Cancún Fights Sargassum: Still Worth the Trip?

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Despite efforts by authorities at all levels, sargassum has reached tourist areas in Quintana Roo, with Cancún among the most affected. With summer vacations set to begin in a month, businesses, restaurants, and hotels are feeling the impact, as this year has seen one of the highest recorded influxes of the macroalgae.

Businesses Struggle Amid Declining Tourism

José López, who rents Jet Skis at Playa Forum, sits with his colleagues waiting for tourists. However, visitors often turn away upon seeing the sargassum.

“It’s been a very bad season. Normally by this time of day, we’d already have two or three water activities booked. This is affecting us a lot—really, a lot,” López said.

He acknowledged that the government is attempting to remove the organic waste, which emits a noticeable odor of decomposition due to its volume, but efforts have fallen short.

“They come and clean the sargassum from the beach, but there’s just so much. The amount arriving this season is overwhelming,” he noted.

When asked if more could be done, López responded, “Well, it’s nature. They clean today, and tomorrow it’s back. I hope people don’t stop coming—not everything is dirty. There are still clean spots where you can swim, but visitors see the dirty areas first and don’t notice the cleaner sections.”

López estimated an 80% drop in tourist traffic in the area.

Authorities Mobilize Cleanup Efforts

The municipality of Benito Juárez, which includes Cancún, has deployed:

• Drilling machines.
• Tractors.
• Backhoes.
• 14-cubic-meter dump trucks.
• Other tools to combat the natural phenomenon once it reaches the shores.

Additionally, the Mexican Navy has installed 7,500 meters of sargassum barriers across Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Mahahual. The Navy projects collecting 77 tons of sargassum in the coming days, bringing the yearly total to 4,230 tons.

Despite these measures, the impact on tourism persists, with visitors seeking cleaner alternatives.

“We came from Tijuana, Baja California, and this spot was recommended to us. But when we arrived, the sargassum and the smell made it unpleasant. You can’t really enjoy it—the water feels uncomfortable,” said Víctor Carmona, who left with his family.

Health Concerns and Safety Risks

While sargassum does not pose major health risks, it can cause complications.

“Some people experience skin irritation because the sargassum carries bacteria. Beyond that, it’s mostly a visual issue and a deterrent for tourism—people don’t want to swim where there’s sargassum,” explained Felipe, a lifeguard at Playa Forum.

Felipe, whistle in hand, monitors the few swimmers who venture too far out to avoid the algae, despite red warning flags being posted. He noted that the seaweed also obstructs visibility, making his job harder.

“It’s dangerous because you can’t see where you’re walking,” he said.

Some Tourists Remain Unfazed

In Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and other affected areas, tourists are searching for cleaner beaches. However, some, like Adán, a German tourist residing in Vancouver, Canada, are less bothered.

“It doesn’t bother me much. This beach has strong currents, so it’s not a big issue. Some people even pay for treatments using this seaweed—it has benefits for skin and agriculture,” he said.

“I love this beach. Out of all my travels—Thailand, Cambodia, Europe—this is one of the finest. It’s truly beautiful.”