Does Riviera Maya have a seaweed problem?

If you've been to the Riviera Maya before, there's more than likely a high chance that you've encountered sargassum before. Despite being home to some of the best, white-sanded beaches on the planet, the region's geographical location makes it a hot spot for the microalgae to wash up on. What is this?



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If you've been to the Riviera Maya before, there's more than likely a high chance that you've encountered sargassum before. Despite being home to some of the best, white-sanded beaches on the planet, the region's geographical location makes it a hot spot for the microalgae to wash up on. What is this?

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Seaweed season is generally between May and October. Based on the large size of the sargassum mat currently in the Atlantic, experts forecast that Tulum could have a major seaweed problem in 2023, depending on ocean and wind currents.

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Overview on Sargassum in Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Tulum Historically, the seaweed typically starts at the beginning of spring due to a rise in sea temperature, which accelerates the reproduction of the seaweed. As the days get warmer, the presence of sargassum is expected to increase.

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While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.

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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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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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Like many other travelers, you've probably already heard about the seaweed or sargassum problem along the Quintana Roo coastline. Get to know more about Playa Mujeres: A Sargassum-Free Haven in Cancun, and prepare to enjoy a spectacular Caribbean getaway!

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While much depends on wind and ocean currents, the forecast is that Sargassum seaweed will be minimal on Mexico's Caribbean Coast in summer 2023. However it's still wise to keep a watch on seaweed conditions as landings of sargassum can still occur.

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From October to May to avoid seaweed If you want to dip into sargassum-free beaches, the best season is from October to May. Fun Fact: Some resorts like Seadust Cancun have made efforts to keep the seaweed from arriving at the shore by implementing a marine-life-friendly barrier.

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The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled. The hottest month of the year is May with an average daily maximum of 36 C and an average low of 23 C.

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“You can swim in the water if there's sargassum and people do, but I have seen some reports of sea lice associated with sargassum in water with big mats of it floating around,” he says, referring to small jellyfish larvae, which can cause the skin to erupt in a red, itchy rash.

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One good park to visit that has a good beach and facilites is Chankanaab Park. Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. This beach faces northwest and is often not affected by seaweed.

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From October to May to avoid seaweed If you want to dip into sargassum-free beaches, the best season is from October to May. Fun Fact: Some resorts like Seadust Cancun have made efforts to keep the seaweed from arriving at the shore by implementing a marine-life-friendly barrier.

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While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.

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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.

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Due to distance, speed of travel and currents, Cancun and Playa del Carmen beaches are expected to remain relatively free of the seaweed. The upcoming 2023 summer vacation holiday season for Cancun and Riviera Maya are forecast to be sargassum-free according to Esteban Jesús Amaro Mauricio.

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Marama Beach has the clearest water in Mexico - Picture of El Dorado Maroma, Playa Maroma - Tripadvisor.

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Yes, seaweed remains a problem in Tulum and probably will be for quite some time. It doesn't mean we shouldn't vacation in Tulum just that we have to be aware that we may need a backup plan. Where can I go in Mexico without seaweed? Mexico has 10,000km of coastline and most of it is not affected by the sargassum.

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