Called “Sargasso” in Spanish, these algae are actually something natural and occur temporarily in many places in the Caribbean. They are washed up by currents from the Sargasso Sea, a sea between Europe and America, in which many brown algae grow.
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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.
Sargassum season in the Mexican Caribbean typically runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the worst months for its arrival.
With its stunning beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sands, the region is a true tropical paradise. If you are looking for a beach to enjoy water sports or just relax, Playa del Carmen is an excellent choice.
Playa del Carmen, the north beach in Tulum, and Akumal all have lifeguards for the beaches but they are limited. Swim close to shore and it you are not a big swimmer, wear a life vest. Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day!
Is tap water ok to brush my teeth in Playa del Carmen? Although there will be some bacteria in the water from the tap it is fine to brush your teeth with, even if you are at a place where you can't drink the tap water.
Thick rafts of a seaweed-like algae species known as sargassum have caused resorts to close in the Caribbean before, and now they're piling up on Mexico's Riviera Maya in foul-smelling heaps.
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.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the brown water is due to a bloom called “sea sawdust.” “Sea sawdust,” also known as Trichodesmium, blooms every year in the Gulf of Mexico, FWC said. The blooms can extend for miles and even be seen from space.
The beaches in Playa del Carmen experience a seasonal seaweed influx that can change throughout the year. While efforts are being made to address the situation, visitors should know that the seaweed may impact their beach experience.
Playa del Carmen started out as a Fisherman's village, as many as 110 years ago. The white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back feel have made it a popular destination for tourists.
From October to May to avoid seaweedIf you want to dip into sargassum-free beaches, the best season is from October to May. Fun Fact: Some resorts like Seadust Cancun have made efforts to keep the seaweed from arriving at the shore by implementing a marine-life-friendly barrier.
Generally the worst months for seaweed are July and August. Does Tulum have a seaweed problem? Tulum, Mexico has a history of receiving influxes of sargassum seaweed during seaweed season.
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.
Be extra careful at night in Playa del CarmenAs with many places in the world, most crimes in Playa del Carmen occur at night. Besides being extra careful at the bars in Playa del Carmen, you'll also want to be extra careful when walking alone at night.
Punta Esmeralda Beach is known as the hidden local beach in Playa del Carmen. This undeveloped beach is perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds, relax and unwind. At Punta Esmeralda Beach, visitors will find a natural cenote that flows into the Caribbean.
Playa del Carmen is generally safe at night, however, it is important to take the same precautions as you would in any other city. It is best to stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone at night. It is also recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep your valuables out of sight.
Although many of the all inclusive resorts do spray for mosquitoes and fumigate on a regular basis for other insects, you may want to wear bug repellent especially at dawn and dusk. Some resorts have a lot of tropical vegetation and you may be participating in excursions that take you into the jungle.