Barbados is losing vast tracts of beachland annually due to the almost continuous influx of Sargassum Seaweed on its shores.
People Also Ask
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.
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.
It identified heavy influxes of sargassum in 2018, 2019, 2022 and early 2023. Caribbean islands most affected by sargassum seaweed in the past include beaches in Barbados, Tobago, Guadeloupe, Dominican Republic and Martinique.
Sargassum season in the Mexican Caribbean typically runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the worst months for its arrival.
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.
Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and CaicosGrace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos is definitely a destination to consider if you're looking for Caribbean beach without seaweed for a family, couples or group vacation.
The stellar seafood and traditional cuisine, vibrant culture, and natural wonders like Harrison's Cave are solid bonuses to the white-sand beaches and clear azure waters that await in Barbados.
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.
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.
In general, beaches on the west and southwest coasts of Barbados have the calmest waters and softest sands, and are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and other water-based activities.
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.
Barbados is as safe as anywhere in the world as long as you take the necessary precautions. Do not walk alone at night in unlit places, on beaches etc. It is safe to drive anywhere on the island just do not stop if anyone waves you down, possibly can happen but not very often.
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.
The good news is that some of the island's best beaches are close to the cruise terminal where you will dock outside the capital city Bridgetown. You can either walk or easily get a taxi as you exit the Cruise Terminal.
All beaches are public, and there is no restriction on what you can take there (within the law of course, and generally it is OK to have alcohol in public). It would be different if you took your own alcohol into a beach bar - they would have the right not to want you to do that.
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.
In the Caribbean, seaweed season is generally May to October. The worst time for seaweed in Cancun, the Dominican Republic and much of the Caribbean is during the summer months.
USF reports it remains difficult to predict exact timing and location for individual beaching events but substantial amounts of the seaweed are expected in May in both the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. June is forecast to be the likely peak of the 2023 season, but impacts are expected to continue into July.