The quantity of the sargassum seaweed combined with differences in the composition of the seaweed itself, poses problems. These months have dry weather, mild heat, and less humidity, and they are when the beaches are typically free from seaweed. Seaweed is a natural phenomenon that you can avoid if you consult resources. The macroalgae that arrives on Cancuns shores is different from traditional seaweed in that it forms in large island flotillas hundreds of miles out from shore that, with the right conditions, will move to the beaches. This mainly has to do with ocean temperatures, gyres, and wind patterns. Sam's Club parking lot, for one place. If there is a lot of seaweed at Playa Delfines, a good option is to take a ferry to Isla Mujeres or Isa Cozumel. >> "So is the seaweed bad in may never been to Mexico we fly out on the 4th to plays car ". They are scattered around the peninsula, with major concentrations in the Yucatan state and along the Riviera Maya and they keep finding new ones. It is usually protected from seaweed by nearby Isla Mujeres. The Riviera Maya Hotel Association explained that the new project expects to prevent, collect, and convert sargassum into biofuels. This thin stretch of land is covered in white, sandy beaches, with the turquoise water of the Caribbean to one side and Laguna Chacmuchuch on the other. Sargassum is not only a problem for the tourism industry, but also for the ocean. If it does arrive, then you could take a short ferry to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel where the west-facing beaches rarely receive any seaweed at all. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE LATEST MAP OF SEAWEED CONDITIONS in CANCUN . Seaweed that washes ashore can have pieces of plastic, which can be sharp if stepped on. In this post, we will tell you all about it so that you can plan your vacation accordingly. Save. If you want the lowest chance of having seaweed washed ashore or floating on the ocean during your vacation, travel to Cancun during the winter months of November to March. Thx so much for the information. This summer is still expecting a lot of seaweed as well. We are able to find times in the day and sections along the beach to swim. Certain animals, especially dogs, are also sensitive to the inhalation of hydrogen sulfide. This suggests that there will be a major sargassum seaweed bloom in the Caribbean Sea in 2023. Today there is some mucky accumulation while other stretches are fairly clear. Honestly even in tulum, once you get past the initial uck factor, the water is pretty free of seaweed as they all get beached. According to reports, the Secretariat of the Navy of Mexico (Semar, by its Spanish acronym) issued an alert for abundant amounts of sargassum seaweed. The 2023 seaweed season is expected to start earlier than usual, with seaweed hitting the beaches by March or April. Hi, I'm Michele! The pools were great too. Any advice? And its not everywhere. Is this part of PDC hit hard? The map above says yellow, so not sure how bad this is on the gross meter. The most affected beaches in Playa del Carmen are Playa El Recodo, Shangri-la, and Mamitas. Sargassum (also known as sargazo and sargasso) is a type ofbrown algae that generally lies in the open ocean in the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic. Its worth checking on the resources Ive listed and register for updates from the Grupo de Red de Minitoreo de Cancun on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/2272972109391283/) as they publish maps and forecasts for the coast of Mexico. Seaweed in Cancun generally begins to appear in May. The worldwide destruction of mangroves also adds to the arrival of sargassum in Cancun. Its very difficult to predict seaweed conditions so far in advance. At the time of writing this article, in January 2023, the Cancun beaches do not have sargassum. The closest to Cancun is located in Puerto Morelos at only 30 minutes drive from Cancun. I know red tide has been a big problem on the Gulf Coast of Florida this year, so whenever we are traveling to a coastal area, its a good idea to check the current local conditions. Stay informed about the sargassum conditions and forecast with our in-depth guide. People are quick to post pictures of seaweed on beaches, and it creates a bad image of the destination. There are times when there is just a small patch of dried seaweed you need to step over before getting to the water line, other times the beach can have a lot of seaweed but clean water, and on rare occasions, there are large patches of seaweed on the beach and floating in the water. Read more about me and the blog. If your main purpose is to have daily ocean swims u will be disappointed We will be back next year which will be our 6 year in a row. Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week. It will continue to accumulate and migrate westward. I cant imagine the smell is any fun, gag. Most small clumps of seaweed on the sand are raked up by hotel staff. However wind and ocean currents can change and seaweed conditions can change quickly. There is a constant current that pushes the seaweed through the Yucatan Channel. This current, paired with favorable wind directions, makes the west side seaweed free almost always. The ocean is home to countless pieces of plastic trash, which gets caught in the sargassum. The best bet for beaches near Cancun with no seaweed is to head to the island of Isla Mujeres or to the leeward coast of Cozumel by ferry. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Paths latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox. American/Canadians/Europeans are terrified of Mexico as a result of PR campaign gov/news, meanwhile, I live here and feel safer here than I ever did in the United States or Canada. You can take a ferry across to Isla Mujeres. Isla Blanca is not actually an island, it is a long, thin peninsula that runs to the north of Cancun. By Adrienne Banka Last updated: June 8, 2023 Wondering when the Cancun Seaweed Season starts? People are constantly posting their current beach pictures, so you can get a great idea of how the seaweed situation looks. Here's our Disclosure & Privacy Policy for more info. In March, CNN published a story headlined "A 5,000-mile-wide blob of seaweed is headed for Florida," but scientists using satellite data have since observed a decrease in the total abundance . 01 of 10 Isla Mujeres Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images Due to their west-facing beaches, the islands around Cancun are some of the best places to visit over the summer. Hey there! Keep reading to learn all about the Cancun seaweed season, and how to make sure you have a great beach vacation! If you want to see current seaweed conditions, consider joining the Sargasso Monitoring Network on the Riviera Maya Facebook page. Here is your guide to avoiding it! I do agree that many people are inordinately afraid to travel to Mexico but believe this is due to highly publicized news of cartels, crime and gun violence rather than seaweed.Ive personally seen more gun violence in Toronto Canada than Ive ever seen in my 40 years of travels to Mexico. Also, you have to remember that fish normally use sargassum as a breeding grounds leaving toxins and eggs in seaweed. Popular beach destinations include. My mom and I are planning traveling. That is why I decided to start this blog, to show you all the beauty you can find in Cancun and share helpful travel tips to help you plan a fabulous vacation in Cancun! From October to May to avoid seaweed If you want to dip into sargassum-free beaches, the best season is from October to May. Most hotels and beachfront businesses work hard to clean up the sargassum that washes ashore. When you visit Cancun, you can get up-to-date seaweed information online. Strategically facing the currents that bring seaweed, they tend to miss the worst of it. Lets take a closer look at why so much seaweed accumulates on Cancun beaches and when you can expect to find the least amount of seaweed for your beach vacation. Seaweed forecasts by the experts have historically been quite accurate. It will also help you have a visual understanding of what areas get hit the hardest with seaweed. The seaweed travels from its natural home in the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean due to changes in ocean currents, due to climate change, and warming ocean water temperatures. If all else fails, you can always spend the day lounging by your hotels pool. Please read this Disclosure for details. When I visited Mexico's Riviera Maya in April 2015, I remember resort workers . Cenotes are located all throughout the jungle, making them free from any seaweed. The last stop of the day is at Isla Mujeres. 2022 LET'S TRAVEL TO CANCUN |Privacy Policy|Cookie Policy|Disclaimer Policy | Accessibility Statement The beach south of the dock in PDC gets hit often but its hard to predict what the situation might be in June as so much depends on water and wind currents. The sargassum floating on the surface of the ocean serves as a home for all sorts of animals, from eels to sea turtles. One of the most popular public beaches in Cancun, Playa Gaviotas Azul is located at the northern tip of the hotel zone. 1 answer. Many American travelers considering Cancun for their next vacations should bear in mind the current sargassum situation. The public beach occasionally gets hit by seaweed but usually its nothing that is overly bothersome. Her report was quite accurate. Seaweed Season in Cancun, Mexico: Final thoughts, Red de Monitoreo de Sargasso Quintana Roo, Cancun is a great spot to be in the winter. Once the seaweed patches wash ashore, the water is clean for swimming. Is Cancun in the Caribbean? You have landed in the right place. You can treat yourself to a relaxing day at the on-site spa. The freshwater is usually 75 degrees year-round- making it the perfect spot to cool off after a hike. The Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Network shared new updates showing that the beaches with the highest levels of sargassum seaweed are in Cozumel: Punta Molas, Playa Xhanan, and Playa El Castillo. It's going to be our first time there. Sargassum seaweed is a huge problem in Cancun and other parts of Mexico's Caribbean coast, and it has been getting worse every year since 2015. You can enjoy the live entertainment, and kids will love the kids club. The beaches were clean at the end of 2022. Sargassum seaweed has also been arriving at popular beach destinations in the United States. When possible, Addicted To Vacation uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). According to the Sargassum Monitoring Network, which provides weekly reports on the sargassum . SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE LATEST MAP OF SEAWEED CONDITIONS in Cancun. However wind and ocean currents can change and seaweed conditions at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun can change quickly. + 31 Interesting Facts About Cancun and Questions Answered, How to Visit Cancun on a Budget for an Amazing Trip in 2023, Walmart in Cancun Mexico in 2023: Full Guide, 2023 Spring Break Cancun Dates + Top 9 Hotels and Events| The Complete Travel Guide, What Happens When You Arrive at Cancun Airport A Step-By-Step Guide, 10 Great Reasons Why You Shouldnt Swim with Dolphins in Cancun, Discover Cars Cancun Review in 2023: 15 Pros & Cons, The Ultimate Cancun to Coba Guide (2023): How to get there & Things to do, Using Amazon Cancun in 2023: Everything you need to know, Cancun in Winter: Weather, Events, and Things to Do. My family and I love traveling but my wife and I get too stressed out reading mixed reviews of destinations, not being sure of where to go and where to stay. In many areas, people use heavy machinery to remove sargassum from the beach, and this can be destructive. All of these things can cause irritation and itching when they come in contact with our skin. How is the seaweed right now in cancun and riviera maya area? Subscribe to the free A Taste for Travel newsletter for updates on the best beaches, seaweed conditions and other travel tips! Red flags along the entire coast from Sandos Playacar up to 5th Street. Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. It is interesting to know how many changes we are facing as a consequence of climate change. Some beach restaurants will charge a small fee to park your car and access the beach through their property. That is a hard question to answer since the conditions change frequently. However, much depends on ocean and wind currents. The Westin is a newly built hotel on the peaceful north side of Cozumel. Level Contributor 271 posts 28 reviews 53 helpful votes 1. 3 Best Cancun beaches that are seaweed free, What measures are being taken to address the Cancun seaweed. Some experts say the season ends in August, although there can still be seaweed through the early fall months. Isla Contoy is a nature reserve located to the northeast of Cancun. Experts believe that the sargassum islands that are located to the east of Quintana Roo will contribute to some sargassum arriving earlier than normal. Most beaches in Cancun have low levels of sargassum. That is to say, dont cancel your trip, but some beaches are better than others to avoid the macroalgae invasion during this time. This is Isabella, the owner, and writer of this site. Looking for vacation ideas on Caribbean islands not affected by sargassum seaweed? The world's most amazing food, drink and sun destinations, Posted August 8, 2019, Updated April 14, 2023//byMichele Peterson 29 Comments. As experts learn more about why there is more sargassum, they will be able to give us recommendations to reduce our carbon footprint and slow the seaweed growth. Ninety tons of sargassum, which releases a pungent smell as it decomposes, was cleared by authorities. We were really looking forward to spending time on the beach and swimming in the ocean. Unfortunately, sargassum is not the only thing that floats in the ocean and washes ashore. Local governments have been experimenting with building barriers off the shore to keep sargassum from washing onto the beach. While this does not reduce the amount of sargassum, it does bring awareness to the problem and put the seaweed to good use. Hi Sophie Red tide is very different than sargasso seaweed and January is well outside of seaweed season so its very unlikely youll see an influx of sargasso seaweed. Based on recent inspections, the sargassum seaweed has arrived much earlier in 2023 than expected. The pictures are constantly being updated, so you can get a real-time update on the seaweed situation. Sargassum would naturally arrive in mangroves and stay there. Cyanobacteria can release neurotoxins, which not only can affect the skin but can cause the death of neurons that control most of the muscles and movements in your body. We are staying at the Grand Hyatt. A new wave of sargassum seaweed arrived on the Cancun coast last night. This breathtakingly beautiful island has clear water, and white sandy beaches, and is home to over 150 species of birds. Almost everyone finds swimming in sargassum-filled water unpleasant, regardless of whether it gives you a rash or not. When sargassum washes onto the shore in large amounts and begins to break down in the hot sun it can release hydrogen sulfide gas. Next door at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa, the private beach is often completely clear of sargassum and features powder soft white sands and clear turquoise waters. There are two restaurants on-site, and you can choose between Mexican, Italian and Peruvian food. Playa Mujeres is located to the north of Cancuns hotel zone, just opposite Isla Mujeres. Unveil the secrets of the seaweed invasion, get tips, and discover pristine beaches. If you are local, you can volunteer at public beach cleanups. Does Cancun still have a seaweed problem? Semar expressed concern regarding the impressive amounts of sargassum seaweed found in Playa del Carmen: The sargassum accumulates in mounds 70 to 90 centimeters high in less than 24 hours, covering almost the entire beach area and making it impossible to move on foot and with machinery.. The northern winds that blow during the winter months are believed to help keep the sargassum away and the beaches clear during the winter months of November to May. The major hotels on these beaches include the all-inclusive Krystal Cancun and the Hyatt Ziva Cancun at the point of the peninsula. Also wondering if it is COVID-19 safe. Is There Seaweed On Cancun Beaches? With some knowledge about the seaweed situation and the use of seaweed tracking sites, you should be able to find clean beaches to enjoy. People are understandably hesitant to book beach vacations if they do not understand when they might encounter seaweed. In this post, we will tell you all about it so that you can plan your vacation accordingly. The great news is that by now there are plenty of resources available to help you plan a vacation in an area of Cancun that is less likely to be affected by seaweed. In 2022, most of the beaches had no seaweed by October 15, 2022. Over the last ten years, large amounts of seaweed have washed ashore in Cancun. Most importantly, I will help you learn how to enjoy a great vacation, regardless of the seaweed. I cant help but think a lot of this was based on PR campaigns by American/European companies and news outlets to deter travel. Insider's Tip: There is excellent snorkeling right off the Divi pier, . Tourists and locals alike want to find a solution to the seaweed problem. You can get there on your own or join one of the amazing Cenote tours available from your hotel. Whether it lands in Cancun, Chetumal, Tulum or the Riviera Maya depends much upon atmospheric conditions such as trade winds. According to a recent update shared on the Mexican tourism portal Nitu, local authorities and the private sector in Quintana Roo have announced that beaches in Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum are safe and ready for tourists. I did see a lot of it in Barbados in late October. SO helpful! During seaweed season workers begin removing sargassum early in the morning to leave clean beaches for visitors. Make sure you check them right before your trip so that you can have an up-to-date situation. Scientists think that the changing ocean currents and warming water temperatures play a role. If you are willing to go even further, you can make a day trip to Cozumel. I will keep a close look at the forecast and accumulation. Its hard to predict the situation in March.but you can check out the current conditions via a beach cam at this link https://www.playadelcarmen.com/information/webcam. You can always plan excursions into the jungle, visit ruins, and swim in a cenote, to avoid any chance of seeing seaweed. The group will invest $100 million in this project and expects to maintain the beaches in the area clean and sargassum-free. Sadly, Playa del Carmen seems to be getting hit again this year. Those visiting the popular Isla Mujeres will find sargassum-free beaches and will get to enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, Playa Norte, without the presence of this annoying seaweed. 1. This long, wide public beach at the southern end of the Hotel Zone is known as Playa Defines and is one of the most popular beaches in Cancun. If its bad you can always hop across to Cozumel as the leeward beaches on the island rarely ( if ever) have seaweed.Closer to your travel date you can also check the Red de Monitorio site on Facebook for the latest conditions. There are certain times of the year when it is more common for there to be seaweed on the beach, but the fact is, small amounts of seaweed can arrive at any time. Apparently, seaweed is an issue in Cancun. Consider resorts at beach destinations on Mexicos Pacific Coast where there is no sargassum. In addition, Cancun is looking to remove masks in open-air spaces by April. According to State . After reading this article, you are probably left wonderinghow bad is the seaweed in Cancun? The northern location of this beach helps it stay seaweed free. 7. We were there in June 2018 and, as other have said, The beaches are perky, full of the sea grass, with an offense of order. Home Travel Tips Cancun Seaweed Season 2023: When is it and How to Avoid it! This stretch of beach is full of luxury resorts, without public beaches. but now I see the perks of knowing where seaweed has been an issue. March and April are spring breakers months so party lovers you will find a lot of fun events and festivals but if you are not into that, you can still find tranquil beaches and have a peaceful vacation. You can use the sargassum map to check the seaweed conditions daily. The west coast of Cozumel, where the hotels are located, has strong currents and wind protection that make it generally seaweed free. Seaweed (sargassum) is a natural part of the ocean ecosystem. The barriers will be placed away from the coastline, far enough to block the seaweed from washing up on the coast. The beach on the north end of the island is almost always seaweed free- and a beautiful spot to spend the day. Unfortunately, this is not always very successful. In the Caribbean, seaweed season is generally May to October. The best way to enjoy this area is to book your stay at one of the resorts. Sargassum can float up to the top of the ocean, where it stays on the surface of the water. Cancun. Check our list of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun Riviera-Maya. Thanks Jane! That said, these are the months when sargassum is most likely to be a problem. The seaweed season in Cancun is generally over by the end of October. For seaweed season in 2023, analysis by the University of South Floridas Outlook of Sargassum blooms in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico indicates there will be a large amount of sargassum in the Caribbean Sea in 2023. Hi, 41 beaches in Quintana Roo have been classified as having high levels of sargassum seaweed being deposited on their shores. The Facebook group Red de Monitoreo de Sargasso Quintana Roo frequently posts a map that shows the most popular beaches of the state and grades them on how much seaweed they have. Lets Travel To Mexico is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets, accommodation, or any other online reservation. Thanks for your help. Sargassum is a brown alga that naturally grows in the warm, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There are many adventure parks in the area that you can visit to avoid seaweed. We will be staying at Grand Velas. Below I will explain what exactly seaweed is and why it is here, as well as what the government is doing to deal with it. Is it Dangerous to Swim in Sargassum Seaweed? Mexico itself is wonderful. In extreme cases, it can even cause nausea. Are you still traveling to Cancun in July? The amount of seaweed on Playa Delfines varies considerably from week to week. I am planning to book my vacation tomorrow and am wondering if I should consider a different area. Some areas, such as beaches on the north end of the Cancun Hotel Zone have the advantage that ocean currents and wind direction keep the majority of the seaweed off their beaches. Guide to Caribbean Beaches without Sargassum Seaweed, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa. No one knows exactly why the amount of seaweed in Cancun is increasing; however, scientists agree it is due to man-made climate change. Is cancun better at cleanup than in the riviera maya when the buildup gets too much? If you want to avoid the chance of having seaweed on the beach during your vacation, consider staying on Isla Mujeres or Cozumel. The government, and everyone who works in tourism, worry that without a clear plan of action, the seaweed will affect the tourism industry. Everyone from the government to hotels to beach clubs has been affected by the seaweed situation. As a result, the seaweed season in Playa del Carmen in 2023 is expected to last from February to October. For people who are planning a Cancun escape this is so good to know. So it might be annoying, but only while they havent removed it yet. There are a variety of room types to choose from, including family suites, and some rooms have ocean views. The battle with seaweed (sargassum) is on for Cancun hotels and city workers. Cancun Cancun Tourism Cancun Hotels Cancun Bed and Breakfast Cancun Vacation Rentals Visit a freshwater cenote 2. We are staying in the hotel zone, at JW Marriott. The state and local governments as well as hotel and business managers are doing everything they can to keep sargassum off the beach. This particular type of seaweed, known as sargassum is an annual battle for coastal cities in the Mexican Caribbean and much further beyond. Although the amount of seaweed on any given beach varies by year, experts agree there is always more sargassum than before. The 4 Least Crowded Beaches In Virginia: Full Details! Here you will have one hour of free time to enjoy the island before returning to Cancun. The occasional cold front with north wind keeps the sargassum away from the beaches. If you would rather see video footage of Cancun beaches, there are a few sites you can check out. How is the government dealing with the seaweed problem in Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Mexicos Caribbean Coast? In Mexico, sargassum seaweed season is generally between May and October each year. However, seaweed has arrived much earlier than expected this year. Where to stay in Mexico to avoid seaweed? The west side of the island rarely gets any seaweed. Many different species of fish use the sargassum patches as breeding areas and lay their eggs. The municipality of Playa del Carmen has recently announced that this month new sargassum barriers will be installed. Unfortunately, they predict that 2023 will be another year with lots of seaweed washing ashore. However, the seaweed issue in Cancun and the surrounding beaches is no mystery. In Akumal Mexico, its possible to check webcams such as the, Subscribe to get updates on sargazo seaweed in Playa del Carmen on the. They are doing a beach clean up in playa right now after the water receded and the beach took its full form. On Tiktok, travelers have reported the presence of sargassum seaweed in the hotel zone in Cancun, and local news has recently reported large amounts of sargassum in Playa del Carmen, just a few miles away from Cancun. Another risk occurs when sargassum seaweed gathers in large quantities, washes up on beaches and begins to decompose, releasing hydrogen sulfide gas, or H2S, a colourless, poisonous gas with an unpleasant rotten-egg odor. The famous Playa Norte has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and hardly ever gets seaweed! CONTACT: hola @ letstraveltocancun.com | LinkedIn, Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling, Breakfast, and Lunch [. Unfortunately, the last few years have seen an increase in the amount of seaweed that washes ashore in Cancun. Over the past ten years, Cancun has seen an increase in the amount of seaweed that washes onto its beaches. The Mexican Navy has made efforts to trap sargassum at sea to prevent it from washing ashore.
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