Planning a trip to Tulum and worried about seaweed? Every summer, sargassum washes up on Caribbean beaches — and yes, Tulum gets its share. But here’s what most travel blogs won’t tell you: the seaweed shouldn’t change your plans. It should change your perspective.
Because Tulum isn’t just beaches. And summer in Tulum? We call it Cenote Season.
What’s the Deal with Sargassum?
Sargassum is a type of brown seaweed that drifts across the Atlantic and lands on Caribbean coastlines, typically between May and September. Some days the beaches are clear, other days they’re covered. It varies constantly — you might get lucky, or you might not.
But here’s the thing: you can choose to focus on the seaweed, or you can choose to focus on everything else Tulum has to offer. And trust us — there’s a lot.
Welcome to Cenote Season
The Yucatán Peninsula is home to over 7,500 cenotes — natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. They were all created by the same asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Over millennia, rainwater filtered through the limestone and filled these underground caverns, creating the largest underground freshwater system in the world.
And they’re absolutely magical.
Some are open-air pools surrounded by jungle. Others are underground caves with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and shafts of sunlight piercing the turquoise water. Each one is unique, and many are just a short scooter ride from Tulum.
What Can You Do at a Cenote?
- Swim and cool off — The water is a refreshing 24–25°C (75°F) year-round, perfect for escaping the summer heat
- Scuba dive — Explore underwater cave systems that stretch for kilometres
- Freedive — Crystal-clear visibility makes cenotes a world-class freediving destination
- Snorkel — Even without gear training, you can float and see incredible formations below
- Eat and relax — Many cenotes have restaurants, hammocks, and chill-out areas right on site
- Take photos — The scenery is unlike anything you’ve ever seen
Some of our favourites near Tulum include Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote, Cenote Zacil-Ha, and Casa Cenote — all reachable by scooter in under 20 minutes.
Tulum’s Lagoons: Beach Club Vibes Without the Seaweed
Miss the beach club experience? Tulum’s lagoons have you covered. Several stunning lagoons near town offer beach club–style restaurants right on the water — think lounge chairs, cocktails, DJ sets, and calm turquoise water with zero seaweed.
Laguna Kaan Luum and Laguna de Nopalitos are local favourites. They’re easy to reach by scooter and give you that laid-back waterfront feeling without worrying about sargassum.
What Else Is There to Do?
Tulum in summer is anything but boring:
- Explore the Mayan ruins — Tulum’s clifftop ruins overlooking the sea are iconic (and seaweed doesn’t affect the view from up there)
- Ride the beach road — Beach clubs, restaurants, and boutique shops line this famous stretch
- Visit beach clubs — Many have pools, so you can enjoy the vibe without touching the ocean
- Day trip to Sian Ka’an — A UNESCO biosphere reserve with pristine lagoons and wildlife
- Eat incredible food — Tulum’s restaurant scene is world-class, from street tacos to fine dining
- Night life — Jungle parties, rooftop bars, and live music
How to Get Around During Cenote Season
A scooter is the best way to explore Tulum — especially for cenote hopping. Most cenotes are off the main highway and down small access roads where taxis won’t go (or will charge a fortune).
At Mexigo Rentals, we have scooters, e-bikes, and bicycles ready for you at our Aldea Zama and Kan Tulum locations. Scooters start at just $650 MXN/day with insurance, 2 helmets, and a phone holder included.
Don’t Let Seaweed Ruin Your Trip
The sargassum comes and goes. But the cenotes, the lagoons, the ruins, the food, the jungle, the people — they’re here all year round. Some of our happiest customers come during “seaweed season” and tell us it was the best trip of their lives — because they discovered a side of Tulum that most tourists never see.
So don’t cancel. Just shift your focus. Welcome to Cenote Season. 🌊