Is the sand in Cancun natural?

White, soft and cold is the sand that forms part of the beautiful beaches of Cancun, however did you know that 70% of this sand is composed of pieces of coral defecated by the Parrotfish? It's not a joke! This animal is mostly in time, biting the corals to maintain its peak in optimum conditions.



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Sand forms when rocks break down from weathering and eroding over thousands and even millions of years. Rocks take time to decompose, especially quartz (silica) and feldspar. Often starting thousands of miles from the ocean, rocks slowly travel down rivers and streams, constantly breaking down along the way.

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A component that plays a big part in the water´s clear blue is the color of the sand. Cancun´s sand is one of the whitest and powdery there is. White sand works as a light reflector that brings the coast a more transparent aspect.

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Gypsum is actually a clear substance; the dunes appear white like snow because the gypsum grains are constantly banging into each other. The scratches then reflect the sun's rays making them appear white. Also, unlike silica sand, gypsum doesn't absorb heat from the sun.

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In the 1970s, when Cancun was built, the area that is now called the Cancun Hotel Zone was a natural island that was joined to the mainland by bridges. It is not an artificial island made of plastic or other material.

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Beaches in Cancún are a popular reason to visit this city, as is the nightlife scene. Many beaches offer both, with gold and white sand, turquoise waters, and a party atmosphere. Here you can relax on the soft sands and snorkel, surf, or swim in the endless, clear sea.

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A common mistake many people make while traveling is drinking unfiltered water and ending up with an upset stomach. Though the tap water in Cancun does in fact meet the standards of safety, it is always a good idea to stick with bottled water.

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Paris-Plages, Paris, France Every summer, artificial beaches are laid along the banks of Seine, and along the Bassin de la Villette. Roadways on the banks are closed off to accommodate the sandy beaches and the various activities.

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Why does the water smell in Cancun? Sargassum seaweed is a type of macroalgae that forms over the Atlantic Ocean each year in large quantities. The foul-smelling but harmless seaweed is a perennial issue for Caribbean destinations like Cancun, which see huge quantities of the macroalgae wash up on their shores yearly.

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Cancun and Riviera Maya are experiencing one of their most intrusive sargassum seaweed seasons ever. The dense, foul-smelling algae is a common site along shorelines, and Cancun and surrounding areas are seeing an influx at an alarming rate. Sargassum is not your average beach shrubbery; it can be dangerous.

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