Does the seaweed in Cancun smell?

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.

How do you avoid sargassum in Cancun?

In Mexico, sargassum seaweed season is generally between May and October each year. If you travel to the Caribbean coast of Mexico outside of that time period you can generally avoid large mats of seaweed on the beaches. Cancun to Tulum seaweed map in March 2022. Credit: Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo de Quintana Roo.

Can you swim in sargassum seaweed?

If you don't have any open wounds, you should be OK to swim in oceans with sargassum, since that environment is moving saltwater instead of brackish water, he added. But if you see a clump go by, stay away from it.

Why does Cancun water smell?

Why does the water smell in Cancun? 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.

What side of Mexico has no seaweed?

The Pacific Coast is sargassum-free, and in parts of Mexico's Caribbean Coast, the impact varies. For example, the resorts of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres have shown small to virtually no signs of sargassum this year.

Do they clean up the seaweed in Cancun?

The popular tourist destination of Cancun has had cleaning teams, and even the navy, chipping in to remove the influx of sargassum – they've already disposed of around a huge 1,168 tons of sargassum in Cancun in 2023 so far.

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.

How is the seaweed in Cancun 2023?

2023 To Be A Record Year For Sargassum In Cancun And The Mexican Caribbean. If you are planning a trip to Cancun or the Mexican Caribbean over the next few months, this news may not be the most welcome.

Is the ocean safe to swim in Cancun?

You can swim peacefully! There are no dangerous species near the coasts of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. No shark attack, no jellyfish schools, no sea snakes! Beware of stingrays in the Caribbean Sea.

What time of year is worst for seaweed in Cancun?

Sargassum is at its worst between April and August, peaking in July and August, although this year saw the seaweed arrive early, with some beaches being hit heavily in March.

Where to avoid seaweed in Cancun?

Where is the best beach in Mexico without seaweed?

While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.

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.

What area in Cancun does not have 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!

Is it still safe to travel to Cancun right now?

Short Summary. Cancun is generally safe for travelers but take necessary precautions and take government website travel alerts into consideration. Follow safety tips like avoiding walking alone at night and sticking to well-known establishments.

Do all beaches in Mexico have seaweed?

If you want to avoid the seaweed and still enjoy sea and sand, then don't worry. Thanks to their location, the islands of Holbox, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel all have west-facing beaches that are either relatively or completely sargassum-free.

Which beaches in Mexico have no sargassum 2023?

Due to distance, speed of travel and currents, Cancun and Playa del Carmen beaches are expected to remain relatively free of the seaweed. The upcoming 2023 summer vacation holiday season for Cancun and Riviera Maya are forecast to be sargassum-free according to Esteban Jesús Amaro Mauricio.