- 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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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.
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.
The seaweed belt remains huge – there's an estimated 6 million tons of sargassum still floating around – but it's down several million tons in just a few months. That's good news for residents, visitors and workers of beach areas of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.
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.
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 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.
Sargassum season in the Mexican Caribbean typically runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the worst months for its arrival.
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.
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.
It's beautifully warm all year round in Barbados so there isn't really a bad time to go, but the weather and the prices do vary depending on the time of year. Weather-wise, peak season is one of the best times for visiting Barbados as it's slightly cooler, so you won't have to worry about the heat and humidity.
The resort is set along Maxwell Beach, overlooking Oistin Bay. Unfortunately, the beach has been beset by sargassum seaweed, making it inaccessible to Sandals Royal Barbados guests.
Crane Beach, BarbadosLocated on the rugged east coast of Barbados, the pink shoreline of Crane Beach is flanked by lush vegetation and turquoise waters. The beach is known for its boogie board–ready waves, and luxe hotels where you can dry off after pulling yourself out of your beach chair.
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.
Sargassum is type of brown seaweed that drifts on the ocean surface accumulating along beaches and coastlines throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Texas and Florida, including Miami-Dade County annually from March to October.