How long does sargassum last in Mexico?


How long does sargassum last in Mexico? Sargassum, a brown seaweed that floods the Mexican Caribbean coast during the spring and summer months, is typically present until the fall months. Its presence is something that many visitors would rather not deal with on their vacations because it's unsightly and smells.


Is there sargassum in Riviera Maya?

The Riviera Maya, a popular resort region south of Cancun, is typically one of the hardest-hit areas in the Mexican Caribbean when it comes to sargassum. Ocean currents and certain geographical features cause massive amounts of the macroalgae to wash up on its shores each year.


Is sargassum predicted for May 2023?

USF reports it remains difficult to predict exact timing and location for individual beaching events but substantial amounts of the seaweed are expected in May in both the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. June is forecast to be the likely peak of the 2023 season, but impacts are expected to continue into July.


Where can you avoid sargassum in Mexico?

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.


What months is the seaweed bad in Mexico?

Seaweed season is generally between May and October. Based on the large size of the sargassum mat currently in the Atlantic, experts forecast that Tulum could have a major seaweed problem in 2023, depending on ocean and wind currents.


Where is there no seaweed in Mexico?

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. ...
  • Chiquila Beach.


How long does sargassum last in Playa del Carmen?

Sargassum accumulation typically peaks during the summer months from April to August. However, it can appear at any time throughout the year, making it challenging to predict its seasonal patterns. One positive aspect is that seaweed levels can change suddenly and drastically overnight.


Where is the sargassum Bloom headed in 2023?

Massive seaweed bloom is largest seen And this year's bloom is the largest on record. As of April 2023, this year's sargassum bloom is headed for the Caribbean and east coast of Florida. While some areas are already seeing the sargassum come ashore, the bulk of it is expected to arrive in June or July.


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.


What 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.


Is there seaweed on Mexican beaches in 2023?

While much depends on wind and ocean currents, the forecast is that Sargassum seaweed will be minimal on Mexico's Caribbean Coast in summer 2023. However it's still wise to keep a watch on seaweed conditions as landings of sargassum can still occur.


Is sargassum in July 2023?

However due to ocean currents, the amount of seaweed landing on beaches in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico in June and July 2023 was lower than expected. There's more good news! The sargassum seaweed forecast for September 2023 is minimal seaweed in the Caribbean Sea.


What beaches are not affected by sargassum 2023?

  • Grand Anse in St. ...
  • Morne Rouge Beach on Grenada. ...
  • Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. ...
  • Palm Beach in Aruba, Dutch Caribbean. ...
  • Playa Porto Mari on Curacao, Dutch Caribbean. ...
  • Bloody Bay and Long Bay Beaches in Negril, Jamaica. ...
  • Beaches in Antigua & Barbuda.


Is sargassum in Cancun in July 2023?

While much depends on wind and ocean currents, the prediction is that Sargassum will remain minimal on Mexico's Caribbean Coast for the next few months. This means that sargassum seaweed in Cancun and much of Riviera Maya will either decrease or remain stable in July and August 2023.


Is there a seaweed problem in Cancun 2023?

The 7 Cancun Beaches Most Affected By Sargassum So Far In 2023. Sargassum is making a slow but steady comeback in Cancun as the city inches closer to the start of the macroalgae season.


What time of year is sargassum?

Sargassum is type of brown seaweed that drifts on the ocean surface accumulating along beaches and coastlines throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Texas and Florida, including Miami-Dade County annually from March to October.


Which beaches in Mexico have no sargassum?

The farther north you go, there might be less, but sargassum can affect any beach. The least affected beaches are the beaches that face west on Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.


Does Riviera Maya get sargassum?

The Riviera Maya, a popular resort region south of Cancun, is typically one of the hardest-hit areas in the Mexican Caribbean when it comes to sargassum. Ocean currents and certain geographical features cause massive amounts of the macroalgae to wash up on its shores each year.


What month is best to avoid sargassum?

From October to May to avoid seaweed If you want to dip into sargassum-free beaches, the best season is from October to May. Fun Fact: Some resorts like Seadust Cancun have made efforts to keep the seaweed from arriving at the shore by implementing a marine-life-friendly barrier.