Why is there so much seaweed in Playa del Carmen?
Why is there so much seaweed in Playa del Carmen? The seaweed problem in Playa del Carmen is caused by various factors, including climate change, ocean currents, and pollution. The sargassum seaweed, which is the type that is currently affecting the area, originates in the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean and is carried by ocean currents to the Caribbean.
How long does the seaweed last in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen Seaweed in 2023 This makes it smell and release dangerous gases such as hydrogen sulfide gas, or H2S, a colourless, poisonous gas with an unpleasant rotten-egg odor,. The seaweed season usually ends in October in Playa del Carmen. In 2022, most of the beaches had no seaweed by October 15, 2022.
Does Riviera Maya have a lot of seaweed?
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.
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.
What part of Mexico has seaweed problem?
Cancun and Riviera Maya are experiencing one of their most intrusive sargassum seaweed seasons ever. The dense, foul-smelling algae is a common site along shorelines, and Cancun and surrounding areas are seeing an influx at an alarming rate. Sargassum is not your average beach shrubbery; it can be dangerous.
What beach in Mexico has no seaweed?
If your answer is none, Isla Contoy could be at the top of your list - book now! ¿Cuántas islas vírgenes has visitado este año? Si tu respuesta es ninguna, Isla Contoy podría ser la primera de tu lista. ¡Reserva ya!
Are there any beaches in Playa del Carmen without 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 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.
What are the worst months for sargassum in Mexico?
Generally the worst months for seaweed are July and August. Does Tulum have a seaweed problem? Tulum, Mexico has a history of receiving influxes of sargassum seaweed during seaweed season.
Is the ocean swimmable in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen boasts an enviable collection of beaches, where you can enjoy typical Caribbean relaxation and swim in an unspoilt sea, perhaps coming across turtles while you do so.
Where are the beaches without sargassum in Playa del Carmen?
For example, in 2022, when mainland of Playa del Carmen, Mexico had a severe sargassum seaweed problem, the leeward beaches of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel were free of seaweed.
Is there red tide in Playa del Carmen?
If you're traveling in Playa del Carmen at the moment, you may notice some reddish-colored type of sargassum along the beach. Over the first two days of the new year, almost 5 tonnes of this red algae was collected by local authorities.
Will there be seaweed in Mexico 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.
What are the worst months for seaweed in Playa del Carmen?
Sargassum season in the Mexican Caribbean typically runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the worst months for its arrival.
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 time of year does Playa del Carmen have seaweed?
Additionally, more sargassum is expected in the Quintana Roo region, where Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other well-known beach resorts are situated, as the peak of the season typically occurs between June and August.
Is the water clear in Playa del Carmen?
With its stunning beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sands, the region is a true tropical paradise. If you are looking for a beach to enjoy water sports or just relax, Playa del Carmen is an excellent choice.
Where are the best beaches 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.
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.
How do you avoid seaweed in Playa del Carmen?
Language Guide Mexico For example, sea turtles eat the seaweed in Playa del Carmen and hide their nests under it. But the algae in Mexico disturb the idyllic picture of the holiday beach. If you want to avoid the algae during your vacation on the Yucatan Peninsula, you should visit the islands off the coast.
Does Coco beach have seaweed?
People visiting Cocoa Beach, Florida said piles of sargassum seaweed weren't what they expected during a day at the beach.