Last Updated
Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean have been hit by a number of weather phenomena this spring; from extreme temperatures to heavy rain, numerous hotspots in the region are feeling the effects of severe weather.
In Playa del Carmen, a popular local beach – Playa Mamitas – has nearly disappeared this week due to ongoing rain showers and big waves, which have eroded the iconic beach.
Resorts & businesses have been forced to temporarily close access to the beach as water levels creep up, prompting concern from arriving visitors.
With heavy rain set to continue over the following days, here’s the latest on Playa del Carmen’s disappearing beach.
Erosion Blamed For Shrinking Beaches In Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is one of the leading beach destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, with millions of travelers flocking to enjoy its long coastline.
While most of the city’s beaches are in good shape for most of the year, this week, Playa Mamitas, a popular local beach, was temporarily shut down due to dangerous levels of erosion.
Erosion occurs when waves, currents, or rain slowly remove sand from local beaches, effectively bringing the sea closer to resorts, businesses, and homes.
According to local media reports, the situation is especially troublesome for the 5-star Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen resort, with waves nearly reaching one of the building’s facades.
The Playa Mamitas Beach Club has also been badly affected by ongoing erosion at the beach and several parts of the club have already collapsed due to the effects of seawater hitting the building.
Numerous shops situated close to Playa Mamitas have also been forced to leave the area due to the approaching waves.
Local businesses have attempted to mitigate big waves by installing sandbags and other barriers, although these measures have proven largely ineffective.
With more heavy rain set to affect Playa del Carmen in the coming days, officials are anticipating more damage across numerous beaches, although only Playa Mamitas is currently affected by severe erosion levels.
Playa del Carmen and the Mexican Caribbean are currently in the midst of the 2024 hurricane season, which is predicted to be above average in intensity.
During the period ranging from June to late October, the Mexican Caribbean sees more precipitation, occasionally strong winds, and even tropical storms or hurricanes.
Several popular destinations in the region have seen flash floods, including in Chetumal, where large parts of the city have been evacuated due to rising water levels.
Travelers are advised to monitor the weather forecast when traveling to the Mexican Caribbean during the stormy season, as conditions can change rapidly.
While visitors can still expect plenty of sun – and heat – during their next trip, they should also prepare for more rain and even powerful storms.
Fortunately, places like Playa del Carmen and Cancun offer numerous exciting indoor activities that are perfect during bad weather. From culinary tours to shopping adventures, Playa del Carmen is a cultural hub that offers endless options.
From the top-rated 3D Museum of Wonders to the smaller but equally interesting Gastón Charó Art Gallery Playa del Carmen, travelers can delight themselves with exciting cultural activities.
Playa del Carmen also boasts some of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, including the famous Playa Esmeralda. Many of the city’s beaches have on-duty lifeguards and many are Blue-Flag-certified.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.