CANCÚN | Alarmingly high sargassum levels have been making the headlines across the Mexican Caribbean over the past several weeks as officials battle to keep the stinky seaweed from washing up on shore.
While many locations across the region are forecast to see massive amounts of sargassum this week, others, like Cancun and Isla Mujeres, are expected to fare well.
In this article, we’ll review the sargassum situation across the Mexican Caribbean for the upcoming week:
These Are The Latest Sargassum Updates
Earlier this week, we reported that the Mexican Caribbean could see a record-breaking year for sargassum in 2023 as officials across the sun-soaked region prepare for the worst.
The sargassum seaweed season has undoubtedly started earlier than usual, prompting travelers to seek alternative plans to avoid the stinky seaweed.
Authorities in popular resort hotspots, including Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Tulum, have recently announced their sargassum action plans for the season. From new high-tech solutions in Cancun to more cleaners in Playa del Carmen, officials are spending more money and resources in an attempt to draw more travelers to spend time at the beach.
While a day out on the beach is a bucket list activity for many travelers, a growing number of visitors are opting for cenote tours, which provide respite from sargassum-filled beaches.
Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Yucatán are seeing their popularity explode thanks to their freshwater cenotes, which are naturally shielded from sargassum.
Cancun Beaches To Remain Mostly Sargassum-Free This Week
Travelers headed to Cancun this week can expect less sargassum than in previous weeks in several areas.
Cancun’s Blue-Flag beaches, especially those found in the city’s hotel zone, are all colored green according to the latest forecast, suggesting minimal sargassum levels.
Opt for Playa Marlín, Ballenas, and Delfines to find some of the lowest amounts of the stinky seaweed this week.
The situation appears to be somewhat worse just south of Cancun’s hotel zone, where the Riviera Maya starts.
The stretch of coastline ranging from Puerto Morelos to the Riviera Cancun resort area, is forecast to see abundant sargassum levels, and travelers staying in that area should consider opting for cenote tours or other activities.
Only Two Playa del Carmen Beaches Have Low Sargassum Levels
Playa del Carmen’s location makes it susceptible to high sargassum levels despite renewed attempts by authorities to implement new cleaning policies.
This week, travelers can expect moderate to abundant sargassum levels across much of the coastal town.
However, only minimal amounts of sargassum are expected to wash up on the coastline around the Portal Maya and Mamitas area.
Meanwhile, Playa el Recodo, one of the most popular beaches in town, is forecast to see excessive sargassum levels this week, and authorities have gone so far as to consider temporarily closing the beach while removal efforts are underway.
Other Playa del Carmen beaches to the north and south of the downtown area, including Esmerlada and the Playacar hotel zone, are projected to have moderate sargassum levels.
Consider These Sargassum-Free Locations For A Day Trip
Despite copious amounts of sargassum seaweed in some of the most popular resort locations in the Mexican Caribbean, travelers can still find plenty of spotless beaches to enjoy in the area.
Beaches in Isla Mujeres will once again be some of the cleanest in the region.
Located just a 15-minute ferry north of Cancun, the paradisiacal island is a great alternative to the mainland.
The latest sargassum forecast also suggests that visitors can find sargassum-free beaches in Costa Mujeres, a resort area just north of Cancun.
Travelers can also enjoy picturesque beaches in Holbox island, where sargassum levels will remain minimal during the week.