Does Barbados still have a seaweed problem?

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.



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- by Barbados Today March 10, 2023. Barbados is losing vast tracts of beachland annually due to the almost continuous influx of Sargassum Seaweed on its shores.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Swimming safety Currents 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.

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Barbados is home to a wide variety of stunning beaches that let you enjoy an array of different experiences among soft sands and clear waters. You'll find perfect surfing beaches with waves that draw in adventurers from all over the world and safe swimming beaches that make it easy to relax.

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Barbados is home to a wide variety of stunning beaches that let you enjoy an array of different experiences among soft sands and clear waters. You'll find perfect surfing beaches with waves that draw in adventurers from all over the world and safe swimming beaches that make it easy to relax.

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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.

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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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It's especially important to think about in 2023. There's been a record-breaking sargassum seaweed bloom in 2023 in the Caribbean Sea. In order to help you plan your beach vacation, we've created a list of Caribbean beaches not affected by sargassum seaweed historically.

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Well first off Barbados is an island nation located in the Caribbean. We're actually the easternmost island in the Caribbean and are in fact completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and not touched by the Caribbean Sea at all!

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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.

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When deciding on the best area to stay in Barbados, consider the following four regions: the upscale west coast, the rugged north coast, the modern south coast, and the rustic east coast. The most popular areas to stay in Barbados are situated along the south and west coast of the island.

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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.

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Mosquitoes are resident nuisances on the island of Barbados. Of particular threat to the island is the Aedes aegypti mosquito which is a carrier of dengue and yellow fever.

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Safety: Barbados vs. Jamaica. Barbados is largely considered to be one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, but it is still important to be aware of your surroundings there as you would at home, especially at night.

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A nasty jelly fish in the local waters is the Portuguese Man O War. These brightly coloured jellyfish may look like party balloons but they have a serious sting and for some people can be fatal.

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Sargassum inundation occurs mainly on the east, southeast and south coasts with the west coast being generally unexposed due to the sheltered nature of the coastline.

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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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Aruba is a Caribbean Island located eighteen miles off the coast of Venezuela. The Island is extremely arid, with no natural fresh water source available.

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