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In Cancun, the busiest season is beginning, but even though millions of tourists visit the destination during this time, there’s something that tourists look forward to during the winter.
That is the end of sargassum season, the time of year when visitors can say goodbye to Cancun sargassum for a few months.
That time is now, as the 2024 season has officially ended, and officials are already working on a plan to address sargassum next year.
How Is Cancun Preparing For The 2025 Sargassum Season?
There are several ways that Cancun addresses the sargassum problem every year.
They utilize naval ships to collect sargassum before it reaches the coast, use barriers in the sea to block it from making it to shore and hire cleaners to clean up sargassum once it washes up on the beaches.
They will likely utilize all of these methods for fighting sargassum again next year, but will also hire an additional 200 workers to remove sargassum more efficiently once it arrives.
What Is Sargassum?
Sargassum, which is often referred to as sargassum seaweed, brown seaweed, or simply just seaweed, is actually a macroalgae.
Essentially, a macroalgae is a type of seaweed.
It plays an important role in marine biology, acting as a breeding ground for marine species, as well as a place for marine species to seek shelter.
It’s also a food source for certain species, so as annoying as it is, it’s also important.
Where Does Sargassum Come From?
Every year sargassum makes the journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the shores of places along the southern east coast of the United States, and eventually to the Mexican Caribbean.
It typically travels in massive amounts that come from what is known as the Sargasso Sea, which forms in the Atlantic.
Upon arriving in the region it washes up on the beaches along the Mexican Caribbean coast.
Is Sargassum Harmful To Tourists?
The effects that sargassum has on humans have generally been thought to be pretty harmless unless you have very sensitive skin.
Typically these effects don’t go beyond a minor rash or getting small bites from bugs that may be carried in it, but a recent report shows that sargassum may be more harmful than it used to be, even toxic.
Sargassum also produces a mildly offensive odor when decaying, and the smell and unsightliness are what bothers tourists the most.
When Does Sargassum Arrive In Cancun?
Sargassum can wash up on Cancun’s beaches any time of the year, but typically it arrives more during certain months.
The season usually starts around April or May, though in recent years, sargassum has arrived as early as February.
It continues to arrive, sometimes in mass amounts, until about August, though this year the season is just now ending, but thankfully it’s officially over.
How Does Sargassum Effect Cancun Tourism?
Many travelers with their sights set on Cancun try to plan their vacations around the sargassum season.
All in all, though, sargassum really doesn’t hurt tourism in Cancun.
Most tourists are willing to trade the minor inconvenience for being able to soak up the sun on Cancun’s otherwise amazing beaches.
Things To Do In Cancun To Avoid Sargassum
If you arrive to sargassum in Cancun and it bothers you there are a few ways that you can avoid it.
One is enjoying the beach from afar and spending more time at your resort’s pools.
You can also opt for swimming in a nearby cenote, which are natural swimming holes all over the region.
Additionally, you can take a trip to the nearby islands of Cozumel or Isla Mujeres, which generally have little to no sargassum at all and beautiful beaches.
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