Tourists Flock to Tulum Beaches Despite Sargazo

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Despite the presence of sargazo seaweed and the entrance fee to the Jaguar National Park, where Tulum’s main beaches are located, tourist numbers during Holy Week have remained strong, according to reports from local service providers.

Steady Visitor Inflow Amid Challenges

Jorge Caamal, a boat operator at Santa Fe Beach, reported a noticeable increase in visitors during the second week of the holiday period, marking a significant recovery for those reliant on tourism.

While acknowledging that the park entrance fee has influenced some tourists’ decisions, Caamal emphasized that demand remains robust, particularly for water activities like snorkeling. “We’re still working, people keep coming, and many want to explore the reefs, so business is good,” he said.

Caamal also noted that restaurants and beach clubs in the area have seen considerable foot traffic, even though these fall outside his own operations.

Tourists Undeterred by Fees and Restrictions

The Crespo family, visiting from Guadalajara for the third time, said they were aware of the new fee structure but chose to return regardless. “We knew these beaches before the charge, but we keep coming because the place is worth it,” they said.

They did, however, criticize the strict restrictions on bringing in food and beverages, calling the policy overly rigid. Regarding the sargazo, the family described it as a natural phenomenon they’ve learned to accept. “We know it’s something that often surpasses human efforts—it can’t be fully controlled. But the experience here is still unique,” they added.

Background on Sargazo Efforts

The article references ongoing sargazo mitigation efforts in Quintana Roo, with formal cleanup operations for the 2025 season already underway.