Many tourists are concerned about the presence of sargassum on Mexican beaches because it limits beach access as it builds up. Depending on the tide, wind and other variables, the amount of seaweed can vary greatly.
If you are curious about what to expect on your next vacation, we recommend that you read on to learn more about this topic.
Suggested: Year-round sargassum-free beaches in the Caribbean
Seaweed affected sites in 2024 (photos from Sargassum reporting FB group)
Cancun
The latest photos from Cancun show no signs of Sargassum.
Playa del Carmen
The current distribution of sargassum in Quintana Roo is mixed, with a trend of low algae concentration.
The smelly seaweed appears to be absent from the main beach next to Parque Los Fundadores, but it is present in moderate quantities at Playa 88 and Punta Esmeralda, which are north of the city.
Tulum
Sargassum levels remain low. This is one of the destinations where an anti-sargassum barrier has been installed in the ocean to prevent seaweed from reaching the beaches.
Akumal
There are currently no reports of sargassum seaweed on the beaches of this Mexican city.
Cozumel
Bad weather caused a large amount of sargassum to accumulate last week, before the promenade, between San Miguel pier and Fuente del Buzo. It required a special commitment from municipal staff.
Workers from the Directorate of the Federal Maritime and Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) removed this sargassum from the beaches before it started to rot. They managed to collect almost three tons of this organic material.
If you want up-to-date information on the sargassum situation on Mexican beaches, join our Facebook group about the matter now!
What causes the arrival of the sargassum?
There are numerous explanations for the increasing number of sargassum we see in the Caribbean. Nutrient pollution from land washing into the ocean from roads, farms, cities and other human sources is one possible cause.
More sargassum has consistently been produced in the Atlantic Ocean in recent decades than in the past.
When is the best time to visit the Mexican Caribbean to avoid Sargassum?
Seaweed causes the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea to change color between April and September. The best time to swim at sargassum-free beaches is from October to May.
You can really appreciate the beauty of Mexico’s beaches by traveling during these months.
