Sargassum in Cancun. Check Sargassum Status in Cancun
Sargassum is a nightmare for Caribbean beaches. Where to check the sargassum status in Cancun and Riviera Maya?
What is Sargassum ?
Sargassum is a species of seaweed that lives in masses offshore and can eventually arrive to the shores.
In recent years, sargassum has made headlines for its arrival in unusual quantities to Caribbean beaches.
Cancun is no exception, as it has been suffering year after year, the arrival of sargassum in enormous quantities.
Some scientists say it is caused by a man-made environmental imbalance.
They say that the sargassum is behaving like an epidemic out of control, that is, an ecological disaster.
What is certain is that it is altering the marine ecosystem on the coasts, both for the species that live in it, as well as for the tourist activities on the coasts.
Sargassum, a big problem on the Cancun beaches
Sargassum on the beaches generates several inconveniences for tourism:
- Brown water beach: The turquoise waters turn into brown waters. The white sands are covered with these seaweeds.
- Beach access: The large amount of sargassum obstructs or makes beach access impossible. They also cause scratches and foot injuries.
- Bad Smell: The sargassum accumulated on the beach begins to decompose, generating an unpleasant odor ("rotten egg" smell).
- Environmental contamination: As they decompose, they produce toxic elements such as arsenic, which can leach into sands and ground, contaminating them.
- Negative perception of the destination: The presence of sargassum on the beaches of Cancun negatively affects the reputation of the destination.
Sargassum Season in Cancun
Sargassum can arrive at any time of the year in Cancun.
However, in recent years we have noticed more sargassum arrivals in Cancun, during the months from April to Octubre.
Sargassum season in Cancun: April to Octubre.
How to Check the Sargassum Status in Cancun and Riviera Maya?
Nowadays, it is impossible to predict with accuracy whether or not there will be sargassum on such a date.
There is no accurate "forecast" of sargassum, like the weather forecast.
You should first plan your trip avoiding the sargassum season months in Cancun. Then the probability of having a sargassum-free beach increases.
Another thing you can do is to check social networks like Facebook groups, or Twitter, of tourists and locals who report the status of sargassum on the beaches.
Luckily, there are people who are busy reporting the daily sargassum status on the beaches of Quintana Roo state, including Cancun and Riviera Maya. Here are two options: