Barbados depends heavily on coastal tourism and consequently tourism assets are impacted by sargassum inundations. Tourism assets located on the affected coasts are impacted sargassum inundations.
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How did sargassum affect Mexico last year? It follows near record-breaking amounts of the seaweed last summer, on beaches from Puerto Rico to Barbados, which threatened the region's tourism recovery post-COVID. Mexico's Navy and local workers were drafted in to remove it from the water and sand.
It identified heavy influxes of sargassum in 2018, 2019, 2022 and early 2023. Caribbean islands most affected by sargassum seaweed in the past include beaches in Barbados, Tobago, Guadeloupe, Dominican Republic and Martinique.
Due the flow of ocean currents around Barbados, the beaches on the east coast and the south south (short of Hilton hotel on the south-west point) were the most badly affected. West coast beaches were mostly unaffected, remaining with crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy shores.
Palm Beach in Aruba, Dutch CaribbeanIt'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.
In Grenada, Grand Anse regularly tops the list of the world's best beaches due to its crystal clear waters and its 2 kilometre long stretch of white sand dotted with palm trees. It's also blessedly free of sargassum seaweed.
For example, in 2022, when mainland of Playa del Carmen, Mexico had a severe sargassum seaweed problem, the leeward beaches of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel were free of seaweed. And in Barbados, Carlisle Bay often has no issues with sargassum.
Rockley Beach – or Accra Beach, as it's often known – can't be beaten when it comes to family-friendly beaches in Barbados. Little ones can safely play in the calm waters on the southern end, while older children can boogie board the livelier waves further up the cove.
Swimming safetyCurrents can be deceptively strong, including on some of the popular beaches on the south and west coasts. Some beaches do not have lifeguards or warning flags. Swimming is not recommended on many of the east coast beaches where currents are particularly strong. Follow local warnings.
Barbados is as safe as anywhere in the world as long as you take the necessary precautions. Do not walk alone at night in unlit places, on beaches etc. It is safe to drive anywhere on the island just do not stop if anyone waves you down, possibly can happen but not very often.
Palm Beach in Aruba, Dutch CaribbeanIt'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.
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.
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.
In general, beaches on the west and southwest coasts of Barbados have the calmest waters and softest sands, and are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and other water-based activities.
Despite sargassum inundation being an issue to Barbados for a decade, the island has not been able to do much to contain the influxes. At the national level, the Blue Economy team work together to clear and remove sargassum from affected beaches using manual labour and heavy equipment.
Most of our top hotel recommendations sit along Barbados' western side. Known as the Platinum Coast, this is the heart of the social scene, with chic restaurants, bars and cafés aplenty. There are some lavish beach resorts in the area, as well as more low-key options, which tend to be slightly inland.
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.
Barbados has two main coasts, the calm Caribbean with its white sands and turquoise waters, and the wild Atlantic which has rugged shores and world-class waves.
Popular resort hubs, including Playa del Carmen and Tulum, have ramped up efforts to deter sargassum from affecting travelers. What is this? Both destinations have set up temporary barriers and hired more cleaners in an effort to attract more travelers.