Looking back at 2023, Punta Cana did indeed experience significant "blooms" of sargassum seaweed, following a record-breaking trend in the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. The 2023 season saw an unusually early start, with large mats appearing as early as February and March, and peaking in the late spring and summer months. Many resorts in the Bavaro and Cap Cana areas had to deploy floating barriers and tractor teams to clear the beaches daily. However, it is important to note that for the current 2026 season, the forecast is somewhat different. Early 2026 outlooks suggest a "gradual intensification" of sargassum activity. While January and February saw relatively mild influxes, a "moderate to heavy" escalation is predicted to begin in late March 2026 and continue through the summer. The Northern Caribbean islands are expected to be hit harder this year than the Southern ones. For travelers planning a trip in 2026, it is advisable to check "live beach cams" for specific resorts, as sargassum levels can change overnight based on wind and ocean currents, with some beaches remaining pristine while others just a mile away may be heavily affected.