Does Antigua have a seaweed problem?

This seaweed has been growing in excessive amounts in the Caribbean since 2011, and now growing in Mexico and parts of Florida, as well. Earlier this year, scientists detected a record bloom. Half Moon Bay is a famous beach in Antigua and Barbuda that is now covered sargassum, a type of large, brown floating seaweed.



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In 2018 Antigua and Barbuda recorded its worst year to date resulting in several hotels being forced to close due to piles of the stinking seaweed amassing on beaches. Conditions have however improved in the last couple of years, with a significant decrease in 2021.

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Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos is definitely a destination to consider if you're looking for Caribbean beach without seaweed for a family, couples or group vacation.

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In the Caribbean, seaweed season is generally May to October. The worst time for seaweed in Cancun, the Dominican Republic and much of the Caribbean is during the summer months.

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Since 2011, 2023 still ranks in the top half of the worst sargassum seaweed seasons. With the latest data, USF researchers say in June, sargassum will likely decrease in the Gulf of Mexico, meaning beachgoers may not have such a smelly experience. The USF lab forecasts the decrease to continue through August.

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Barbados is losing vast tracts of beachland annually due to the almost continuous influx of Sargassum Seaweed on its shores.

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Sargassum season in the Mexican Caribbean typically runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the worst months for its arrival.

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Palm Beach in Aruba, Dutch Caribbean It's one of the most reliable Caribbean islands without sargassum. While there are several small, boutique-sized hotels in Aruba, here are two of our favourite large resorts on Palm Beach and Eagle Beach.

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Sargassum inundations occur mainly on the windward coast of Saint Lucia like most Eastern Caribbean Island States, with occasional landings occurring on the southwest coast. This influences which assets are impacted.

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Sargassum inundations not only affect the shore but also the sea as sargassum can decompose in the water leading to fouling of the water quality which can influence coral health.

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The best time to visit Antigua is winter through spring. From mid-December through April, Antigua has pleasant temperatures and relatively little rainfall. May and June are also good months to visit Antigua, even though temperatures rise slightly and rainfall increases.

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