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Whether you’re a frequent visitor to the Mexican Caribbean, or are simply planning to head to the sun for that much-needed sunny getaway in the near future, you’re probably aware that the most dreaded time of year is quickly approaching:
Sargassum season.
Every year, from about late March to early October, Mexico’s Caribbean coast is plagued by a wave of foul-smelling, invasive seaweed that makes its way onto land and forms an unattractive dark ribbon on the sand. affecting the otherwise pristine white.
As much as Mexican authorities have done their best to curb the landfall in recent years, and have been quite ingenious in doing so, from the installation of full-fledged coastal barriers to 24-hour cleanups that give morning visitors the appearance of a clean beach, sargassum cannot be completely avoided.
And the problem is that, year after year, it becomes an even bigger problem.
That doesn’t mean you can’t actively take steps to minimize the risks of your postcard-ready beach vacation being ruined by seaweed: while places like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum are bearing the brunt, these 4 other Mexican-Caribbean spots will see considerable less argassum this spring:
Top 5 Mexican Caribbean Destinations for Less Sargassum
Isla Holbox
A car-free island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with water as crystal clear as that of the Caribbean, Holbox is a nature reserve inhabited by elegant pink flamingos, pelicans, sea turtles and about 2,000 human residents.
More of a lush natural park full of palapas and colorful houses, it’s the closest to the remote island experience you’ll get within easy reach of Cancun; from the Yucatan metropolis it is a 2-hour drive by car and ferry to Holbox.
Imagine long sandy beaches, bioluminescent plankton glowing at night, and a luxurious barefoot atmosphere everywhere. At night it feels like you’re walking on stars in water, and guess what? Much less sargassum.
It is surrounded by shallow waters and sandbanks, which means that a lot of the seaweed is spread out seasonal winds tend to push it away from the beaches of Holbox (especially along the north coast).
Costa Mujeres
The more exclusive, ‘quiet luxury’ side of Cancun, Costa Mujeres is a beautiful coastal area about a 20-minute drive from the busy hotel zone.
With less crowded beaches, boutique resorts with beautiful pool areas where you actually have room to breathe, and sparkling turquoise waters, it’s a 11 km long paradise on the water. Even better? It has very little sargassum compared to neighboring parts of the Caribbean.
That’s largely down to its geography – it’s protected by a number of offshore reefs and islands that act as a natural barrier – and gentler currents.
Although there may be some seaweed on the shore, there is nowhere near Cancun levelsso it’s practically a guarantee that, between the Main Hotel Zone and Costa Mujeres, the latter is a wiser choice this season.
Isla Mujeres
Located off the coast opposite Costa Mujeres, Isla Mujeres is a tropical gem with a relaxed village soul. We’re talking close-knit island communities, traditional coastal settlements, and beautiful beaches that look like a literal postcard.
Just look at Playa Norte: often ranked among the best beaches in the entire CaribbeanIt has that powdery white sand and calm, clear turquoise water, perfect for swimming.
In addition, Mujeres has significantly less sargassum than the mainland. After all, Sargassum is drawn to the beaches of the mainland by the prevailing winds and currents, and this is an island.
The beaches on the north side, especially Playa Norte, are noticeably less landed during the peak seaweed proliferation season, so it’s no wonder tourists flock here on day trips from the mainland – from Cancun, the average journey takes 20-28 minutes.
Cozumel
We might risk sounding like a broken record at this point, but here is Cozumel: a Mexican Caribbean island with a pristine coastline, a green hinterland and coral reefs.
Of the Mexican islands, it is the largest, and probably the one with a stronger cosmopolitan feel.
Don’t get us wrong: the local culture is still strong, and… it remains relaxedbut it do have an airport, with flights from a number of US cities, and vibrant beach clubs. A little busier than most entries on this list, but still laid back and relaxing.
As for sargasso? The main beaches all face east, towards the open Caribbean, and as you have learned by now: the nasty algae are carried past islands on the way to the mainland.
That’s not to say you won’t see zero seaweed on Cozumel, or any island for that matter, but it usually spreads before it becomes established, and they are barely noticeable.
None of those unattractive brown belts on the coastline. Considering the condition of Tulum’s coastline, visitors to Cozumel can consider themselves lucky.
