Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Divers in Playa del Carmen are struggling with lower incomes in 2026 due to an unusual influx of sargassum and a drop in tourist numbers, according to the local divers’ union leader.
Francisco Chan, head of the Playa del Carmen Divers Union, said the guild has not matched previous years’ earnings. In a brief interview, he noted that June and July are traditionally slow months, but this year the situation has been worsened by the FIFA World Cup and the atypical sargassum arrivals.
“This year has been very tough, and we know more is coming,” Chan added.
Despite the challenges, diving activity has not stopped. Many visitors are choosing alternative experiences such as cenote diving instead of beach outings. “Our strong point remains the cenotes, and clients who cross to Cozumel to dive and return to Playa and other parts of the Riviera Maya to continue activities,” Chan said.
According to the union leader, although there was a slight uptick early in the year, the first summer months have fallen far short of expectations, mainly due to the absence of domestic and U.S. tourists. However, European and Canadian visitors have helped keep operations partially afloat. “We continue to have repeat tourism, especially from Europe and Canada,” he said.
Chan expressed hope for a rebound in visitor numbers within two weeks and noted that some reservations are already in place for the end of the year.
