Sargassum in Cancun: Season, Affected Beaches and Alternatives

What is sargassum?

Sargassum is a type of seaweed that, at certain times of year, reaches some beaches of the Mexican Caribbean carried by the currents. Although it is a natural phenomenon and not dangerous, in large amounts it can affect the look of the beach and the smell as it decomposes. The good news is that you can plan around it. For clean sand, the sargassum-free beaches on the Isla Mujeres tour are the usual escape.

When is sargassum season?

Sargassum is usually most abundant between May and October, with peaks that vary from year to year depending on currents and weather. During the dry season, from November to April, beaches generally look cleaner. If you are traveling in summer, it is worth checking recent conditions before you go.

Which beaches are less affected

Not all beaches get the same amount of sargassum. Those facing north, sheltered from the Caribbean currents, tend to be less affected: for example, the beaches on the north end of Cancun's Hotel Zone, Playa Mujeres and Isla Mujeres. Many hotels also clean their beaches daily.

The best alternatives

If you happen to travel during sargassum season, you have plenty of options to enjoy the turquoise water worry-free:

• Cenotes: natural freshwater sinkholes inland, with crystal-clear water and no sargassum.
• Isla Mujeres: its western beaches, such as Playa Norte, usually stay clear.
• Parks and tours: Xcaret, Xel-Há and excursions to Chichén Itzá or Valladolid do not depend on the beach.
• Pools and beach clubs with constant cleaning.

Practical tips

• Check recent sargassum reports before your trip.
• Consider hotels in less-affected areas or with daily cleaning.
• Book cenote and Isla Mujeres tours as a backup plan.

Enjoy Cancun no matter what with Cancun Bay Tours

At Cancun Bay Tours we help you build an itinerary that combines beach, cenotes and islands so sargassum is never a problem. Contact us and make the most of your trip to the Mexican Caribbean.