Entre Mares Blog
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The Leaning Lighthouse of Puerto Morelos
If you walk along the Ventana al Mar (Window to the Sea) in Puerto Morelos, the first thing that will catch your eye won't be the turquoise blue, but a concrete structure that seems to defy the laws of gravity. The Leaning Lighthouse is the official symbol of this town, and its story is a reminder that, sometimes, scars are what make us unique.
The story of an icon who refused to fall
Discover the fascinating history of the Leaning Lighthouse, from its past as "Cork Point" to the impact of Hurricane Beulah and to its vibrant present in 2026 as an urban landmark of this beautiful town
When the Lighthouse looked to the sky (1946 - 1967)
Before becoming the 11th municipality of Quintana Roo, Puerto Morelos was a humble fishing port and the main export point for chicle and precious wood (the famous "Punta Corcho").
Back then, the lighthouse was a sturdy, white, vertical tower, built to guide ships around the Great Mayan Barrier Reef. It was a functional structure, with no other purpose than to shine in the darkness. For decades, it withstood the Caribbean winds unfazed until September 1967.
A town with personality and authenticity
Puerto Morelos has ceased to be Cancun's "little brother" and has become a destination with its own unique brilliance. The contrast between the old lighthouse and the new, functional one (located just behind it) perfectly encapsulates the city's present.
What defines Puerto Morelos today?
Constant Growth: With the completion of the Maya Train and the opening of new access bridges to the coastal area this year, Puerto Morelos is the most promising location for investment in apartments or residential land.
World-Class Gastronomy: No longer just fishing cooperatives; today, the Central Plaza is home to signature restaurants that attract foodies from around the world, including Michelin-starred chefs.
Sustainability: Unlike other destinations, Puerto Morelos maintains an Urban Development Plan (PDU) that protects density, avoiding high-rise buildings to preserve the view of the reef.
The Leaning Lighthouse teaches us that Puerto Morelos doesn't try to be Cancun or Playa del Carmen; it's a place that embraces its history, its storms, and its nature. Whether you come for an afternoon of photos or are looking for your next home, this icon will always remind you that true strength lies in standing tall, resisting, and reinventing yourself in the face of adversity.
Hurricane Beulah and the birth of a legend
Hurricane Beulah, a Category 5 monster, battered the coast of Quintana Roo with winds exceeding 160 mph (260 km/h). The force of the sea was so great that the sand beneath the lighthouse's foundation was washed away, causing the structure to tilt approximately 6 degrees.
Unlike other buildings that collapsed, the lighthouse remained standing. Upon returning to the coast, the residents were met with this surreal sight. They attempted to straighten it, but soon realized that the tilted lighthouse held a more powerful message: resilience. From then on, it was decided to leave it as it was, making it "The Leaning Tower of Pisa of the Caribbean" and an enduring symbol of the strength of the Puerto Morelos community.
Neither Beulah in 1967, nor Gilberto in 1988, nor Wilma in 2005 managed to bring it down; the lighthouse remained standing, a testament to the history and resilience of Puerto Morelos.
There were three lighthouses in total. The first was built in 1905, the second in 1946 and is the one leaning in the sand after Hurricane Beulah, and the third was installed in 1968 and is the one that currently warns ships about the presence of the coral reef. However, the Leaning Lighthouse is the most iconic and the most Instagrammable with its ten meters in height, and its distinctive white and blue colors, it has become a symbol of resilience for both the people of Puerto Morelos and for visitors.