Insider’s Information to Seaweed Situations in Cancun and Riviera Maya (in 2024)

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Should you’re planning a seaside trip and are fearful concerning the present seaweed situations in Cancun and Riviera-Maya, this submit has vital details about seaweed season.

It additionally has the newest updates on the Cancun seaweed downside and particulars on sargassum seaweed in 2024 and the seaweed forecast for 2024.

Over the previous 10 years, I’ve personally walked the seashores of Mexico’s Caribbean coast throughout seaweed season many instances.

This report is from my journey to Cancun Riviera Maya in June 2024. The excellent news is that there’s LESS seaweed than was forecast!!

Whereas the amount of seaweed coming to shore varies yearly, sure seashores have extra sargassum seaweed than others.

Listed here are my knowledgeable recommendations on planning the most effective seaside trip to Cancun and Riviera Maya in 2024! 

It contains recommendations on the best way to discover the most effective seashores for swimming, even in the course of the top of seaweed season in Cancun.

Be aware: It is a recurring submit up to date with unique pictures, sargassum seaweed maps and data on seaweed situations and the standing of the present seaweed downside in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres and Tulum.

Cancun Seaweed Season Proper Now – A Fast Snapshot 

June 2024: The forecast is by July 2024 onward, Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean coast will see a lower in sargassum.

February 2024: The outlook for 2024 by College of South Florida prompt that there may very well be a main bloom of sargassum in 2024.

The college’s monitoring system recognized a big mat of sargassum seaweed within the Central Atlantic in February 2024.

The abundance was just like situations noticed in 2017 and 2020, each of which preceded main seaweed blooms.

Nevertheless seaweed on Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen seashores in 2024 has been decrease than predicted.

Nevertheless, a lot relies on ocean and wind currents.

Learn on to see unique pictures and be taught which areas may very well be in danger.

Sargassum Seaweed Info

What precisely is sargassum seaweed and why is it an issue? 

Sargassum (also referred to as sargazo and sargasso) is a sort of brown algae that typically lies within the open ocean within the Sargasso Sea within the North Atlantic.

Wrapped by ocean currents, this mat of seaweed floats on the floor of the water. It serves as a resting space and spawning floor for an unlimited array of life from eels to sea turtles.

Whereas sargassum seaweed is a pure phenomenon that has been occurring for hundreds of years, the inflow of sargassum lately have been bigger, thicker and extra widespread.

Since 2011, blooms of sargassum have been showing within the tropics sweeping up from South America by way of the Caribbean alongside the coast of Mexico and into the Gulf of Mexico and Florida.

The summer season of 2018 witnessed the worst inflow of sargassum brown algae in latest historical past. In 2022, the seaweed downside was equally as dangerous. 

The amount of the sargassum seaweed mixed with variations within the composition of the seaweed itself, poses issues.

Massive portions of seaweed float on the floor of the water, wash up on seashores, lure marine life within the seaweed itself and dissipate the oxygen that fish must breathe.

Numerous methods — from raking it manually to utilizing boundaries to catch the sargassum earlier than it reaches the shore  — have been devised to attempt to cope with the unprecedented waves of seaweed which have engulfed areas of the Caribbean and Mexico in 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Is it Harmful to Swim in Sargassum Seaweed?

Sargassum seaweed in itself doesn’t pose an issue, says Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport at Holy Identify Hospital in Teaneck (Emeritus head of Dermatology). As an alternative, it’s what the seaweed harbours that may trigger pores and skin irritations and different dangers.

The seaweed when floating on the high of sizzling, shallow waters, can begin to play host to microbes and strains of micro organism the pores and skin will not be accustomed to coming in touch with. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that fish usually use sargassum as a breeding grounds — leaving toxins and eggs in seaweed.

With freshwater in addition to saltwater swimmers ought to be careful for the expansion of Cyanobacteria (which may usually be seen altering the water’s color to mild inexperienced).

Cyanobacteria can launch neurotoxins, which not solely can have an effect on the pores and skin however may cause the demise of neurons that management many of the muscular tissues and actions in your physique.

One other threat happens when sargassum seaweed gathers in giant portions, washes up on seashores and begins to decompose. It releases hydrogen sulfide gasoline, or H2S, a colourless, toxic gasoline with an disagreeable rotten-egg odor,

In response to Eric Najarro, Administrator on the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II in Belize, inhaling small doses of the gasoline can set off irritation of the eyes, respiratory points and nausea, particularly amongst at-risk individuals similar to these with bronchial asthma, the aged, infants and pregnant girls.

Sure animals, particularly canines, are additionally delicate to the inhalation of hydrogen sulfide.

One other well being threat to swimming with giant portions of sargassum seaweed is the potential for pores and skin irritations and rashes.

So should you’re questioning if it’s secure to swim in sargassum seaweed, based on the specialists I’ve consulted, it’s not advisable.

Be aware that crimson tide and sargassum seaweed are two completely different issues. A crimson tide is a bloom of algae that discolours coastal waters and releases harmful toxins.

Consuming shellfish or different seafood throughout an algal bloom is dangerous to people.

When is Seaweed Season within the Caribbean and Mexico?

Within the Caribbean, seaweed season is usually Might to October. The worst time for seaweed in Cancun, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago and far of the Caribbean is in the course of the summer season months. 

In search of trip concepts on Caribbean islands not affected by sargassum seaweed? Try our Information to Caribbean Seashores with out Sargassum Seaweed. 

The seaweed season in Cancun is usually over by the top of October. Nevertheless, some cities similar to Puerto Morelos typically proceed to obtain sargassum seaweed previous that date.  

Nevertheless, the state of Quintana Roo has been engaged on methods to deal with the seaweed downside.

Along with aerial surveillance, they’ve issued contracts to rent firms to gather and eliminate the seaweed.  

Seaweed Situations in Cancun  

The portions of seaweed in Cancun and alongside the Caribbean coast will fluctuate relying upon ocean currents, the scale of the sargasso seaweed mat, seasonality, ocean currents and wind situations. 

If you wish to keep away from the worst time for seaweed in Cancun and scale back the probability of it ruining your trip, it’s price contemplating which seashores to decide on in your trip.

For instance there will be giant portions of algae in Petempich Bay, in Puerto Morelos, Recodo Seashore, within the municipality of Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen), in addition to Punta Mosquitos on Holbox Island. 

But the remainder of the coast will be comparatively clear. 

The place in Cancun is There No Seaweed? 

One of the best wager for seashores close to Cancun with no seaweed is to go to the island of Isla Mujeres or to the leeward coast of Cozumel by ferry.

Lovely Playa Norte (north seaside) on Isla Mujeres is sort of all the time away from seaweed. Most of the accommodations on the southwest coast of the island are additionally seaweed free.

We simply returned from the newly-opened Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets and techniques and cherished its small non-public seaside.

For extra data on this all-inclusive, adults-only luxurious resort, learn our full assessment of Impression Isla Mujeres.

An alternative choice is Playa Mujeres on the mainland north of Cancun.

Additionally on the mainland, Coral Seashore stretches alongside the northern shores of what’s referred to as Punta Cancun or probably the most northerly level of the Cancun Lodge Zone.

 This public seaside sometimes will get hit by seaweed however often it’s nothing main.

Subsequent door on the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Seashore Cancun Resort & Spa, the non-public seaside is typically utterly away from sargassum. It options powder smooth white sands and clear turquoise waters.

It’s often protected against seaweed by close by Isla Mujeres. Nevertheless wind and ocean currents  can change and seaweed situations at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Seashore Cancun can change rapidly. 

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE LATEST MAP OF SEAWEED CONDITIONS in Cancun 

A bonus of Coral Seashore is that the waters are calm and the entry is gradual with no steep drop-off. This makes it perfect for many who aren’t knowledgeable swimmers.

In my view, that is the greatest seaside in Cancun for swimming. Newbie swimmers, babies and seniors will all take pleasure in swimming at this lovely seaside.

Greatest Cancun Seashores With out Seaweed – Playa Gaviotas and Playa Gaviotas Azul

Some of the fashionable public seashores in Cancun, Playa Gaviotas Azul is positioned on the northern tip of the lodge zone. 

Seashore entry  is between Coco Bongo and the Mandala Seashore Membership reverse Hooters through a slim alleyway. Present seaweed situations at Playa Gaviota Azul rely upon the depth of the ocean currents. 

Most small clumps of seaweed on the sand are raked up by lodge employees. There may be typically little or no sargassum seaweed floating offshore. However this isn’t all the time the case. 

Nevertheless wind and ocean currents can change and seaweed situations can change rapidly. 

The most important accommodations on these seashores embody the all-inclusive Krystal Cancun and the Hyatt Ziva Cancun on the level of the peninsula.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE LATEST MAP OF SEAWEED CONDITIONS in CANCUN .

Greatest Cancun Seashores With out Seaweed – Playa Delfines / Dolphins Seashore

This lengthy, large public seaside on the southern finish of the Lodge Zone is named Playa Defines. It’s one of the vital fashionable seashores in Cancun.

You’ll additionally see line-ups of individuals ready to get a photo-op in entrance of the CANCUN  signal.

The quantity of seaweed on Playa Delfines varies significantly from week to week. See beneath for a photograph of what it seemed like in 2018.

Nevertheless wind and ocean currents can change and seaweed situations can change rapidly. 

If there may be lots of seaweed at Playa Delfines, choice is to take a ferry to Isla Mujeres or Isa Cozumel. The leeward seashores on these islands nearly all the time don’t have any sargassum seaweed. 

Examine our checklist of the greatest all-inclusive resorts in Cancun Riviera-Maya. 

Present Cancun Seaweed Situations – Sargassum Forecasts for 2024

Seaweed forecasts by the specialists have traditionally been fairly correct.

A report by Brigitta Ine van Tussenbroek, an ocean researcher from the Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology on the Nationwide Autonomous College (UNAM) prompt giant portions of sargassum seaweed would return to Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Her report was fairly correct. 

For seaweed season in 2024, the  Sargassum Early Advisory System (SEAS) forecasting  venture confirmed a number of giant floating plenty of seaweed within the Atlantic between southern Africa and Brazil.

Whether or not it lands in Cancun, Chetumal, Tulum or the Riviera Maya depended a lot upon atmospheric situations similar to commerce winds.

In response to the College of South Florida’s  Outlook of Sargassum blooms within the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, primarily based on offshore situations, the seaweed forecast for 2024 prompt it might be one other main Sargassum 12 months.

The forecast is by July 2024, Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean coast will start to see a lower in Sargassum.

So it’s smart to maintain a watch on seaweed situations as landings of sargassum can change from day after day.

Present Seaweed Situations in Tulum

How is the federal government coping with the seaweed downside in Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Mexico’s Caribbean Coast?

When wanted, the federal government of Quintana Roo points an emergency declaration for the municipalities of Lázaro Cárdenas, Isla Mujeres, Benito Juárez, Puerto Morelos, Cozumel, Solidaridad, Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Bacalar and Othón P. Blanco.

Declaring a State of Emergency permits native authorities to entry funding to fight the amount of seaweed by eradicating accumulations and blocking it by varied strategies.

For seaweed season in 2024, evaluation by the College of South Florida’s  Outlook of Sargassum blooms within the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico prompt there may very well be a great amount of sargassum in 2024. However the actuality is it’s been decrease.

Tulum and Chetumal have typically been hit the worst. However it’s vital to notice that from Tulum to Cancun seaweed situations can change each day relying on tides and water temperature. 

If sargassum situations are dangerous on Tulum’s seashores, it’s price making an attempt the seaside membership at Caleta Tankah. The ocean right here typically has clear waters.

 Playa del Carmen Seaweed in 2024

The favored resort city of Playa del Carmen has been experiencing a double whammy of challenges lately.

The principle issues are the erosion of its seashores and the inflow of sargassum seaweed alongside the coast. Seaweed in Playa del Carmen tends to get trapped and decompose.

This makes it odor and launch harmful gases similar to hydrogen sulfide gasoline, or H2S, a colourless, toxic gasoline with an disagreeable rotten-egg odor,. 

The seaweed season often ends in October in Playa del Carmen.

However should you’re visiting Playa del Carmen in seaweed season, it’s doable to keep away from seaweed issues in Playa del Carmen by staying at resorts which have created inland seashores.

Each the Xcaret Lodge Arte (adults-only) and Xcaret Lodge (family-friendly) have created a number of inland seashores so friends can keep away from main sargassum mats.

One other all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, Impression Moxché by Secrets and techniques, additionally created a synthetic inland seaside the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in smooth sand and clear water in seaweed season.

Additional south, a improbable all-inclusive resort with out seaweed is the Arduous Rock Lodge Riviera Maya in Puerto Aventuras. It’s top-of-the-line locations to remain in seaweed season in Cancun and Riviera Maya.

Right here, the inland seaside has no seaweed as a result of it’s protected by a rocky breakwater. However the tidal swimming pools enable recent seawater to enter. The water is evident sufficient to snorkel amongst tropical fish and has an added bonus of being fairly calm.

Any sargassum seaweed that manages to sneak into the seaside zone is promptly eliminated by employees. So there’s no seaweed to build up and decay.

Sargassum Forecast for Seaweed Season in Mexico in 2024

In Mexico, sargassum seaweed season is usually between Might and October annually.

Should you journey to the Caribbean coast of Mexico exterior of that point interval you’ll be able to typically keep away from giant mats of seaweed on the seashores. 

June 2024:

 Get the newest seaweed maps on the Pink de Monitoreo del Sargazo Cancun Fb Web page .

July 2021:

March 2022 

If you’re planning a trip throughout seaweed season (Might to October), monitor present seaweed situations all through the Caribbean, Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico by consulting the next sources.

Sargassum Seaweed 2024 Forecast Assets

The sources may even assist plan a seaside trip by offering forecasts on seaweed in 2024.   

1. Examine the forecast on the College of South Florida’s  Outlook of Sargassum blooms within the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.  
2. Seek the advice of the Sargassum Early Advisory System (SEAS), a forecasting  venture primarily based in Texas meant to assist predict the motion of sargassum blooms. Initially created in 2013 to assist with forecasting of the big Sargassum landings in Texas, by 2017 the SEAS venture had expanded to offer forecasting for the Gulf Coast, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Haiti, Saba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and plenty of different  Caribbean islands. The SARGASSUM EARLY ADVISORY SYSTEM can forecast sargassum seaweed plenty as much as eight days prematurely. 
3.  Get seaweed maps, updates and a Seaweed Report from the Pink de Monitoreo del Sargazo Cancun Fb Web page . This not-for-profit group is made up of engineers, biologists and different specialists who’re volunteering their time to offer monitoring experience and companies. They publish a map of areas affected by sargasso seaweed in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Tulum. 
4. Examine Riviera Maya and Cancun Seashore Webcams at Stay Webcam to see dwell video frames up to date each 15 seconds.
5. Subscribe to get drone views and updates on sargazo seaweed in Playa del Carmen on the Doctry 360 YouTube channel.  
6. Seek the advice of our article on Caribbean Seashores With out Seaweed for trip choices in Mexico and a number of other Caribbean islands.  
7. Subscribe to the free A Style for Journey publication for updates on the most effective seashores, seaweed situations and different journey suggestions!
8. Take into account resorts at seaside locations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast the place there isn’t any sargassum. Well-liked seaside locations embody Huatulco, Puerto Escondido and Puerto Vallarta.

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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the closest tropical seaside), Michele Peterson is the founding father of A Style for Journey. Her award-winning journey and meals writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Supply, Nationwide Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ different publications.

Learn extra about Michele Peterson.