Playa del Carmen Bounces Back as Sargassum Clears

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Local business owners in Playa del Carmen are expressing renewed optimism as efforts to remove sargassum from the city’s beaches yield visible results. After months of grappling with excessive seaweed accumulation, authorities and private enterprises report significant improvements, paving the way for a stronger summer tourism season.

Beaches Rebound After Months of Challenges

Alonso, director of Vikingos Fit Club, located on Calle 14 near the federal zone, acknowledged that the past two months were marked by heavy sargassum influxes. However, he credited municipal cleanup efforts—including barriers, personnel from the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat), and truck-mounted removal operations—for restoring the shoreline.

“We are very pleased with the work done. Our beaches are now clean, and it’s important for people to know they can visit us again,” Alonso stated. He noted that clients had previously been deterred by the seaweed but are now returning, allowing his wellness retreats to resume with unobstructed ocean views.

Hotels Anticipate Strong Summer Occupancy

Ankara Angulo, manager of the Hyatt Centric, a two-tower hotel in the city center, emphasized that sargassum is a seasonal challenge in the Caribbean. While the worst appears to be over, she highlighted that Playa del Carmen’s appeal extends beyond its beaches.

“Not everything is about the beach. Playa del Carmen is also about culture, local flavors, and innovation,” Angulo remarked. She added that the hotel’s pools, nearby cenotes, and theme parks provide alternative attractions for guests.

For its first summer since reopening, the Hyatt Centric projects an occupancy rate exceeding 80%, drawing both domestic and international tourists.

Broader Tourism Outlook

Business leaders agree that while sargassum remains a concern, coordinated cleanup efforts and the destination’s diverse offerings have mitigated its impact. With beaches now clearer, the city aims to capitalize on the summer travel surge, reinforcing its reputation as a premier tourist hub.