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Last week, Hurricane Beryl worried more than 300,000 travelers who were vacationing in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean when the storm landed in the region.
Despite the numerous negative impacts of the hurricane, the tropical storm also resulted in an unexpected benefit in Playa del Carmen: the reversal of beach erosion.
Beaches in the popular Mexican Caribbean resort town have been suffering from the effects of erosion for some months already, with some beaches losing nearly all of their sand.
Experts say Playa del Carmen’s beaches are beginning to recover following Hurricane Beryl’s effects. The coastal hotspot is beginning to welcome thousands of travelers for the summer holiday period.
With travelers flocking to Playa del Carmen, here’s the latest on how Hurricane Beryl has helped local beaches reverse erosion.
Playa del Carmen Officials Relieved After Beaches Make Stunning Recovery
The first hurricane of the 2024 season hit Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean last week, causing minor damage to some businesses and widespread interruptions to flights, trains, and bus services.
Despite alarm among both tourists and residents, the powerful hurricane also brought some good news to the region, especially in Playa del Carmen, where it has been credited for reversing beach erosion.
Powerful winds and changes in ocean currents brought much-needed sand to Playa del Carmen beaches, especially those located downtown.
Earlier this month, several Playa del Carmen beaches – including the famous Playa Mamitas – became nearly inaccessible due to diminishing sand levels, forcing travelers to opt for more remote locations.
That situation appears to have changed now, with a handful of Playa del Carmen beaches now having sand levels not seen for many months.
According to Jesús Peréz, the head of Playa del Carmen’s environmental agency, strong waves resulting from the hurricane caused more sand to wash up on the local coastline, resorting beaches across the city.
The biggest change is visible in Playa Mamitas, which has been at the epicenter of the discussion concerning erosion in Playa del Carmen. Surrounded by numerous tourism businesses, including the 5-star Grand Hyatt resort, the beach is an essential attraction for the city.
Just a few weeks ago, the popular beach was nearly shut down, with beach clubs temporarily inaccessible due to rising water levels. But now, travelers are once again able to access the centrally-located beach.
Meanwhile, several other Playa del Carmen beaches have also seen improved sand levels thanks to Hurricane Beryl, including Playa Caribe.
Playa del Carmen stood out as one of the best-prepared cities in terms of hurricane protocols. The city reported only minor damages to a limited number of properties and businesses.
The coastal destination is preparing for a record-breaking summer season, with over a million travelers expected to flock to the hotspot during the next few months.
Most visitors will be heading to the city’s popular beaches, which remain the number one attraction for visitors. From Blue-Flag-certified stretches of white-sand shoreline along the famous Fifth Avenue to more remote locations like Playa Esmeralda, there is no shortage of amazing beach destinations in Playa del Carmen.
With the launch of the new Maya Train, reaching this hotspot just south of Cancun is easier than ever before.
Travelers can take advantage of the new direct connection from Cancun International Airport, lasting just 45 minutes.
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