Tulum is having its worst tourism season in years. Hotel occupancy in the coastal zone has fallen to roughly 30% this summer, with town-centre hotels reporting rates as low as 15%. Airlines have cut frequencies, luxury hotel prices have dropped by as much as 35%, and local vendors say this is their worst stretch since the pandemic.
The causes are multiple and they are stacking. Here is what is driving the slump - and what it means if you are planning a trip.
Sargassum at its worst
Sargassum seaweed has blanketed large sections of Tulum’s beaches this year. Unlike other parts of the Riviera Maya where heavy machinery can clear it quickly, Tulum sits within a protected national park zone. Machinery cannot be brought in, which means sargassum accumulates and stays. At its worst, the shoreline has been reduced to a narrow strip of sand with thick mats of weed in the shallow water. For many visitors, this is the single biggest deterrent.
Sargassum volume fluctuates week to week. If you are planning a visit, check current conditions through local beach monitors in the week before you travel.
New beach entry fees
In 2026, access to beaches within the Parque Nacional del Jaguar - which covers a significant section of the Tulum hotel zone - now requires an entry fee. Foreign visitors pay approximately 415 pesos (around $22 USD as of 2026). Mexican nationals pay a reduced rate. Beaches that were previously free to access are now gated.
This has surprised some visitors who budgeted for Tulum as an affordable destination. Budget accordingly before you go.
Extortion allegations
A report broadcast on national television in June 2026 highlighted extortion allegations against local municipal officials. Business owners described garbage collection and operating permit charges running into hundreds of thousands of pesos. Federal opposition deputies have since called on President Sheinbaum to investigate.
The allegations add to a broader narrative around corruption and insecurity that has made some international visitors hesitant, particularly those from North America who were already reconsidering travel in the context of cartel-related news from other parts of Mexico.
What this means for travellers
In practical terms, a down season means better deals. Hotels that previously commanded premium rates are offering significant reductions. If you are flexible on dates and check sargassum conditions in advance, there are real bargains available right now.
For a direct comparison of the two biggest Riviera Maya destinations, see our Cancún vs Tulum guide. If you want to understand the broader beach picture along the Riviera Maya, our Riviera Maya beaches guide covers the full stretch.
Tulum remains a striking destination when conditions are right. The question for summer 2026 is whether those conditions align with your travel dates. If you commit to a visit, Tulum tours and activities - cenote swimming, Mayan ruins at Cobá, and jungle bike routes - are all inland and unaffected by sargassum conditions on the coast.