Buying Property in Puerto Aventuras, Riviera Maya — a practical guide 

If you’re thinking about living in the Riviera Maya but want something quieter and more community-focused than Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras is worth a close look. This gated marina community — part resort, part small town — offers a mix of beachfront and inland neighborhoods, a lively marina, a nine-hole golf course, easy access to dive sites and cenotes, and a tight-knit expat and Mexican resident community. Below I’ll cover what day-to-day life is like, the local commercial scene (shops, restaurants and services), the types of properties you’ll find, current price ranges, and practical considerations for people moving or investing there.

See our video guide to Puerto Aventuras

We spent several days filming in Puerto Aventuras. We wanted to show what this gated community is like and also show the vibe that so many residents like. In the video below we tour several properties and even go out on a wave runner to show you the canals of Puerto Aventuras. 

What Puerto Aventuras feels like to live in

Puerto Aventuras is compact and deliberately walkable/drivable: the development is organized around its marina and tourist zone along the coast, with most residential neighborhoods lying on the west side of Highway 307. It’s often described as quieter and more family-oriented than the busier stretches of Playa Del Carmen but still has enough amenities to live comfortably without daily trips into town. The marina is the social center — restaurants, shops, and sunset strolls create a small-town coastal vibe, while the gated residential zones offer a sense of security and community.

You’ll see residents on golf carts, neighbors chatting in cafés, and a steady stream of tourists arriving for excursions or dolphin experiences — the latter being one of the community’s long-running attractions. There’s a significant international presence (expats from North America and Europe) alongside local Mexican families, which makes the social scene bilingual and internationally flavored. 

Everyday conveniences: shops, groceries and services

One of Puerto Aventuras’ strengths is that it has grocery and retail options sufficient for most weekly shopping. The larger supermarket options used by locals include Super Chedraui and Súper Akí, both of which serve the town and are the primary places for groceries, household items and some imported goods. If you need specialty items, Playa del Carmen (about 20 km north) is a short drive away.

Other services you’ll find locally:

• Pharmacies, dentists and small clinics for routine care (serious hospital services are in Playa Del Carmen or Cancún).
• Small hardware and home-service shops that service homeowners and property managers.
• Tour operators and dive shops operating out of the marina.
  Many businesses maintain active Facebook pages where they post menus, opening hours and events — very useful for day-to-day planning. 

Food and nightlife: restaurants, bars and marina dining

Puerto Aventuras’ restaurant scene leans toward relaxed, waterfront dining with seafood and international options. You’ll find family-run cafés, Italian and Mediterranean restaurants in the marina, and casual local tacos and seafood stands. A few examples of establishments with active Facebook pages (useful to check menus and hours) include:

• Café Olé — long-standing local café/bar known for breakfast and “you hook it, we cook it” seafood options. (Facebook)
• Latitude 20º — a marina-area spot with views and a social calendar. (Facebook)
• Casa Sofía (Italian, marina view) — another marina favorite for Italian cuisine. (Facebook)
• Lara & Luca– a great place for brunch and food for the soul. 

The marina is busiest at sunset and on weekends; you’ll find a pleasant mix of dining-for-locals and tourist-oriented places. There are also smaller churrerías, taquerías and family restaurants found on the other side of the highway. 

Recreation and lifestyle: marina, water activities and golf

If you like marine activities, Puerto Aventuras is built around them. The marina offers moorings, sportfishing charters, snorkeling/diving trips, and even swim-with-dolphins attractions. The community also has small private beaches, boat slips for homeowners, and a regular schedule of tours to nearby reefs and cenotes. The Puerto Aventuras Golf & Racquet Club — a nine-hole, Par-36 course designed in the 1990s — provides a neighborhood golf option without the scale of big resort golf courses. If you prefer nature, there are nearby cenotes, jungle trails and easy daytrips to archaeological sites. 

Types of real estate you’ll find in Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras offers a variety of property types for owner-occupiers and investors:

• Condos: Many condo complexes face the marina or the sea and range from modest 1-bedroom units to luxury waterfront penthouses. Condos are a popular entry point for foreign buyers because they typically require less maintenance and can be rented short-term if desired.
• Houses / Villas: Single-family homes are available in several gated subdivisions. Upscale waterfront homes often include private docks/boat slips.
• Townhouses: Mid-range option popular with families and long-term residents.
• Lots / Land: Parcels for custom homes or small boutique developments appear periodically, especially on the inland side.
• Luxury developments: Branded or master-planned communities offer amenities like private pools, concierge services and on-site security.

Many properties in the marina and beachfront category are marketed as “marine lifestyle” homes with boat access, which is a major draw for buyers who want to keep a boat at their dock.

Price expectations (current market snapshot)

Real-estate prices in Puerto Aventuras vary widely depending on location, views, and whether the property has marina access or a private slip.

• Entry-level condos / smaller inland units: You can sometimes find condos starting in the low-to-mid $200k–$350k USD range in smaller developments (prices depend heavily on size and finish). 
• Mid-range condos / waterfront units: Many well-located 2-bedroom condos and newer developments list from around $400k–$800k USD. 
• High-end homes and villas: Luxury waterfront homes with boat slips and larger lots commonly trade in the $1M+ USD range; examples of featured listings for houses with private slips and larger square footage run well into the $1–$2.5M+ bracket. 
• Market average indicator: the average listings that have recently sold is just over 1,000,000. USD.

Tips: beachfront and marina frontage add substantial premiums; older condos in inland areas are cheaper but may need upgrades. If you plan to rent, smaller condos can produce solid short-term rental returns, while larger homes are often marketed for longer stays or private ownership.

Buying process and practicalities

• Ownership: Foreigners can own property in Mexico; beachfront/restricted zone are subject to bank trust (fideicomiso) or a Mexican corporation structure for certain buyers. Work with a reputable bilingual attorney and a notary (notario público) to ensure clear title and proper closing.
• HOAs and maintenance: Many properties are in homeowners’ associations with monthly maintenance/amenity fees. If you buy a condo or gated lot, factor HOA costs into your budget.
• Utilities & services: Water, electricity and internet are widely available; however, internet speeds and reliability vary by provider and location. Garbage pickup, local maintenance, and property management services are common for absentee owners.
• Taxes & fees: Mexican property taxes (predial), acquisition taxes, and notary fees should be budgeted for in addition to purchase price and any legal fees. It should be noted that property taxes in Mexico are substantially lower than what most people are used to. 

Work with a local real-estate agent who knows Puerto Aventuras’ micro-markets and who can verify titles, HOA rules, and rental regulations if you plan to short-term rent.

Pros and cons at a glance

Pros

• Marina lifestyle with boating, fishing and diving on your doorstep. 
• More peaceful and family-oriented than the busy tourist corridors. 
• Good local groceries and a compact commercial zone — enough for everyday living. 

Cons

• For big-city utilities, specialist medical care or large-scale shopping you’ll travel to Playa Del Carmen or Cancún. 
• Some neighborhoods and properties — especially luxury waterfront homes — have a higher price premium. 

How does Puerto Aventuras compre to other gated communities?

Here’s a concise comparison of Corasol, Playacar, and Puerto Aventuras — three of the most desirable residential areas in the Riviera Maya. 

Corasol

Corasol is one of the newest luxury developments in Playa Del Carmen, known for its modern, resort-style living and high-end real estate. It’s a master-planned gated community that combines oceanfront condos, branded residences, and golf-course villas, all centered around the Gran Coyote Golf Course designed by Nick Price.

Lifestyle-wise, Corasol feels exclusive and contemporary, with amenities that people would expect to have in an upscale area — private beach clubs, concierge services, fine dining, and spa access. Most residents are investors or second-home owners looking for a lock-and-leave property with short to long term rental potential.

Real estate prices are among the highest in the Riviera Maya, typically starting around $500,000 USD for luxury condos and rising past $2 million USD for penthouses or beachfront homes. Corasol suits those wanting a new, polished, and amenity-rich environment close to Playa Del Carmen’s city conveniences. You can read more about the Corasol development in our article here. 

Playacar Phase 1&2

Located on the south end of Playa del Carmen, Playacar is an established gated community divided into Phase 1 (beachfront villas and vacation rentals) and Phase 2 (golf-course condos, houses, and hotels). It blends residential tranquility with city proximity — just minutes from Quinta Avenida and Playa’s vibrant nightlife.

Playacar’s charm comes from its lush greenery, mature trees, and well-kept streets, giving it a neighborhood feel rare for a beach city. Residents include a mix of full-time expats, Mexican professionals, and vacation homeowners. Prices vary depending on phase and proximity to the beach: condos generally range from $300,000–$800,000 USD, while luxury beachfront homes can exceed $1.5 million USD.

Overall, Playacar offers a balance between privacy and accessibility — ideal for families, retirees, and anyone who wants community living but easy access to Playa’s amenities. See more about Playacar here in our article. 

Puerto Aventuras

About 20 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras is a marina and resort community that feels like a small coastal town inside a secure gated setting. It’s centered around a full-service marina, a nine-hole golf course, and a waterfront village with shops and restaurants.

Puerto Aventuras attracts boating enthusiasts, retirees, and families seeking peace and community. Unlike Corasol or Playacar, it’s self-contained — residents can walk or drive golf carts to the beach, marina, restaurants, and grocery stores without leaving the gates.
Condos start around $250,000–$400,000 USD, while marina or oceanfront homes run from $800,000 USD to over $2 million USD.
It’s less urban and more relaxed — perfect if you value quiet coastal living with direct access to the sea rather than nightlife or city energy.

In Summary

• Corasol: Ultra-modern, resort-style, investment-focused, luxury amenities. This area is still being developed. 
• Playacar: Established, green, city-adjacent, family-friendly.
• Puerto Aventuras: Marina lifestyle, tranquil, community-oriented, boating hub.

Each offers a distinct Riviera Maya experience — Corasol for luxury and prestige, Playacar for balanced living, and Puerto Aventuras for peaceful waterfront life.

Final thoughts and where to find up-to-date info

Puerto Aventuras is a strong choice if you want a coastal, marina-oriented lifestyle with a close community and easier daily living than remote resort enclaves. It’s particularly appealing to boat owners, families who want safety and parks, and retirees seeking a quieter base with good travel links (Cancun Airport is within driving distance). For real-time listings, trending prices, and future developments that are not yet public, a good person is to contact Sebastian from our video. 

Sebastian is a recommended realtor in the area. He and his team work in mainly the areas from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum. Below is his email for contact. It is good if you can include a phone number also and what times it is good to reach you. Also mention what area you are interested (Puerto Aventuras) because they also work in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen.

About The Author

Mr.Yucatan

See author's posts