The Playa Paraíso–Kantenah–Xpu-Ha corridor is open, east-facing coast. Playa Maroma's reef pocket is the best of it, but even it spikes in the peak of a bad year.
Is there sargassum in Riviera Maya right now?
Short answer: The Riviera Maya's Playa Paraíso–Kantenah–Xpu-Ha corridor is open, east-facing coast that catches the sargassum belt directly from about May through August. Playa Maroma's reef pocket is the best of it, but even it spikes in the peak of a bad year. Resorts rake their beaches daily.
Our index currently rates Riviera Maya Potentially Heavy for September (37/100), refreshed September 22, 2026. See the resorts, rated ↓
Current conditions
Our estimate: this beach can see heavier sargassum in season. Many resorts rake and clean their beach daily, so confirm current conditions with the resort.
An estimate modeled from live satellite readings (USF / NOAA AFAI) + 15-year seasonal history + beach orientation · refreshed September 22, 2026. Conditions change daily and many resorts rake their beach each morning — always confirm current conditions with the resort before you travel.
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<iframe src="https://tracker.caribbeanmag.com/widget/riviera-maya" width="360" height="220" style="border:0;border-radius:14px;overflow:hidden" title="Sargassum at Riviera Maya — CaribbeanMag Clear-Beach Index" loading="lazy"></iframe>
Resorts in Riviera Maya, rated
Beaches our model rates clearer this month
These are estimates, not a judgment of any resort — many properties clean their beach daily. If you’d prefer a beach our model rates clearer this month, these score well:
Sargassum in Riviera Maya: common questions
Is there seaweed in the Riviera Maya right now?
The open east-facing beaches can see meaningful sargassum May–August — check the live score above for our current estimate. Playa Maroma is the most sheltered stretch, and every resort rakes daily.
Which Riviera Maya beach has the least sargassum?
Playa Maroma, tucked behind a reef pocket, is the clearest of the corridor. For a more reliable bet, the leeward beaches of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, or Costa/Playa Mujeres north of Cancún, stay far clearer.
When is sargassum season in the Riviera Maya?
May through August, peaking mid-summer; November through April is typically clear. The exact amount tracks the size of the Atlantic belt each year.
How do I pick a clear Riviera Maya resort?
Favor Playa Maroma or a north/leeward-facing beach, and check the live estimate before you book. A Pixie advisor can steer you to the resort with the clearest beach for your travel dates.