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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other scientists blame ocean currents, ocean temperatures, rainfall patterns, hurricanes and nutrient levels. Here at Dover Beach Hotel, we have been intermittently affected by the seaweed. At times it has been less intense and other times more.
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!
Alleyne's Beach along the West Coast is known for turtle encounters near to the shores. Strong swimmers can further explore the peaceful waters with snorkelling gear and waterproof cameras to capture the turtles. They can also be found by swimming at Payne's Bay, but the distance is further than Alleyne's beach.
Best for natural beauty: Crane BeachOn the southeast of Barbados, you'll find Crane Beach: a cove that gets endless mentions in top travel magazines. This spectacular crescent of pink-hued sand is flanked by coconut trees, 80ft cliffs and crashing Atlantic waves.
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.
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.
Gibbs BeachThis stretch, known as the Gold Coast, boasts pristine blue waters and soft, fine sand. If quiet relaxation is what you're after, Gibbs is here to please. Trees along the beach offer a respite from the bright sun with a cool, shady area to read a good book or gaze at the sparkling water.
Primarily comprising the three parishes of St. James, St. Peter and St. Michael, the West Coast is the best place to stay in Barbados for families, as the beaches boast soft sand and gently lapping waters for safe swimming and snorkelling.
Unquestionably more laid-back than anywhere else in Barbados, the up-and-coming South Coast (nicknamed the Fun Coast) attracts beach-lovers to its palm-fringed sands, shallow-water reefs, and waves that that more powerful than the west but less pounding than the east.
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.
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.
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.