In 2024, sargassum seaweed season in Cancun was better until last week when the whole Mexican Caribbean saw an influx of seaweed on the beaches.

Thankfully, not all beaches have been equally affected by the presence of Sargassum. We have curated a comprehensive selection of beaches in the Cancun area with low amounts of Sargassum.

Caracol Beach – Hotel Zone

Caracol Beach is located in the Northern part of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. As it doesn’t have the same current as the main beaches, the waters are more calm with less seaweed.

It’s located in Punta Cancun which is a prime location with restaurants, bars and some of the best Cancun resorts such as Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, Hotel Riu Cancun, and Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas. Playa Caracol is a public beach, so it’s easy to reach even if you’re not staying in one of the resorts.

It’s also known as one of the best beaches for families as the waves are not strong and there are no dangerous currents.

Isla Contoy

Spanning a mere 5 miles in length, the island’s pristine white sand, untouched by sargassum, stands as its undeniable centerpiece, drawing visitors in with its sheer beauty.

Isla Mujeres Playa Centro

Playa Centro, famous for its pristine white sand and stunning waters, stands as one of Quintana Roo’s most beautiful beaches. It is no wonder that a visit to Isla Mujeres is a must-do for many tourists during their stay in Cancun.

You can get to Isla Mujeres by ferry from Puerto Juarez which is located only 15 minutes from Cancun. It only takes about 15 minutes and it goes every 30 minutes.

Isla Mujeres – Punta Sur

Punta Sur, although not a traditional beach, is a perfect retreat to evade sargassum. Marvel at the extraordinary sculptures and captivating coastline.

This rocky shore showcases the remarkable artwork of over 20 skilled Mexican painters, along with fascinating traces of Mexican archaeology. Capture stunning photos of the sargassum-free Caribbean Sea, making it an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts.

Chiquila Beach

A serene beach in Chiquila, away from Cancun’s hustle, provides a peaceful retreat and perfect getaway from seaweed.

Indulge in delicious seafood while lounging on the sand. Chiquila’s port offers daily excursions to Holbox Island for adventurous travelers.

Holbox Island is located 37.8 miles (60.9 kilometers) from Cancun and can be easily reached by car or shuttle bus but you will have to take a ferry after. There are no cars on the island, so you if you’re coming with a rental car, you’ll need to leave it at the port. The ferry ride takes around 25 minutes.

Playa Tortugas

Playa Tortugas is a captivating destination renowned for its stunning beaches and serene atmosphere. Situated in the North of Cancun, it gets less seaweed compared to other beaches in Cancun.

It can be conveniently accessed by cab, allowing visitors to explore the lively entertainment areas of Cancun at their leisure.

Playa Ballenas

Playa Ballenas in Cancun is a must for beach lovers looking for a piece of paradise without sargassum. With its pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, this idyllic beach offers a tranquil and picturesque retreat. Relax under the swaying palm trees, soak up the warm rays of the sun, and let the refreshing ocean waves carry you away. Whether you want to relax, enjoy water activities like snorkeling, or simply admire the breathtaking coastal scenery, Playa Ballenas has it all.

Plus, the beach is close to hotels, restaurants and amenities, so you are guaranteed a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Escape to Playa Ballenas and enjoy the beauty and tranquility that Cancun has to offer.

The post These Are 7 Beaches Near Cancun Without Seaweed appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

These areas will be mostly sargassum-free until the end of May, according to reports.

In March, scientists observed only 75 percent of the amount of sargassum seen in the same month last year. It’s a positive number but still very high.

“Unlike most previous years, total sargassum amount decreased from about 9 million metric tons in February to about 6.5 million metric tons in March,” reads a report from USF’s Optical Oceanography lab. 

“The total amount in March was still above 75% of all previous March months, indicating 2024 could still be a major sargassum year,” they concluded.

Countries like Mexico and the Dominican Republic have started to report an increase in the arrival of the alga after months of enjoying small quantities of it. 

Mexico had to elevate its sargassum alert to “Level Two,” as the country has seen a spike in seaweed in Cancun and nearby towns.

As per local forecasts, Playa del Carmen alone will be receiving up to 300 tones per day over the next few weeks.

For its part, Dominican Republic beaches have reported a rise in sargassum since two weeks ago.

Most Caribbean nations also suffering the ravages of this phenomenon have opted to invest in vessels equipped with special technology to collect the seaweed in the open sea. In the United States, such an option is currently prohibited, as sargassum provides shelter for marine species.

Florida has hired specialized workers who clean beaches twice a week using heavy machinery but only where turtles may nest.

As a result, local communities are on the verge of seeing major losses in tourism revenue. 

“Economically, a “severe” sargassum event could have more than a $20 million impact in just the Keys alone,” said FAU research professor Brian Lapointe.

Sargassum Season in 2023 and Forecast for 2024

Multiple authorities have expressed that this year, sargassum season might not be as hard as it was in 2023. But it’ll be relevant.  

For instance, in countries like Mexico the season officially started at the end of March, while last year, beaches were covered with seaweed by the end of January.

Last year, the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, which was nothing but a massive 5,000-mile-long mass of seaweed, threatened ecosystems, livelihoods and tourism industries across the Caribbean, according to researchers at the University of South Florida.

In December 2023, the size of the bloom broke records which is a telltale sign that this year we’ll also see an important arrival.   

“This [satellite observations made in December] indicates that 2024 will be another major Sargassum year,” USF sargassum academic experts published in January.

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Popular beaches like Tulum, Xcacel, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel will be impacted with modern levels of sargassum, with the bulk of the sargassum expected after Monday, April 15. As such, The Secretary of the Navy’s Gulf and Caribbean Oceanography Institute escalated matters to a category two alert for sargassum.

This is typical for the region as sargassum season in Mexico begins in April and stretches until August, but visitors still should be wary. Although the Navy led efforts collecting the algae at sea and installed 8,650 meters of protective barriers to prevent massive beaching, sargassum will still land on the shores. 

Affecting beach aesthetics along with usability, the tourism sector is on high alert as to best clean the beaches to protect visitors and locals alike. Community efforts along with governmental efforts across the region are in place to clean the beaches.

One bit of good news though is that beaches are seeing much less sargassum than in 2023, primarily due to low temperatures in the ocean preventing the algae from reproducing uncontrollably.

By mid-March, 800 tons less of sargassum was collected than the same period in 2023, meaning that beaches across the Mexican Caribbean beaches are cleaner than they were in previous years.

A reminder for those who haven’t come across sargassum before, when sargassum decomposes, the hydrogen sulfide gas produced makes it smell like rotten eggs. More harmful than the smell, it can cause the skin to turn red and into an itchy rash. 

The naturally occurring brown seaweed is composed of gas-filled structures which keep the brown seaweed buoyant. And it is the strong currents and winds which wash the sargassum to shores. 

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According to the International Business Times, Tulum’s beaches were ranked number 10 in the world. This destination was included in the ranking due to the beauty of its turquoise waters, its white sands, its Mayan civilization, and its international popularity for holding electronic music events.

On this occasion, Tulum competed with beach destinations such as Navagio in Greece, the Turks and Caicos Islands in the United Kingdom, Whitehaven Beach in Australia, Do Sancho Bay in Brazil, Long Beach in Canada, Maya Bay in Thailand, Camps Bay in Africa, Polihale Beach in Hawaii and Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles in Africa. The latter is considered to be the most beautiful beach in the world.

As per the magazine, some of Tulum’s most beautiful beaches include Santa Fe, Pescadores and Paraíso, as well as the sandy beaches located in its archaeological zone.

Tulum is currently gaining international recognition. In October 2023, it was also nominated for the World Travel Award as the best beach destination in the world.

The Tulum Hotel Association reported a hotel occupancy rate of 89 percent in the third week of February.

In addition, Tulum is the third-most popular tourist destination, with the most available hotel rooms for international tourism. With 230 lodging centers equivalent to 10,985 rooms, it is only below Cancun, which has 218 hotels and 45,575 rooms, and Playa del Carmen, which has 294 hotels and 45,660 rooms.

The number of international visitors will increase in 2024, as the first American, Canadian and European airlines will start flying to the new Tulum International Airport in May.

How safe is Tulum?

Tulum is generally considered safe for tourists, especially within the hotel zones and popular tourist areas.

However, like any travel destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid risky areas, especially after dark, and follow local advice and travel advisories.

Petty theft can occur, and there have been reports of more serious incidents such as shootings though they are less common.

Travelers are encouraged to exercise common sense safety measures such as safeguarding their belongings and using reputable transportation services.

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However, when it comes to planning your getaway to this exotic paradise and picking the best destination, it might not be as easy.

To make outlining your itinerary as effortless as possible, we have rounded up the 7 most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean to visit this year. No matter what your preferences are, you can’t go wrong with any of our choices.

Grote Knip Beach, Curaçao

Curaçao boasts many splendid beaches. However, a lot of them are often quite busy and touristy. Not Grote Knip though. At this beach, you won’t find the western type of beach bars or fancy sun beds. Instead, you can emerge fully in the authentic Caribbean experience. Along with locals, who also often relax at Grote Knip.

Its water is bright blue, and the swimming conditions are just fantastic. You can also drift for snorkeling to the nearby coral reefs. What’s more, the beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs from which you can dive into the water. Of yours, only if you dare to (but be careful).

Even though Grote Knip is more secluded than other beaches and doesn’t feature many facilities, don’t worry that you will be left hungry. Local vendors often visit the beach and offer Curaçaoan treats and refreshing coconut water.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

Aruba is a charmer. Its beaches? Out of this world. Eagle Beach is simply a must. Not only because it’s often ranked among the best beaches in the world but it also has plenty of activities to offer to its visitors.

Apart from tanning by the iconic Divi Divi trees, chilling, and swimming, you can enjoy kayaking, sailing, and other watersports. Thanks to the clear water and rich marine life, it’s also perfect for snorkeling.

What’s more, Eagle Beach is a nesting and hatching point for sea turtles. Come at night and you might be a witness to this natural spectacle.

Surprisingly, even though it‘s a popular spot to visit, it doesn’t get as crowded as other beaches on the island. Therefore, it’s a go-to for those looking to spend their holiday in peace.

Bávaro Beach, Dominican Republic

If you’re looking for a truly indulging holiday destination where you can just relax and let anyone else take care of everything, Bávaro Beach is the spot.

It’s nestled in the famous Punta Cana and stretches over 30 miles of shore, which is lined with 5-star hotels and resorts.

Get lost in the powdery sand while strolling down the beach and forget about your everyday problems. If you like to spend your time a bit more actively, you can engage in snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, or take a boat tour.

Another thing you can do at Bávaro Beach is golfing. There are plenty of spectacular golf courses around Punta Cana with even better ocean views.

Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

For those searching to enjoy the Yucatan Peninsula with fewer crowds and loud parties, consider visiting Isla Mujeres. This splendid island is set just off the shores of Cancun and offers amazing beaches.

Playa Norte is particularly renowned for its calm and shallow water, which makes it a perfect place with families with small children and inexperienced swimmers.

However, swimming isn’t the only thing you can do there. You can grab a drink at one of the bars, rent a sun lounger and relax, play beach volleyball, snorkel, kayak, or take a boat tour to Tortugranja – a cute turtle farm.

If you’re staying in Cancun, you can take a day trip there – it’s easily reachable by ferry. On the other hand, if you feel like spending more than a day on the island, there are various accommodation options right at Playa Norte.

Playa Varadero, Cuba

With more than 13 miles of soft sand, turquoise water, and an idyllic tropical setting, visiting Varadero is simply to die for.

Bask in the sun, snorkel, dive, or swim with dolphins, there is plenty to do. On top of that, you will have a chance to meet and chat with locals – they love their tourists here and are very friendly.

But it’s not just the beach and its people that make this place special. Don’t skip a visit to the town itself. It boasts interesting museums, shops, dance shows, and a dolphinarium.

Vacationing at Playa Varadero is truly a magical experience. And if you’re planning to spend more than a day there, the shore is full of all-inclusive resorts to choose from.

They all have great facilities, including fine dining options, water sports rentals, and entertainment. And compared to other paradise-like destinations, they’re still relatively affordable.

Pinel Island, Saint Martin

Set just a stone’s throw away from the North shore of the French side of Saint Martin, Pinel Island is a true oasis on Earth.

It boasts white sand beaches, pristine water, and a secluded atmosphere. There is also lush natural beauty just waiting to be explored.

Several hiking trails will take you through it. Pinel isn’t very hilly, so the hikes are easy. Yet, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding landscapes.

Then, you can wind down in one of the two island restaurants serving Caribbean specialties, freshly caught seafood, and fantastic drinks. Day drinking is allowed in this case.

Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos

A list of the best beaches in the Caribbean wouldn’t be complete without Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. It offers everything you’d expect from a tropical beach destination, including pristine water, a wide stretch of powdery white sand, and exclusive resorts with panoramic views of the ocean. What makes it truly unique, though, is the exquisite coral reefs.

You can easily snorkel off to the Bight Reef, the most popular as well as accessible snorkeling spot in Grace Bay. It boasts vibrant corals, fish, turtles, stingrays, lobsters, and much more. Other reefs are worth exploring too, but as they sit a bit further from the shore, you need to take a cruise boat.

Grace Bay Beach is also renowned for breathtaking sunsets. The best spot to watch it is from a deck of one of the beach restaurants. You can also take a sunset cruise – it‘s actually one of the top things you can do there.

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