Why does it smell in Cancun?

Why does it 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.

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.

Is sargassum a problem in Cancun?

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.

Is it safe to drink Cancun water?

The short answer is no. Tap water in Cancun is not recommended for drinking, even for locals.

What months is seaweed bad in Cancun?

Seaweed season in Cancun is May to October so if you are visiting during those months in 2023 you could encounter sargassum seaweed on the beaches and/or in the water.

Which 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!

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.

How do you prevent sargassum in Cancun?

The best bet for beaches near Cancun with no seaweed is to head to the island of Isla Mujeres or to the leeward coast of Cozumel by ferry. The beautiful north beach on Isla Mujeres itself is almost always clear of seaweed.

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.

Which beach has no sargassum?

Playa Porto Mari on Curacao, Dutch Caribbean One of the most beautiful beaches in Curacao also happens to be one of the best Caribbean beaches without sargassum. Located on the west coast of the island of Curacao, Playa Porto Mari is a private beach which means there is an entrance fee.

What time of year is there no 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.

Why does Playa del Carmen smell?

Thick rafts of a seaweed-like algae species known as sargassum have caused resorts to close in the Caribbean before, and now they're piling up on Mexico's Riviera Maya in foul-smelling heaps.

What are the best worst months to travel to Cancun?