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This week, the Sargassum Monitoring Network Organisation found 44 beaches in the state of Quintana Roo to have a low level of seaweed pollution, otherwise known as sargassum. Of these 44 beaches, 7 are in the Caribbean paradise of Cancun. This is excellent news for summer tourists, as the beaches are in close proximity to the hotel zone, ensuring that a trip to rest and relax by the coast won’t be ruined by the foul-smelling microalgae.
Sargassum has caused trouble for vacationers before: last month, high levels of the brown seaweed in the Mexican Caribbean contributed to a 10% drop in departing and arriving flights in Cancun, alongside poor weather conditions. Whilst it can benefit marine ecosystems, it also has the ability to realise harmful microbes into the atmosphere in hot temperatures and can even collect floating garbage as it drifts ashore.
For a vacation with minimal sargassum this week, visitors should head to one of the following 7 beaches in Cancun:
Playa El Nino
Known as ‘Children’s Beach’, this stretch of Caribbean shoreline offers tourists a more authentic Mexican vacation. Just a short 20-minute drive away from Cancun’s hotel zone, this beach is dotted with hammocks and street vendors offering delicious fresh ceviche, fruit and more. It is also located close to Puerto Juarez, where visitors can catch a ferry to Isla Mujeres after a day at the beach.
Puerto Juarez
Located just north of Cancun, Playa Puerto Juarez is a quaint beach perfect for an afternoon stroll after exploring its neighbouring shops and businesses. The beach is a 16-minute drive away from the hotel zone and is situated directly next to the Dreams Vista Cancun Golf and Spa Resort.
Playa Langosta
Characterised by golden, powder-like sand and crystal-clear surf, this beach is the perfect representation of the Mexican Caribbean. The lack of sargassum allows for plenty of paddling in its shallow waters and ensures the perfect view is kept unspoilt. This beach is incredibly close to the hotel zone, at just a 5-minute drive away.
Playa Tortugas
Also known as Turtle Beach, this sunny haven is perfect for exploring various restaurants, bars and vendors dishing up the best Mexican cuisine and relaxing alongside a picturesque coastline. Visitors are also able to rent a boat and take part in snorkelling or swimming at their leisure. Playa Tortugas is a 7-minute drive away from the hotel zone.
Playa Ballenas
This jaw-dropping stretch of sand and surf is in the heart of the hotel zone, next to the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, JW Marriot Cancun and Secrets Cancun. As it is surrounded by three of the largest hotels in the region, the beach is set with numerous deck chairs and loungers, as well as snorkelling and parasailing facilities.
Playa Delfines
This beach is a favourite of previous visitors to Cancun: located at the end of Kukulkan Boulevard (12 minutes away from the hotel zone), the beach offers tourists a stunning natural landscape with plenty of space to relax in the sun. There are also various canopies along the sand, as well as a large ‘Cancun’ sign, perfect for capturing memories of the trip. Finally, visitors can head to the beach’s hidden gem – the ‘El Mirador’ viewing platform, for panoramic views of the coast and marine life.
Punta Nizuc
Located in the southernmost part of the hotel zone in Cancun, Punta Nizuc is one of the best spots in Cancun for snorkelling. Without masses of sargassum blocking the shoreline, snorkelers have easy access to the waves to view a multitude of tropical ocean life. It is also located close to Club Med’s Cancun resort, perfect for tourists looking for a beach getaway within walking distance of their hotel.
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