Casa Merlin, off Playa del Secreto – the Secret Beach.