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Are the beaches in Riviera Maya swimmable?

Fringed by a lush jungle and washed by the tranquil Caribbean Sea, the beaches of the Riviera Maya are among the best in Mexico, mostly deserted, and when the sargasso weed is not invading, the best spots to swim and enjoy the refreshing water.



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Without a life guard on every beach, it is important to be extra cautious with your kids and how far they choose to swim. Playa del Carmen, the north beach in Tulum, and Akumal all have lifeguards for the beaches but they are limited. Swim close to shore and it you are not a big swimmer, wear a life vest.

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Sargassum In The Riviera Maya This Year Expected To Nearly Double Compared To 2022 Levels. Sargassum levels in the Riviera Maya are expected to nearly double compared to levels seen last year.

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While the entire area has great beaches, there is definitely a difference in the types of beaches contained in each area. The ocean water in Cancun tends to have more waves and surf rolling in, while the waters in the Riviera Maya are often calmer thanks to the natural barrier reef that protects this area.

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The best months for good weather in Riviera Maya are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. On average, the warmest months are April, May, June, July, August, September and October. The rainiest months are June, September and October.

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One of the best things about the weather in the Riviera Maya is the fact that the waters are warm and soothing. The water temperatures hover between 78°F-80°F during the winter and 82°F-84°F during the summer.

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Seaweed season is generally between May and October. Based on the large size of the sargassum mat currently in the Atlantic, experts forecast that Tulum could have a major seaweed problem in 2023, depending on ocean and wind currents.

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While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.

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Like many other travelers, you've probably already heard about the seaweed or sargassum problem along the Quintana Roo coastline. Get to know more about Playa Mujeres: A Sargassum-Free Haven in Cancun, and prepare to enjoy a spectacular Caribbean getaway!

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Although there will be some bacteria in the water from the tap it is fine to brush your teeth with, even if you are at a place where you can't drink the tap water.

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Virtually all areas of the Riviera Maya are good for tourists to walk around, aside from two places (you can still go, just exercise increased caution). One is the Cancún downtown, and the other is anything further in-land from Avenida 45 Norte in Playa del Carmen (past the motorway bridge).

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Arrive at Akumal Beach and enjoy the opportunity to swim with wild turtles. Put on a snorkeling mask and marvel at marine life as you float above the vibrant reef. Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch of tacos or pizza.

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Is the Riviera Maya water clear? The Riviera Maya is one of Mexico's most popular tourist regions and for good reason: it offers a wide variety of options for those seeking sun, sea, and relaxation. With its stunning beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sands, the region is a true tropical paradise.

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We find water shoes to be protective and useful when snorkeling or swimming in the cenotes. If this is your first time here in the Riviera Maya, bring your water shoes so that you have them on hand for those exploration days. You will soon learn that the sea is clear, sandy and beautiful and water shoes are not needed.

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The beaches in Playa del Carmen experience a seasonal seaweed influx that can change throughout the year. While efforts are being made to address the situation, visitors should know that the seaweed may impact their beach experience.

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Top Tip: Punta Esmeralda is a curved bay sheltered from the open sea, and thus receives less sargassum seaweed than other beaches in Playa del Carmen. If you're visiting during the sargassum season, which runs roughly from April to August, this might be the best place to swim in seaweed-free water.

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If you want to avoid the seaweed and still enjoy sea and sand, then don't worry. Thanks to their location, the islands of Holbox, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel all have west-facing beaches that are either relatively or completely sargassum-free.

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While much depends on wind and ocean currents, the forecast is that Sargassum seaweed will be minimal on Mexico's Caribbean Coast in summer 2023. However it's still wise to keep a watch on seaweed conditions as landings of sargassum can still occur.

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The Riviera Maya hurricane season begins in late May and lasts until early November, with the peak in September and October. The odds of a hurricane hitting Riviera Maya are low (five hurricanes have hit the Yucatan in the past 40 years), but hurricanes traveling near Riviera Maya can still cause severe weather.

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Its pristine, white beaches, beautiful cenotes, archaeological sites, divers cuisine, restaurants, hotels, condos and resorts. Here are 10 reasons to visit the Riviera Maya, in the south of Cancun, from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, Sian Ka'an in the south of Tulum.

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June is the hottest month in Riviera Maya with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and the coldest is January at 23°C (73°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 10 in August. The wettest month is September with an average of 247mm of rain.

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