Weekly Sargassum Report — March 23, 2026

Beach-by-Beach — Week of March 23

Conditions change hourly. Check the live map before heading to the beach.

Isla Mujeres — Looking Good This Week

The webcam at Playa Norte this morning (7:59 AM) shows exactly what you want to see — turquoise water, white sand, and zero seaweed. Despite a brief one-day sargassum surge on Tuesday March 17 that reached even Playa Norte, the island bounced back by Wednesday morning and has been clear since. This is Isla Mujeres doing what it does best.

If you're based in Cancún and conditions tighten up later this week, the 20-minute ferry to Isla Mujeres is always worth it. And if you're thinking of basing yourself there for a few days rather than just a day trip — with the water this clear it's worth considering. Browse hotels on Isla Mujeres → Check current conditions: Isla Mujeres live conditions →

What the Satellite Data Shows

NOAA's Sargassum Inundation Risk (SIR) fields — a collaboration between NOAA/AOML, NOAA CoastWatch/OceanWatch, and the University of South Florida — provide an overview of coastal inundation risk using satellite data. The algorithm analyzes AFAI (Alternative Floating Algae Index) values within a 50 km neighborhood of each coastal pixel, comparing them against a multiday baseline to classify risk as low (blue/green), medium (orange), or high (red).

This week's satellite data confirms what the webcams show: the northern coast from Cancún to Akumal is predominantly low-risk (green). Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen are showing orange (medium risk), and Tulum remains the most exposed. The geostrophic current vectors suggest the primary sargassum mass is tracking west — which means the southern Riviera Maya will likely see continued light arrivals through the week while the north remains clear.

What to Expect This Week

With the northern coast currently clear and satellite data showing low risk from Cancún to Akumal, this is a good week for beach days in most of the region. The main areas to watch are Puerto Morelos and Tulum — both showing medium risk on satellite and some lingering seaweed from last week. Conditions at these two spots could improve or worsen depending on wind direction over the next few days.

The 2026 season is still running ahead of historical averages — peak season (May–August) will bring heavier arrivals. Enjoy the relatively calm window while it lasts and keep checking the live map each morning.

If Conditions Change This Week

If sargassum picks up mid-week, cenote and inland day trips are always guaranteed clear. These sell out fast during peak season so booking ahead is worth it.

Or grab a resort pool day pass and guarantee yourself a sargassum-free swim regardless of ocean conditions.

Xel-Há is another excellent full-day alternative — a natural aquatic park near Tulum with snorkeling, zip lines, cliff jumping, and unlimited food and drinks all included.

Pack Reef-Safe for Any Beach Day

Mineral sunscreen is required near Mexico's protected coastal zones — standard chemical sunscreens are prohibited near coral reefs and cenotes.