Sargassum Levels Drop at Tulum and Akumal Beaches

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Beaches in Tulum and Akumal are showing a marked decrease in sargassum, with stretches of turquoise water and nearly clear sand returning to several shoreline areas. The improvement follows months of heavy seaweed arrivals along Quintana Roo’s coast.

During recent inspections, officials observed notably cleaner conditions at beaches within Parque del Jaguar, where sargassum accumulation on the sand and in the water has dropped considerably compared with previous weeks. Akumal is also seeing little buildup in several sections, creating favorable conditions for recreation and tourism.

The decline matches the pattern expected for this time of year. Esteban Amaro Mauricio, director of the Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Network, has said the largest volumes arrived between June and July, with a gradual reduction beginning in August. That trend could become more evident in September and October as weather and ocean conditions shift.

Sargassum behavior remains unpredictable, however, and conditions can change within days. Wind direction and marine currents largely determine where the seaweed accumulates, meaning one beach can stay clear while nearby stretches see heavy landings.

The improvement offers some relief to the tourism sector after a particularly intense season. Around 110,000 metric tons of sargassum have been collected in Quintana Roo in 2026, and officials estimate the total could reach roughly 150,000 metric tons by year’s end. That would far surpass the approximately 94,000 metric tons reported in 2025.

Despite the cleaner conditions in parts of Tulum and Akumal, authorities say the season is not over. Monitoring, cleanup and containment efforts must continue, since shifting conditions could bring new sargassum arrivals to other points along the Mexican Caribbean coast.