Sargassum in Cancun, Understanding Causes and Seasons

Sargassum in Cancun, Understanding Causes and Seasons

If you’re planning a vacation in Cancun, chances are you’ve heard about the sargassum season. This natural phenomenon has sparked concerns among tourists due to its impact on the beaches. But what exactly is sargassum and how might it affect your trip? Here’s everything you need to know!

What is Sargassum?

Sargassum, a type of seaweed native to the Sargasso Sea, drifts across the ocean until it reaches the shores of the Caribbean, including Cancun, during certain times of the year. While it’s a natural part of the marine ecosystem, its excessive accumulation on the coast can pose problems, such as the presence of dead algae on the shore and, consequently, unpleasant odors.

In recent years, the amount of sargassum reaching Caribbean beaches has significantly increased. Though the causes of this phenomenon are not entirely clear, it’s believed they may be related to:

• Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures and increased intensity of tropical storms may contribute to sargassum growth.
• Pollution: Discharge of wastewater and fertilizers into the sea may increase the availability of nutrients for sargassum.
• Deforestation: Coastal deforestation may reduce sediment reaching the sea, thereby promoting sargassum growth.

When is Sargassum Season in Cancun?

Sargassum season in Cancun typically occurs between April and September, with peak months usually being May, June, and July according to previous years. Exact dates may vary each year. During this period, you may encounter some beaches affected by large amounts of sargassum, especially in certain areas of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

Fortunately, both local authorities and hotels in Cancun are taking action to combat the sargassum problem. Cleaning strategies are being implemented to keep the beaches in ideal conditions for tourists, utilizing various methods such as boats, land machinery, and floating barriers to collect sargassum from the beaches. Additionally, some hotels have installed nets to capture sargassum before it reaches the shore, ensuring your vacation experience remains unaffected.

Does Sargassum Affect Your Cancun Vacation?

While you may encounter some beaches affected by sargassum during your stay, most beaches in Cancun remain beautiful and ready to be enjoyed. Moreover, many tourist activities, such as diving, excursions to cenotes, or activities in Nichupté Lagoon, are unaffected by sargassum, meaning you can still make the most of your time in this Caribbean paradise.

At Puerto Maya Cancun, fun is guaranteed even during sargassum season. Our exciting 5-in-1 tour activities, such as snorkeling in the Great Mayan Reef and speedboat rides in Nichupté Lagoon, proceed without hitches. The Puerto Maya jungle tour is an alternative for sargassum days in Cancun.

To stay informed about the sargassum situation during your trip, we suggest checking local updates and contacting your hotel for updated information on beach conditions. With a little planning and flexibility, you can enjoy a vacation in Cancun, even during sargassum season!