In 2024, the seaweed season in the Cancun Area is in full swing and sargassum is invading the beaches across the whole Mexican Caribbean coast.
Beaches most affected by high concentrations of algae include Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Sian Ka’an, and certain areas between Cancun and Puerto Morelos.
However, accurately predicting which beaches will be affected and to what extent is extremely difficult, as conditions change almost daily and often without notice.
Join our Seaweed/Sargassum Cancun FB group where locals and tourists post photos and videos from the area
Read on for the latest information on the sargassum situation at Mexicos’ beaches.
Table of Content
Sargassum Seaweed Cancun Right Now (MAY 7 Update)
Sargassum season in Cancun has been very good in 2024 but recently there has been an increase. There are morning clean-ups organized by resorts which keep the beaches mostly clean until afternoon.
Mexican Caribbean Coast Sargassum Seaweed Map
The latest sargassum seaweed MAP of the Quintana Roo coast was issued on April 29, 2024.
Note: The situation changes every day in unpredictable ways, so you take this information as an estimation. You can count on Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres as clean destinations. As for Cancun, seaweed levels are low but depending on the current it can change from day to day.
Sargassum Seaweed Distribution Across the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean – Satellite Report
Latest Cancun photo updates:
Cancun video update (by Traveling Lifestyle) – April 24, 2024
The walk was recorded on April 24 on Playa Delfines passing famous resorts:
- Iberostar Selection Resort Cancun,
- Seadust Cancun Family Resort,
- Royal Caribbean Cancun,
- Wyndham Grand Cancun Resort,
- Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun,
- Paradius Cancun Resort,
- JW Marriot Cancun Resort & SPA,
- Hard Rock Resort Cancun.
Here are some of the live cameras from Cancun Resorts:
Daily Seaweed Updates and Beach Photos (Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, etc.):
May 2 – May 7
Viral videos from different parts of the Mexican Caribbean are circulating the internet and continue to impact tourism as the sargassum season slowly starts peaking in the region.
Playacar MAY 3 – Video report from the walk in front of popular resorts (RIU Palace, Reef Hotel, Iberostar Playacar, Viva by Wyndham etc.)
April 30 – May 1
The situation in Playa del Carmen is out of control in some of the beaches. The cleaning crew struggles to keep up with constant (24h) seaweed arrival.
Here are some latest seaweed photo updates from Holbox, PDC, Tulum and Puerto Aventuras:
April 24 – 29
Latest photo updates from Puerto Morels and Playa del Carmen
April 22 – 23
Tankah Bay and Paradius
Playa Caracol, the cleanest beach in Cancun, zero seaweed – April 22, 2024
April 20 – 21
Sarah G. said in her FB report: “Today in Tulum. Sargassum is here. But they are doing a good job of mitigation. It’s different everywhere but also not really in the water or stinky. No complaints.”
“The worst photo is La Zebra. The other two are equidistant in either direction. Enjoy.” she continued.
April 17 – 19
Latest news, photos, and video from recent seaweed arrival
Sargassum seaweed alert in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean has been raised for the first time in 2024 by the local officials.
The arrival of the sargassum continues as predicted. According to photos submitted to our FB reporting group and information from our journalist in the area, the situation is at its worst in 2024.
This increase in the sargassum prompts the Mexican Navy to install more barriers along the Cancun and other parts of the coast.
Source: Traveling Lifestyle
Video report from Puerto Morelos (by Traveling Lifestyle)
April 15 – 16
Another wave of sargassum is expected in the upcoming weeks
Mexican officials expect another wave of seaweed on the beaches of popular destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, and Cozumel.
Latest photo & video updates:
April 13 – 14
Latest update on Mexico’s seaweed situation from the FB reporting group. Photos from Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Puerto Morelos
April 11 – 12
Latest photos from Playa del Carmen, Playa Car, and Puerto Morelos
Massive Arrival of Seaweed to Mexican Caribbean from April 6
Massive invasions of seaweed started happening in the Mexican Caribbean. From April 6, people started uploading photos into our FB seaweed reporting group with huge amounts of seaweed on the beaches of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, etc. This invasion continues throughout the week and it’s most likely caused by increased temperatures in the Caribbean.
Here are some photos from our FB group (April 7 – 10):
Source: Traveling Lifestyle
When Does Seaweed Season Start In Cancun (Mexican Caribbean)?
According to the data from the last 2 years, seaweed season in Cancun starts in February and peaks between April and August. Some parts close to Cancun, such as Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Puerto Morelos see the start of the peak already in February.
What is the seaweed sargasso and what is causing it?
Sargassum is a type of brown seaweed that floats on the ocean surface and is known for forming large masses or “blooms.” It is distinctive for its leafy appearance and air-filled bladders that aid in buoyancy.
The recent increases in sargassum blooms, particularly in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, are attributed to various factors including nutrient enrichment from agricultural runoff and human waste, climate change, and altered ocean currents. These factors contribute to an environment conducive to the rapid growth and accumulation of sargassum, leading to significant environmental and economic impacts on coastal regions.