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Why is the water brown in Belize?

But at beaches with high sargassum concentrations, especially in the bays and reef lagoons where the algae become stagnant, the water color has changed from turquoise to brown, completely altering the landscape even when is not the sargassum season.



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Sargassum is not known to be extremely harmful to humans, not including the smell's nuisance as it decomposes on Belize's beaches. This odor, along with the piles of sargassum washing up onshore, are a direct threat to our tourism industry.

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The brown algae known as Sargassum usually starts to invade the beaches from around March. After it beaches on the shore it rots making the beach unattractive and a stinking place.

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The brown algae known as Sargassum usually starts to invade the beaches from around March. After it beaches on the shore it rots making the beach unattractive and a stinking place.

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Palm Beach in Aruba, Dutch Caribbean It'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.

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Sargassum season in the Mexican Caribbean typically runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the worst months for its arrival.

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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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Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico Playa Norte is a dazzling beach in the Caribbean without sargassum seaweed. This beach is a perfect white sand haven for vacationers to take a break from their busy lives.

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Over the past few years, a brown seaweed called sargassum has floated onto the beaches of much of the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. The beaches here on Ambergris Caye have been significantly affected as well.

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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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Is It Safe to Swim in The Ocean in Belize? Yes, it is relatively safe to swim in the ocean in Belize. When you visit Belize's most popular beaches — Placencia, Maya Beach, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker — you'll find clear, shallow water that makes for easy swimming and snorkeling.

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Is It Safe to Swim in The Ocean in Belize? Yes, it is relatively safe to swim in the ocean in Belize. When you visit Belize's most popular beaches — Placencia, Maya Beach, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker — you'll find clear, shallow water that makes for easy swimming and snorkeling.

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Amongst these options, Half Moon Caye—a protected monument—is said to have the clearest water in Belize…as well as the comical red-footed boobies… From Placencia one option is to take a day-trip to Laughingbird Caye. This protected area has beautiful beaches and a desirable swimming area.

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