Is there an algae problem in Cancun?

What Is Sargassum? 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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Sargassum is at its worst between April and August, peaking in July and August, although this year saw the seaweed arrive early, with some beaches being hit heavily in March.

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Like many other travelers, you've probably already heard about the seaweed or sargassum problem along the Quintana Roo coastline. Get to know more about Playa Mujeres: A Sargassum-Free Haven in Cancun, and prepare to enjoy a spectacular Caribbean getaway!

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From April to September, the Caribbean sea's turquoise waters change hues due to the presence of seaweed. If you want to dip into sargassum-free beaches, the best season is from October to May.

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  • Grand Anse in St. ...
  • Morne Rouge Beach on Grenada. ...
  • Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. ...
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  • Beaches in Antigua & Barbuda.


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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.

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Check out our Guide to Caribbean Beaches without Sargassum Seaweed. The seaweed season in Cancun is generally over by the end of October. However, some towns such as Puerto Morelos sometimes continue to receive sargassum seaweed past that date. Erosion of the beaches in Playa del Carmen is also an issue.

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What Is Sargassum? 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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If you don't have any open wounds, you should be OK to swim in oceans with sargassum, since that environment is moving saltwater instead of brackish water, he added. But if you see a clump go by, stay away from it.

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Although the seaweed season runs from May until August, swimming is still permitted on all Cancun beaches.

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The deeper the water gets, the darker is its tone simply because blue is the only color of sunlight left after all colors were absorbed by the water's molecules. However, another very important biological factor is algae or small microorganisms known as phytoplankton.

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Tap water in Cancun is not recommended for drinking, even for locals. But don't worry. With a bit of preparation and know-how, you'll have no problem staying properly hydrated during your stay.

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While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.

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Study: Sargassum on beaches can hide notable amounts of Vibrio bacteria. COCOA BEACH, Fla. — The sight of bountiful seaweed coating parts of the shoreline of Florida's Atlantic coast is nothing new for the late spring and early summertime.

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In Cancun, by far the most sought-after beach destination this summer, travelers can expect to encounter sargassum across beaches in the hotel zone, as well as in Costa Mujeres.

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The amount of sargassum seaweed in Cancun varies by season and even daily. Generally the worst months for seaweed are July and August.

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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.

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The best bet for beaches near Cancun with no seaweed is to head to the island of Isla Mujeres or to the leeward coast of Cozumel by ferry.

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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.

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While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.

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