As spring settles over the Riviera Maya, what should be a season of blue horizons and gentle tides has instead brought an old, unwelcome guest back to the shores of Tulum: sargassum. The floating brown seaweed, carried by Atlantic currents, has once again begun to blanket the region’s famed beaches in thick, sulfur-scented layers. The sight can be disheartening for visitors expecting postcard scenes of pristine sand and turquoise water. But while the coast wrestles with this seasonal invasion, a quieter paradise persists inland — one that invites travelers to discover Tulum’s freshwater wonders beyond the beach.
What is Sargassum — and When Does It Leave?
Sargassum is a naturally occurring brown algae that forms vast mats in the Atlantic Ocean, providing a habitat for marine life. But when nutrient-rich waters and rising sea temperatures combine, these blooms grow out of control, drifting westward and washing ashore in large quantities. On land, sargassum decomposes quickly under the tropical sun, releasing a pungent odor and discoloring the water.
In Tulum, the sargassum season generally begins in March and can last through September, with peak intensity often seen from May to August. In March 2025, cleanup crews are working overtime as tons of seaweed make landfall each week. Resorts are deploying offshore barriers and daily raking operations, but the battle is ongoing. Rather than cancel their plans or resign themselves to seaweed-strewn sands, many travelers explore a different side of Tulum — a subterranean, freshwater world untouched by the sea.
Inland Escapes: Cenotes and Lagoons as Beach Alternatives
Beneath the Yucatán Peninsula lies one of Earth’s largest underground river systems. Over millennia, parts of the limestone bedrock collapsed, revealing openings to these rivers in the form of cenotes—natural freshwater sinkholes considered sacred by the ancient Maya. Today, cenotes offer visitors refreshing, crystal-clear swimming spots surrounded by jungle, rock formations, and silence. When beaches are overwhelmed with sargassum, cenotes become the crown jewels of Tulum.
Here are some of the most breathtaking alternatives to the sea:
1. Laguna Kaan Luum – The Lagoon with a Secret
Located just 15 minutes south of Tulum’s center, Laguna Kaan Luum is a vast, shallow lake encircling a dramatic dark cenote in its middle. The contrast between the vibrant turquoise shallows and the deep indigo sinkhole creates an almost surreal panorama. Wooden piers extend into the warm, tranquil waters, and over-water hammocks invite quiet reflection.
This lagoon is perfect for families and solo travelers alike. Its calm surface is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply lounging. The central cenote is roped off for safety, but scuba divers can explore its depths with permission.
2. Gran Cenote – A Gateway to the Underworld
Just a few kilometers outside Tulum lies Gran Cenote, one of the most famous and accessible in the region. A mix of open-air and cavern sections, it’s a favorite for snorkelers who glide through crystal waters among fish and turtles while sunbeams filter through limestone arches.
Gran Cenote feels almost sacred — not just for its natural beauty but for its serenity enveloping you as you float beneath stalactites. It’s family-friendly and offers showers, restrooms, and shaded picnic areas.
3. Cenote Calavera – For the Adventurous Spirit
Nicknamed the “Temple of Doom,” Cenote Calavera (Skull Cenote) is for those seeking a rush. A small hole in the limestone opens into a round, dark pool below. Visitors often leap through the three “eye” openings — or descend by ladder if they’re less daring.
Inside, divers and snorkelers explore narrow chambers and eerie rock formations. The experience is both exhilarating and oddly peaceful.
4. Cenote Carwash (Aktun-Ha) – Nature Meets Simplicity
A local favorite, Cenote Carwash earned its nickname because taxi drivers once used its water to clean their cars. Today, it’s a large, open cenote surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters. Ideal for swimming, floating, and watching freshwater fish, this cenote is less crowded than others but just as magical.
Divers can explore a submerged cave system filled with fallen tree branches and aquatic life, while above the surface, it’s common to spot turtles and birds.
5. Cenote Zacil-Ha – Zip Line into Serenity
This small, open cenote is perfect for families. Zacil-Ha offers shallow, clear water surrounded by platforms and even a small zip line that drops you right into the water. It feels like a natural swimming pool tucked into the forest.
Amenities like restrooms and loungers make it a comfortable day stop, and the vibe is relaxed and community-friendly.
6. Cenote Dos Ojos – A Diver’s Dream
One of the region’s most iconic cenotes, Dos Ojos (Two Eyes), is a pair of side-by-side sinkholes connected by underwater tunnels. The clear and blue water makes it ideal for snorkelers and cave divers.
If certified, dive tours offer access to one of the world’s most extended underground cave systems — a surreal network of chambers and tunnels bathed in light beams from above.
7. Cenote Escondido & Cenote Cristal – Twin Tranquilities
Across the highway from each other, these open cenotes are framed by thick jungle and offer a quieter experience. Cristal is popular for its jumping platform and vast, sunlit pool. As the name suggests, Escondido feels like a secret garden — shaded, intimate, and wrapped in silence.
Bring snorkels, relax under the trees, or float on your back watching the leaves sway above.
8. Cenote Nicte-Ha – Hidden and Pristine
Near Dos Ojos but often overlooked, Nicte-Ha is a peaceful cenote surrounded by lilies and mangroves. Its shallow, clear water and fewer crowds make it perfect for a calm afternoon swim or meditation.
The surrounding forest echoes with bird calls and rustling leaves, making it a perfect spot for reconnecting with nature away from the tourist trail.
Nature Beyond the Beach
While the sargassum season poses a visible and olfactory challenge along Tulum’s shores, it also opens the door to more profound discovery. These freshwater escapes offer relief and immersion into a timeless landscape—one where the spirit of the Maya lingers in the cool blue shadows of stone and water.
Inland, the jungle whispers a different kind of welcome. For those willing to step away from the sea, Tulum still delivers all the wonder without the seaweed.
Have you visited these incredible cenotes or found other hidden water gems in Tulum during the sargassum season? Share your experiences, recommendations, or favorite spots in the comments. Let’s help future travelers discover the magic beyond the beach.
