Akumal, Quintana Roo — Sargassum seaweed continues to pose major challenges for tourism in Akumal, where visitor numbers have dropped to between 35 and 40 percent of typical summer-season levels, according to local service providers.
Manuel “Pío” Jiménez, head of the Pirañas cooperative, said the combination of the low season and constant seaweed arrivals has hurt tourism activity in recent months.
Despite the influx of macroalgae, the bay remains in good condition thanks to the coordinated efforts of 22 cooperatives, involving about 150 people who clean a nearly one-kilometer stretch of beach every day. A local hotel provides machinery and equipment to speed up collection, preventing sargassum from piling up on the sand and affecting water quality.
“Fortunately we have repeat tourism, and that’s helping us a little,” Jiménez said. “We’re not like past years when huge numbers of people came at this time. Now we’re seeing about 35 or 40 percent — domestic and international visitors, mostly from the United States, who know Akumal and return every year.”
The drop in visitors has allowed cooperatives to maintain their boats and prepare for the summer season. Jiménez noted that the local economy relies heavily on repeat tourists, mainly Americans who come back annually to enjoy the bay.
He invited tourists to visit Akumal, emphasizing that swimming with sea turtles remains the main attraction. The snorkeling tour costs about 650 pesos per person and includes park access, a CONANP fee, snorkel gear, and a guide.
Jiménez expressed hope that tourist numbers will improve as the summer vacation period continues, while cooperatives keep up their sargassum-cleaning efforts.
