Can you swim in Cancun with seaweed?


Can you swim in Cancun with seaweed? Although the seaweed season runs from May until August, swimming is still permitted on all Cancun beaches.


What beaches will sargassum affect?

The presence of Sargassum occurs over large areas from the tropical Atlantic in the east, to the Gulf of Mexico in the west, approximately 5,000 kilometers from the eastern tropical Atlantic to the west off the Mexican coast in the Caribbean Sea.


What beaches in Cancun are best to avoid seaweed?

Escape the 'blobs:' These beaches in Cancun have little to no seaweed
  • Isla Contoy. “Spanning just five miles long, the island's pristine white sand, untouched by sargassum, stands as its undeniable centerpiece, drawing visitors in with its sheer beauty. ...
  • Playa Tortugas. ...
  • Isla Mujeres Playa Centro. ...
  • Isla Mujeres - Punta Sur.


Why does Riviera Maya have so much seaweed?

The seaweed is moved from the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt to Mexico and the Caribbean region by hitching a ride on currents. As it makes it way along these streams, the sargassum picks up more and more nutrients and continues to grow.


Does Playa del Carmen always have seaweed?

The beaches in Playa del Carmen experience a seasonal seaweed influx that can change throughout the year. While efforts are being made to address the situation, visitors should know that the seaweed may impact their beach experience.


Do resorts clean up sargassum?

Popular resort hubs, including Playa del Carmen and Tulum, have ramped up efforts to deter sargassum from affecting travelers. What is this? Both destinations have set up temporary barriers and hired more cleaners in an effort to attract more travelers.


Does the seaweed in Cancun smell?

What Is Sargassum? Sargassum seaweed is a type of macroalgae that forms over the Atlantic Ocean each year in large quantities. The foul-smelling but harmless seaweed is a perennial issue for Caribbean destinations like Cancun, which see huge quantities of the macroalgae wash up on their shores yearly.


Do Cancun beaches have sargassum?

The presence of sargassum on Mexican Caribbean beaches in places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum is an eyesore for tourists visiting the region. What is this? For this reason, officials make a major effort to try to control it and keep it off of the beaches as much as possible.


Does hotel zone in Cancun have seaweed?

In Cancun, by far the most sought-after beach destination this summer, travelers can expect to encounter sargassum across beaches in the hotel zone, as well as in Costa Mujeres.


What months to avoid seaweed in Cancun?

From October to May to avoid seaweed If you want to dip into sargassum-free beaches, the best season is from October to May.


Is there a sargassum forecast for 2023?

Since 2011, 2023 still ranks in the top half of the worst sargassum seaweed seasons. With the latest data, USF researchers say in June, sargassum will likely decrease in the Gulf of Mexico, meaning beachgoers may not have such a smelly experience. The USF lab forecasts the decrease to continue through August.


Does Riviera Maya have a seaweed problem?

If you've been to the Riviera Maya before, there's more than likely a high chance that you've encountered sargassum before. Despite being home to some of the best, white-sanded beaches on the planet, the region's geographical location makes it a hot spot for the microalgae to wash up on. What is this?


Is there still a seaweed problem in Mexico 2023?

However it's still wise to keep a watch on seaweed conditions as landings of sargassum can still occur. The most recent sargassum forecast for Mexico's Caribbean Coast predicts minimal seaweed in summer 2023 but there may be landings in some locations (such as this beach on June 2023).


What beach in Playa del Carmen has no seaweed?

Top Tip: Punta Esmeralda is a curved bay sheltered from the open sea, and thus receives less sargassum seaweed than other beaches in Playa del Carmen. If you're visiting during the sargassum season, which runs roughly from April to August, this might be the best place to swim in seaweed-free water.


What part of Cancun has no seaweed?

Like many other travelers, you've probably already heard about the seaweed or sargassum problem along the Quintana Roo coastline. Get to know more about Playa Mujeres: A Sargassum-Free Haven in Cancun, and prepare to enjoy a spectacular Caribbean getaway!


What is the best beach to avoid sargassum?

Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico Playa Norte is a dazzling beach in the Caribbean without sargassum seaweed. This beach is a perfect white sand haven for vacationers to take a break from their busy lives.