The lighthouse was damaged and tilted by Hurricane Beulah, a Category 5 hurricane, in September 1967.
It is officially known as the 'Crooked Lighthouse' by many local residents and international visitors.
The structure survived multiple subsequent hurricanes that caused significant damage to the surrounding coastal infrastructure.
The lighthouse serves as a navigational reference point for small fishing boats returning to the Puerto Morelos port.
A new, straight lighthouse was constructed nearby to handle modern navigational duties, leaving the old one as a preserved monument.
The Faro Inclinado is a leaning lighthouse situated on the beachfront of Puerto Morelos, Mexico. It serves as the primary symbol of the town and was structurally compromised during Hurricane Beulah in 1967. The lighthouse was intentionally left in its tilted position after the storm as a memorial and local landmark. It is located at the center of the town's coastline, directly adjacent to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The structure stands on the sand, surrounded by a public beach area. It remains a focal point for visitors and a frequent backdrop for local photography.
From the water's edge looking slightly upward to capture the lighthouse's tilt against the horizon.
Visit during low tide to walk closer to the base of the structure on the sand.
Combine your visit with snorkeling or diving, as the lighthouse aligns with the northern entrance to the National Reef Park.
Explore the surrounding town square, which is just a short walk from the lighthouse base.
Do not attempt to climb the structure, as it is structurally unstable and prohibited.
Beach attire is acceptable, but shirts are recommended when moving from the sand into the town's central dining areas.
