Sargassum season in Mexico is about to see its worst days and travelers may be wondering what destinations won’t be too affected. Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Cancun? Let’s see.
This phenomenon has been getting worse over the last decade. The Sargasso Monitoring Network and the Academic Unit of Reef Systems of the Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) have calculated that the annual cleanup costs per beach kilometer has gone from $ 0.3 to 1.5 million.
Yesterday, the Institute of Oceanography of the Secretariat of Marine (Semar) warned that a blob of 8,250 tons of seaweed will be reaching the beaches of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and Xcalak over the next 24-48 hours, according to REPORTUR.mx
Tulum
So far in 2024, Tulum beaches have not been particularly affected by sargassum, although that may change soon if forecasts are correct.
According to experts, the destination is expected to receive a few tons of algae over the next 24-48 hours.
Carla Patricia Andrade Piedras, Director of the Association of Tulum Hotels (AHT), told reporters that local authorities and hoteliers are working together to keep beaches clean.
As per Andrade, this coordination has been highly effective and tourists are enjoying beaches as usual.
Playa del Carmen
Historically speaking, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos have been some of the most affected destinations during summer due to massive sargassum arrival.
According to the Marine Secretariat, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cozumel must brace for the arrival of over 16 tons of algae during the next 24-48 hours.
Although you can see beachgoers swimming in the sea, Playa del Carmen’s central beaches are buried under saragassum as of May 30.
Cancun
Thanks to its privileged geographical location, Cancun tends to receive less sargazo than other beaches in Quintana Roo.
While this destination may be your best bet, it doesn’t mean it won’t be affected by this natural phenomenon, especially over the summer.
In fact, the Navy Secretariat forecasts that Cancun is set to receive at least 14 tons of algae over the next 24-48 hours.
If you’re planning a getaway to Cancun, Playa Delfines and Playa Norte, in Isla Mujeres, are the places that normally get less algae.
So far, beaches with the largest amounts of sargassum in Cancun include Playa del Niño, Puerto Juárez and Playa Puerta del Mar.
The Mexican Caribbean is not all about Beaches
Although the Mexican Caribbean has always been associated with pristine beaches bathed in turquoise waters, the reality is that this destination has so much more to see and enjoy.
If there is too much sargazo on beaches, opt to visit the fantastic cenotes, which are underground sinkholes filled with fresh water that can only be found in Mexico.
Another option is to immerse yourself in ancient culture by visiting the pyramids and learning about the ancestral peoples who built them.