Sargassum, flags, and where the water is clear
Check before you go
Sargazo (seaweed) blooms shift hour by hour with wind & current. These two trackers update daily and show beach-by-beach severity for the whole Riviera Maya.
Late May is mid-bloom season. Mornings are usually clearer than afternoons. North-facing beaches (Coco, Playacar) tend to clear first.
Mamita's Beach (Calle 28)
Most consistent water quality + raked daily. Best bet for clear water.
Coco Beach (Calle 46)
Quieter, north end. Often less sargassum than central beaches.
Playacar Beach (south of ferry pier)
Resort-raked sand, generally clear. Calmer water.
Central Playa (Calle 10–14)
Busiest, most sargassum on bad days. Skip if seaweed is heavy.
Punta Esmeralda (Calle 110)
Cenote meets ocean — locals' favorite, kid-friendly.
What the lifeguard flags mean
Jellyfish (aguamala) season
Stings spike in warm, still water (May–Aug). If you see purple flags or other swimmers pointing at the water — sit it out. Vinegar, not fresh water, on stings.
Never swim past a red flag — Riviera Maya rip currents are real and the undertow can pull strong swimmers out fast. When in doubt, pool day.