Riviera Maya Beach Review: Best Beaches to Visit (and Avoid) During Sargassum Season
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Riviera Maya Beach Review 2025: Real-Time Sargassum and Seaweed Conditions at Popular Beaches Using the Beachday App
If you're planning a beach vacation in the Riviera Maya, one thing can make or break your day: sargassum seaweed. It’s the most talked-about issue for anyone looking for a clean, swimmable beach in Mexico.
We spent a full day checking out six popular Riviera Maya beaches and used the Beachday beach app to track real-time beach conditions, seaweed levels, entry prices, and more.
Here’s your honest beach review of what’s happening right now — and which beach is actually worth it for your next beach day.
Xcacel Beach – Natural Beauty, But Watch for Seaweed
Xcacel remains a peaceful, lesser-known gem. While there was a significant amount of seaweed on the beach, we still found areas to relax and snorkel near the reef. The best part? No entry fee if you’re just walking in.
❌ Sargassum present, but apparently snorkeling is still good by the reef.
✅ Free entry for taking a look, if you decide to go theres an entry fee since its a protected beach.
✅ Great for a quiet, nature-focused beach day
🌊 Akumal – Seaweed and Crowds
Akumal Beach is known for turtle sightings, but today it felt more like a tourist trap. There’s a 140 peso entry fee, and while there were swimmable areas, the beach had a strong smell of gas, lots of vendors, and moderate seaweed.
❌ Sargassum is manageable but not great
❌ Crowded and commercialized
❌ Not the best beach vibe right now
Xpu-Ha – Seaweed Struggles
Normally one of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya, Xpu-Ha Beach is currently covered in mounds of seaweed. The beach still charges for entry despite the poor conditions, making it one to avoid during sargassum season.
❌ Heavy seaweed buildup
❌ Still charging for beach access
❌ Not ideal for swimming or sunbathing
Paamul – A lot of Seaweed in the Water, Nice Pool
Access to Paamul Beach is only available through the beach club, which requires a 500 peso minimum consumption per person (low season). The beach had lots of seaweed, even in the water, but the pool area was nice and a good alternative.
❌ High seaweed levels
💸 Expensive beach access
✅ Beach club pool is a plus
Puerto Morelos – The Best Beach Day Spot Right Now
Looking for a clean beach with little to no sargassum? Head straight to Puerto Morelos. This beach had clear water, minimal seaweed, and the perfect laid-back atmosphere for a true beach day.
✅ Low sargassum and seaweed levels
✅ Clear blue water
✅ Chill, peaceful beach town vibe
🔗 [View Puerto Morelos on Beachday]
Playacar Beach – Overwhelmed by Sargassum Right Now
Playacar Beach, usually one of Playa del Carmen’s hidden gems, is currently in rough shape. The shore is covered in thick, dense seaweed, the water is brown and murky, and the smell of decaying sargassum is strong. Swimming isn’t recommended at the moment.
❌ Heavy sargassum buildup
❌ Brown water, not swimmable
❌ Strong seaweed odor across the beach
Don’t Let Seaweed Ruin Your Riviera Maya Beach Day
Sargassum can hit any beach in the Riviera Maya without warning. That’s why we built the Beachday app — a real-time beach condition app that shows you live reviews, seaweed levels, and crowd status before you go.
Whether you're planning a chill afternoon or your dream beach vacation, check Beachday first so you don’t waste time (or pesos) at the wrong spot.
📲 Download Beachday to see real-time beach reviews from locals and travelers: https://beachday.app.link/9Db5HFYulUb
