Why is there so much seaweed in Cancun?

Why is there so much seaweed in Cancun? Sargassum usually accumulates in the Sargasso Sea and is moved across the Gulf of Mexico and some parts of the Caribbean. Due to unforeseen climate changes, massive amounts of the seaweed has ended up in Cancun.

Are the beaches in Cancun swimmable?

Cancun offers a few Blue Flag rated beaches. These are safe public beaches for swimming and also offer disabled friendly access to the water.

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 there a sargassum problem in 2023?

2023 is shaping up to be a banner year for sargassum, a type of brown macroalgae now starting to wash up on beaches across the Caribbean. The thick dead tangled heaps of seaweed stink like rotten eggs and could cost many millions in holiday revenues this summer.

When should I avoid seaweed in Cancun?

The amount of sargassum seaweed in Cancun varies by season and even daily. Generally the worst months for seaweed are July and August.

Where is all the seaweed coming from 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.

Why does Mexico have so much seaweed?

The seaweed on Mexico beaches is simply a natural phenomenon. Seaweed, also known as sargassum, tends to arrive far offshore, but ocean currents have brought it to the shores of Mexico's Caribbean coast and the Gulf of Mexico. The seaweed levels vary day by day, and you can follow them by webcam at the major beaches.

Is seaweed always a problem in Cancun?

What time of year is seaweed bad in Cancun? The amount of sargassum seaweed in Cancun varies by season and even daily. Generally the worst months for seaweed are July and August.

Which Caribbean island has no seaweed?

Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos is definitely a destination to consider if you're looking for Caribbean beach without seaweed for a family, couples or group vacation.

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.

Which beach in Mexico has no 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.

Which month is best to visit Cancun?

The best time to visit Cancún is from December to April during the peak season. Even though the crowds are heavier, you'll experience near-perfect weather and find some of the cheapest flight and room rates for a winter getaway at the beach.

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.

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.

Where to avoid seaweed in Cancun?

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.

Is the seaweed worse in Cancun or Playa del Carmen?

In Playa del Carmen, the most affected beaches are Playacar Ferry, Playacar ZH Fase1, and Playa El Recodo. Most beaches in Cancun have low levels of sargassum.

Is it safe to go to Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is one of the safest places to travel in Mexico, and one of the best beach towns in Mexico. For the most part, Playa del Carmen is considered safe for the majority of visitors, with the biggest threats usually being hurricanes, hangovers, sunburns and mosquitoes.

Where is the best place in Mexico to avoid 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.