Cozumel is generally much less affected by the massive sargassum (seaweed) blooms than its neighbors on the mainland, like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun. This is due to the island’s unique geography; most of the popular tourist beaches and beach clubs are located on the western side of the island, which faces the mainland. Because the prevailing ocean currents and winds push the sargassum toward the western-facing shores of the mainland, Cozumel acts as a natural barrier. While the "Wild Side" (the eastern shore) of Cozumel can certainly see significant piles of brown seaweed during the peak season from April to August, the western beaches usually remain clear, turquoise, and pristine. This makes Cozumel a preferred refuge for travelers visiting the Mexican Caribbean during high sargassum years. However, nature is unpredictable, and occasional shifts in wind patterns can bring small amounts of seaweed to the western side, though it is rarely the "carpet" of brown seen elsewhere. Local resorts and the municipal government are also very proactive in cleaning the main tourist beaches daily to ensure the sand remains white for visitors.