Sargazo Relief in Cancún, But Tulum Still Struggles

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The sargazo phenomenon presents two starkly different realities along the coast of Quintana Roo this week. While Cancún, Costa Mujeres, and Isla Mujeres report a significant reduction in the seaweed’s arrival, offering cleaner beaches to visitors, the Riviera Maya—particularly Playa del Carmen and Tulum—remains locked in a daily battle against the persistent algae.

Northern Coast Sees Relief, Southern Stretch Faces Challenges

According to the latest report from Quintana Roo’s Sargazo Monitoring Network, beaches in the northern region, including Cancún’s Hotel Zone and Isla Mujeres, now show "low" or "very low" levels of sargazo. This improvement is attributed to recent shifts in ocean currents and wind patterns.

In contrast, the southern corridor from Playa del Carmen to Tulum continues to experience "moderate" seaweed accumulation, requiring constant cleanup efforts by hotel staff and municipal workers.

Tourist Impact: Which Beaches to Choose?

For travelers planning their visits, the current conditions vary sharply by location:

• Cancún’s Hotel Zone: Beaches such as Gaviota Azul, Chac Mool, and Delfines show notable recovery.
• Isla Mujeres: Playa Norte remains nearly sargazo-free.
• Cozumel: The island’s western coast also offers favorable conditions.

Meanwhile, destinations like Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum’s hotel zone still grapple with seaweed, though not at crisis levels.

A tourist from Monterrey shared, "We arrived in Playa del Carmen yesterday, and there is sargazo. It’s not as bad as the alarming photos we saw, but you have to walk a bit to find a clear spot to enter the water. The hotel staff cleans constantly, though."

Local Efforts and Environmental Tensions

The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) has deployed 11 sargazo-collecting vessels across the Caribbean to intercept the algae before it reaches shore. However, the scale of the phenomenon challenges the effectiveness of these measures.

The economic and environmental stakes are high. Hotels invest millions in cleanup and barriers, costs often passed on to guests. Meanwhile, cleanup crews endure grueling shifts under the sun to maintain the region’s primary attraction.

While the northern coast enjoys a reprieve, scientists caution that sargazo season is far from over, with massive seaweed patches still drifting across the Atlantic. The current disparity underscores the unpredictable nature of this environmental challenge.