For a number of years now, sargassum has been washing ashore in massive quantities on Caribbean coasts, making it a nightmare for beachgoers and a threat to sea animals in shallow waters.

The phenomenon has been linked to an excess of nutrients in the ocean and an increase in global temperatures.

Sargasumm by itself is harmless to humans but it definitely affects vacationers’ beach experience.

Join FB Group: Dominican Republic Seaweed Reporting

When is Sargassum Season in the Dominican Republic?

According to reports, in the Dominican Republic sargassum is peaking between May and August but it can vary each year depending on meteorological factors affecting the Atlantic Ocean.  

This seaweed is rarely seen between November and May because lower temperatures don’t favor its reproduction. So you might want to plan your holidays accordingly. 

So far in the 2024 season, the sargassum situation in the country is under control. Some beaches are seeing increased quantities of algae, while others are almost sargassum-free.

Related: Mexico Sargassum Daily Updates 2024: Cancun, Tulum, PDC, etc.

Recent Seaweed Updates from the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana)

Hoteliers and local authorities are on top of the issue, cleaning beaches every morning and installing ocean barriers to catch the algae before it washes ashore, in order to provide vacationers with an unforgettable beach experience.

Take a look at this timeline to get an overall picture of the current situation on some of the most popular beaches and how it evolves. This report is based on data from the Algues sargasses Punta Cana and Sargassum Seaweed Updates Dominican Republic FB groups.

May 1 – 9: Punta Cana has been seeing a surge in sargassum seaweed

Photos uploaded on May 9 by Rick Ram shocked ‘Algues sargasses Punta Cana’ FB community. It was the biggest arrival of the 2024 seaweed season in the Dominican Republic. After 4-hours of cleaning by a tractor, the beach was completely sargassum-free, according to Rick’s following video post.

Viral video of tractor cleaning sargassum seaweed in the morning:

May 1: Latest sargassum seaweed distribution satellite map and forecast

NOTE: As scientists suggest, this satellite image should be only taken as an estimation as the sargassum seaweed flow is very unpredictable.

This map was released on MAY 1 and it suggests that the major arrival is coming in the next weeks/months. The arrows on the map suggest the flow of the sargassum and the distance from the Caribbean islands.

April 22 – 30:

The annual sargassum seaweed invasion in the Caribbean has been very mild in 2024 due to lower sea temperatures. The Dominican Republic has been seeing an increase in sargassum seaweed in the last 2 weeks but it’s nowhere as bad as in Mexico. The situation is under control and regular morning clean-ups keep the famous Punta Cana beaches mostly clean.

April 30, 2024: Riu Palace – Punta Cana – Seaweed Level LOW

April 21:

– significant sargassum at Riu Palace after the morning clean up.

– Bavaro Beach, outside of Bavaro Princess Resort, one of the 10 most amazing beaches in the world as per National Geographic, reported no sargassum. 

April 20:

– Bavaro beach had a little bit of sargassum in the water but nothing that could disturb swimmers. 

– The Cortecito beach, outside of Impressive Punta Cana resort, had some sargassum on the beach but the water was clean. 

April 19:

– Cabeza de Toro beach, outside of Dreams Flora resort, had no sargassum.

April 14:

– Bavaro beach had a strong presence of sargassum on both the beach and in the water. 

What’s causing sargassum seaweed in the Dominican Republic?

The exact cause of the annual seaweed invasion in the Dominican Republic and the rest of the Caribben is not scientifically proven yet. Various studies suggest sargassum growth is related to global warming, chemicals used in agriculture and human pollution in the ocean.

The post Dominican Republic Sargassum Seaweed In 2024 (Daily Updates) appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Here are some of the top resorts to visit if making your way to Punta Cana this summer:

Eden Roc Cap Cana

Between Kalithea Beach and Rhodes Town, Eden Roc Cap Cana is surrounded by lush greenery, and verdant gardens in an exclusive gated community. Within the 30,000-acre community, the resort boasts 60 all-suite accommodations and the three restaurants on-property. Guests can dine overlooking the lagoon, by the pool or the beach as well as book luxury treatments based on the Island’s native traditions and fragrances at Solaya Spa. 

This summer book one of their newer ocean-front pool villas, which stand on the oceanfront overlooking Eden Roc Beach Club, the luxury hotel’s private beach. 

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino

Situated along the award-winning Bávaro Beach, Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino is great for all types of travelers. Along with their 16,000 sq. ft.  Splash Island waterpark, families can also spend quality time in the arcade, bowling alley, completing an escape room and more. There is also an adults-only section of the resort with a private pool, bar and child-free beach for a quiet, romantic escape. 

The full-service Om Spa offers 39 types of massages and treatments and their UNIQUE suites offer elevated amenities including exclusive access to the Unique Beach Club, a personal butler and more. This summer take a dip in one of their seven swimming pools, dine in one of their seven internationally inspired dining concepts and 16 onsite bars and take park in daily programming with various onsite activities. Rates in May start at $462.

Secrets Cap Cana Resort And Spa

Secrets Cap Cana Resort And Spa is an adults-only all-inclusive resort great for those who want a bit of luxury during their stay. Along with 457 suites, including rooms with swim-up pool access, one of the best spots at the resort is their infinity pool which presents gorgeous views of the turquoise water beyond. Guests can learn how to dive, enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach, take Spanish lessons and more.

This summer take advantage of their “Sip, Savor & See” program which presents guests with complimentary dinner, drinks and live entertainment at nearby resorts.

Meliá Caribe Beach Resort

Surrounded by gardens and set alongside the picturesque white beaches of Punta Cana, Meliá Caribe Beach Resort encapsulates the true essence of the Caribbean. The resort offers a complete culinary experience of 10 restaurants and six bars and features family suites and all-inclusive access to family-friendly activities and amenities.

Nestled on Playa Bavaro beach, guests can choose from 609 rooms (consisting of suites and family rooms) and enjoy an interactive waterpark and an arcade on-property. 

The post TOP 4 Resorts In Punta Cana To Visit In Summer 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.