Weekly Sargassum Conditions Report – May 4 (2026 Update)
Last updated: May 2026 · Based on USF Sargassum Watch System satellite data
The week of May 4, 2026 brings a split picture across the Mexican Caribbean. Playa del Carmen is carrying an active Red Alert following a major sargassum influx — but satellite data shows most other beaches are in surprisingly good shape, with North Cancún and Isla Mujeres fully clear and the Cancún corridor reporting only light conditions. Here's the full breakdown for all 9 beaches.
Check Today's Conditions
Live sargassum status for all 9 beaches — updated hourly.
This Week at a Glance
The table below summarizes current sargassum status and swim conditions across all nine beaches we monitor. Data is drawn from our beach cams, local reporter network, and USF Sargassum Watch System satellite passes from the past 48 hours.
| Beach | Status | Swim Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| North Cancún | 🟢 Clear | Excellent — no sargassum |
| Playa Gaviota Azul | 🟡 Light | Good — minimal impact |
| South Cancún | 🟡 Light | Good — minimal impact |
| Isla Mujeres | 🟢 Clear | Excellent — no sargassum |
| Puerto Morelos | 🟡 Light | Good — minimal impact |
| Playa del Carmen | 🔴 Red Alert | Active cleanup — check conditions daily |
| Akumal | 🟠 Moderate | Swimmable with caution |
| Tulum | 🟠 Moderate | Swimmable with caution |
| Cozumel | 🟡 Light | Good — west coast clear |
Beach-by-Beach Breakdown
Playa del Carmen — 🔴 Red Alert
Playa del Carmen is carrying an active Red Alert, issued May 1 following a large sargassum influx. Satellite data as of May 4 shows conditions fluctuating at moderate — cleanup crews have been working from 5 a.m. daily and making progress, but fresh arrivals are keeping the official alert in place. If you're visiting PDC this week, your best window is early morning after crews have cleared the beach. Check your hotel's Instagram stories before heading down — conditions can shift significantly between morning and afternoon as winds pick up.
Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya Suites
TOP PICK20 restaurants, golf course, free waterpark with slides and wave pool, lazy river, 8 pool areas, Spa Sensations, nightclub, Pilates, and beach yoga — the best amenity package in PDC.
Barceló Maya Palace
Waterpark with surf area and pirate section, 6 restaurants, hydrotherapy spa, scuba diving, kayaking, nightclub, mini-golf, and access to 5 resort sections on 2km of beach.
Valentín Imperial Riviera Maya
Private beach, 7 restaurants, full spa with Turkish bath and hydrotherapy, couples suites, beach massages, tennis, private chef service, and nightly entertainment — 9.4 on Expedia.
Grand Palladium White Sand Resort
Jungle setting with river running through resort, private pools, unlimited a la carte restaurants, kids waterpark, baby club, teens club, kayaking, sailing, and beach volleyball.
Tulum — 🟠 Moderate
Tulum's open coastline is seeing moderate sargassum this week — noticeable but manageable. Beach clubs along the hotel zone are raking regularly and most have the water in swimmable shape by mid-morning. If you're visiting Tulum, book a beach club with an active cleanup crew and check their Instagram stories before you go for the most current picture.
Hotel Xcaret México
TOP PICKUnlimited access to ALL Xcaret parks (Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, and more), lazy river, underground rivers, 4 pools, beach, wildlife sanctuary, cultural shows, and 14 restaurants.
Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen
Full hydrotherapy spa, multiple pools, gourmet dining at 8 restaurants, butler service, cooking classes, beach yoga, watersports, and nightly entertainment — adults only luxury.
Bahía Príncipe Grand Cobá
Kids waterpark with slides, 2 pools, luxury spa, karaoke, tropical parties, nightclub, kayaking, 6 restaurants, and jungle surroundings — great value for amenities near Tulum.
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Hilton's flagship Tulum property — 9 pools, private secluded beach, 9 restaurants, full spa at adjacent Conrad Tulum, kids club, teens club, yoga classes, and nightly entertainment. One of Expedia's most-reviewed resorts in the Riviera Maya.
Akumal — 🟠 Moderate
Akumal Bay's natural protection is keeping conditions moderate rather than severe this week. The sheltered inner bay is in better shape than the outer shores and Half Moon Bay, where accumulation is more noticeable. Snorkeling near the turtle area is doable, particularly in the early morning — verify directly with local dive shops before heading out as conditions can shift through the day.
Bahia Príncipe Luxury Akumal
TOP PICKThe top-booked resort near Akumal Beach — private beach, 7 international restaurants, 27-hole golf course, Bahia Spa with hydrotherapy and reflexology, nightclub, swim-up bar, and 8 bars total. One of Expedia's most-booked properties in the Riviera Maya.
Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa
3 pools, lazy river, private pool suites, 9 restaurants, 16 bars including rooftop bar, full spa, scuba diving, kids club, and beach access — excellent amenity-to-price ratio.
TRS Yucatan Hotel
Adults-only ultra-luxury near Akumal — 14 restaurants including Argentine grill, full spa with yoga and Pilates, 3 pools, kayaking, snorkeling, tennis courts, and butler service. The premium couples/adults escape in the Riviera Maya.
Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa
Lush jungle resort with river features, kids pool with slides, baby club, teens club, unlimited a la carte dining, sailing, kayaking, beach volleyball, spa, and nightly entertainment.
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Full hydrotherapy spa, snorkeling on Akumal's turtle bay, multiple restaurants, butler service, watersports, cooking classes, beach yoga, and fine dining — adults-only luxury.
Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Family-friendly all-inclusive tucked inside the private marina village of Puerto Aventuras — 7 restaurants, 2 swim-up bars, a full spa, kayaking, snorkeling, and a water park.
Puerto Morelos — 🟡 Light
Puerto Morelos is in good shape this week. The barrier reef running parallel to the shore is doing its job, and only minimal sargassum is reaching the beach. Swimming conditions are good and the water is largely clear. A solid choice if you're looking for calm, reef-protected beach conditions in the Riviera Maya this week.
Dreams Puerto Morelos Resort & Spa
TOP PICKPuerto Morelos' top resort — free waterpark, 9 pools, 10 restaurants including Asian cuisine, deep-tissue spa, 3 poolside bars, swim-up bar, Pilates, kayaking, and kids club. All-inclusive beachfront with one of the best pool complexes in the region.
Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort
Turkish bath, rooftop terrace with panoramic views, beach massages, hydrotherapy spa, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, tennis, and ocean-view dining — 8.6 on Expedia, right on the Puerto Morelos reef.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún
Hydrotherapy spa, couples treatment rooms, private Maroma beach, multiple gourmet restaurants, hot tubs, water sports, cooking classes, live entertainment — 9.6 on Expedia.
Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancún
Golf course, private indoor hot tubs in every room, 6 restaurants, full spa with aromatherapy and body wraps, kayaking, nightclub, and beach access — adults-only luxury near Puerto Morelos.
South Cancún — 🟡 Light
South Cancún is looking good this week with only light sargassum present along the hotel zone. Resort frontages are well-maintained and swimming conditions are comfortable. Better-than-typical conditions for early May — enjoy it while it lasts, as the southern corridor is historically the first to see buildup as peak season progresses.
Moon Palace Nizuc
TOP PICK27-hole Jack Nicklaus golf with driving range and lessons, AWE Spa, 6 restaurants, swim-up bar, tennis courts, hot tub suites, and Pilates classes — resort within the Palace complex.
Royalton Riviera Cancún
Casino, free waterpark, 9 restaurants, 8 pools, hydrotherapy spa, 4 beach bars, kayaking, motor boating, fishing, and yoga — a true resort-within-a-resort experience.
Royalton Splash Riviera Cancún
Free waterpark with slides, 6 pools, 12 restaurants, 3 swim-up bars, hydrotherapy spa, beach volleyball, yoga, and fitness classes — built for families who want to stay busy.
Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancún
Adults-only all-inclusive with golf course, 6 restaurants, full spa with aromatherapy and body wraps, private indoor hot tubs in every room, nightclub, and kayaking.
North Cancún — 🟢 Clear
North Cancún is the mainland standout this week — satellite data shows zero sargassum presence along this stretch. The water is clean and conditions are excellent for swimming. If you're in the hotel zone and want the best possible beach day on the mainland, this is your top pick right now.
Moon Palace The Grand Cancún
TOP PICK27-hole Jack Nicklaus golf, full waterpark, 12 restaurants, 5 swim-up bars, marina, bowling, nightclub, and AWE Spa — one of the most amenity-packed resorts in Cancún.
Moon Palace Cancún
27-hole golf, 7 pools, 16 restaurants, 9 swim-up bars, waterpark with FlowRider, spa, marina, and beach volleyball — the full Palace Resorts experience.
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
Expedia's top-rated Hotel Zone all-inclusive — 10 restaurants, lagoon-style pool complex, the legendary Gem Spa with hydrotherapy, kids club, beach cabanas, cooking classes, and stunning Isla Mujeres views from km 9.5.
Hyatt Zilara Cancún
Adults-only all-inclusive (9.4 on Expedia) — full spa with hydrotherapy, multiple pools, swim-up bar, live entertainment, cooking classes, and gourmet dining at multiple restaurants.
Playa Gaviota Azul — 🟡 Light
Playa Gaviota Azul (Forum Beach) is reporting light sargassum this week — minimal presence with little impact on swimming or beach enjoyment. One of the better-maintained public beach access points in the hotel zone, and conditions are comfortable right now.
Hotel Riu Cancún
TOP PICKOne of Cancún's most-booked resorts — 4 pools, 6 restaurants including Italian, Asian & Mexican, Renova Spa, swim-up bar, nightclub, beach volleyball, and kayaking. Adults-only 24-hour all-inclusive steps from Gaviota Azul Beach.
Hyatt Ziva Cancún
Waterslide park, 5 pools, 9 restaurants, full spa, kids club with supervised activities, snorkeling, and watersports — one of the best family amenity packages in the Hotel Zone.
Sunscape Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Spa by Hyatt
Family all-inclusive in the heart of the Hotel Zone with a splash park, kids club, teens club, multiple pools, 5 restaurants, nightly entertainment, and beach access — now part of World of Hyatt.
Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún
Beachfront family all-inclusive with kids club, playground, children's pool, spa, yoga, tennis, cooking classes, and nightly live performances — great mid-range amenity package.
Isla Mujeres — 🟢 Clear
Isla Mujeres is completely clear of sargassum this week. Playa Norte's naturally sheltered bay and northwest-facing orientation are keeping the water spotless — one of the top clear-water options in the entire region right now. The ferry from Puerto Juárez runs frequently and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. Highly recommended if you want a guaranteed seaweed-free day.
Mia Reef Isla Mujeres
TOP PICKOverwater bungalows right on Isla Mujeres with private reef access — infinity pool, swim-up bar, all-inclusive, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and sweeping ocean views. Adults-only and the only overwater bungalow experience in the area.
Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres Adults Only
Beachfront adults-only resort with swim-up bar, beach bar, Mystique spa (Swedish massage, detox wraps), rooftop with 360-degree island views, live music, and private beach cabanas — confirmed on Expedia.
Ixchel Beach Hotel
Right on Playa Norte (top-rated beach), rooftop pool, ocean view restaurant, beach bar, water sports rental, spa treatments, and snorkeling from the beach — boutique island experience.
Nautibeach Condominios
Right on Playa Norte, full kitchen suites, rooftop terrace, pool, barbecue area, hammocks, paddleboard rental, and snorkeling — the best-value beachfront option on Isla Mujeres.
Cozumel — 🟡 Light
Cozumel's western (leeward) shoreline is seeing only light sargassum this week, with minimal impact on swimming and snorkeling. The town beaches, San Francisco Beach, and resort frontages on the west side are all in good condition. The eastern coast remains exposed and should be avoided, but overall Cozumel is a comfortable pick this week — and the reef diving and snorkeling are as good as ever.
Cozumel Palace
TOP PICKOn-site dive shop with reef access, full spa with largest treatments on the island, multiple pools, gourmet dining, cooking classes, free water sports, and sunset sailing.
Presidente InterContinental Cozumel
Private pier, professional PADI dive operation, 3 pools, full spa, multiple restaurants, snorkeling right off the dock, boat charters — the premium Cozumel resort for divers and non-divers alike.
Iberostar Waves Cozumel
Beachfront all-inclusive with on-site dive center, multiple pools, kids club, nightly entertainment shows, water sports, snorkeling gear, and 6 restaurants — best family value on the island.
Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa
Swim-up suites, full spa, multiple pools including activity pool and quiet pool, water sports, kids club, snorkeling, multiple restaurants, and a dedicated Explorer's Club for children.
What to Expect This Week
- Better than feared for early May. Satellite data shows most beaches at Light or Clear — significantly better than last year's conditions at this point in the season.
- Red Alert remains active at Playa del Carmen. Issued May 1 — cleanup crews are making progress but the official designation stands. Morning visits are your best window.
- Southern beaches need daily monitoring. Tulum and Akumal are at Moderate and can shift quickly. Check live cams the morning of your beach visit.
- Best bets this week: North Cancún and Isla Mujeres for completely clear water. Puerto Morelos, South Cancún, Playa Gaviota Azul, and Cozumel for light conditions.
- Watch for wind shifts. Northerly winds (called "nortes") can temporarily push sargassum offshore and clean beaches within hours. Southerly winds do the opposite.
Experiences Worth Booking This Week
Isla Mujeres and Cozumel are clear or light this week — perfect conditions for a day trip or reef snorkel while mainland beaches recover.
Isla Mujeres Catamaran
Cruise across turquoise waters and jump off board to swim and snorkel among the reefs.
Book on ViatorBooking via our affiliate link supports this site at no extra cost to you.
Water shoes are worth packing for any beach this week — sargassum on the waterline can hide shells and rocks.
Water Shoes
Lightweight mesh water shoes that drain instantly — essential for keeping your feet safe from sargasso, sea urchins, and sharp cenote edges.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How to Monitor Conditions in Real Time
Our top tip for peak season: don't rely on a single source. The most effective monitoring strategy combines three layers:
- Live beach cams — check our live conditions map for real-time camera feeds at all 9 beaches.
- Hotel social media — follow your resort on Instagram and check their Stories every morning. Most hotels post beach condition photos by 7–8 a.m. before guests head down.
- USF satellite data — the USF Sargassum Watch System updates satellite imagery several times per week, showing where offshore mats are located and which direction they're drifting. This is the same data we use to generate our forecasts.
Combining all three gives you a 24–48 hour picture that's far more accurate than any single report. Bookmark this page and check back each Monday for our updated weekly report throughout peak season.
Check Live Conditions Now
Updated hourly using satellite data and webcam feeds.
View Live Conditions Map
