FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The short answers to what people ask us most about Sargazo Watch — what it is, where the readings come from, and how to use them well.
What is Sargazo Watch?
An independent service that tracks live sargassum (seaweed) and beach conditions across the Riviera Maya and the wider Caribbean, using live webcams, satellite data, public sources and community reports.
How are beach conditions determined?
We combine live hotel and public webcams, NOAA and University of South Florida satellite imagery, public data, and on-the-ground photos and reports. These are blended into a simple, beach-by-beach reading. All scores are estimates, not guarantees.
Is Sargazo Watch official or government-affiliated?
No. Sargazo Watch is independent and is not a government agency or tourism board. Beach ratings reflect conditions only and are never influenced by commercial partnerships.
How often is the information updated?
Live cams and visitor photos update continuously, and our team updates beach readings twice a week. Satellite forecasts refresh daily. Because conditions can change within hours, it is best to confirm locally before you travel.
Is it free? How do you make money?
Yes, it's free. We might earn a small commission when visitors book hotels or activities through direct affiliate links on the website, at no extra cost to them. This helps us continue monitoring beaches, maintain the platform, and support an active team dedicated to improving beach transparency. Our affiliate partnerships do not influence our beach conditions or reports, but allow us to keep this service free and accessible to the public.
Can I rely on it to plan my trip?
You can rely on it as a strong starting point for planning your trip. However, beach conditions can change quickly, so we recommend confirming with your hotel or local contacts closer to your travel date. Forecasts are helpful, but there are natural limits to how precisely conditions can be predicted. You can create a free account and build a watchlist to stay updated on specific beaches.
How can I contribute to beach transparency?
You can contribute by creating a free account and posting photos of beaches you visit in the Caribbean. This helps the community stay informed in real time.