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A new government initiative in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean promises to deliver a bold result: to keep up to 100 beaches in the region clear of sargassum seaweed until December.
The new plan is part of a renewed effort to tackle the sargassum issue as the Mexican Caribbean skyrockets in popularity with travelers.
Around 100 beaches in eight municipalities are included in the ambitious plan, which foresees the cleaning up and removal of sargassum seaweed alongside local measures.
With sargassum levels potentially rising this summer & fall, here’s what travelers need to know about the region’s new seaweed policy.
New Sargassum Contention Plan Announced For Popular Cancun And Mexican Caribbean Beaches
While summer 2024 has gotten off to a good start regarding sargassum levels in Cancun, long-term forecasts suggest more seaweed could arrive in the region in the future.
Local officials have invested millions of dollars in bolstering preventive measures, including installing sargassum barriers and deploying navy ships.
When it comes to dealing with sargassum, once it washes up on shore, the region largely relies on traditional methods – physically removing it.
Those efforts are now set to intensify with a new program launched by the regional government, which aims to guarantee excellent beach cleanliness across the Mexican Caribbean coastline.
Announced this week, the clean-up program will cover all of the major regional resort hotspots, including Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres, all of which are known for their splendid beaches.
The publicly-funded initiative will remain in place until December 15 this year, coinciding with periods of high sargassum levels. Over 600,000 square meters of white-sand coastline are included in the plan, ensuring optimal beach conditions throughout the summer, fall, and early winter travel seasons.
The new policy will deploy targeted cleaning measures across participating beaches, ensuring that sargassum is rapidly removed should it wash ashore.
While several regional hotspots – including Cancun and Playa del Carmen – have already set up significant cleaning efforts of their own, other resort towns like Tulum have struggled to keep sargassum at bay.
And with travel numbers set to reach new highs this year, authorities are keen on shielding the region’s main draw – stunning white sand beaches – from the damaging effects of sargassum seaweed.
Some of the main beaches included in the cleaning program are the following:
- Playa del Carmen: Playa Caribe, Playa Recodo, Punta Esmeralda, and Xcalacoco
- Isla Mujeres: Playa Norte, Playa Centro, as well as the Acapulquito, Aguakan, and Andador Trigueña beaches
- Tulum: Maya, Mezzanine, Pescadores, Punta Piedra, and Santa Fe beach
Travelers can track current sargassum conditions on the Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Network Facebook page, which publishes regular updates on seaweed levels in key hotspots.
Despite new efforts to protect local beaches, travelers should be prepared for occasional sharp increases in seaweed levels, which may leave the coastline covered in sargassum for several days at a time.
As a result, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and seek out sargassum-free alternatives, such as cenotes, waterparks, or indoor activities.
The Puerto Morelos cenote route is an especially popular alternative to sargassum-covered beaches; situated just south of Cancun and is easily explored via a rental car or organized tour.
For now, travelers can look forward to splendid beach conditions in Cancun and beyond, with only minimal traces of sargassum seaweed currently affecting local beaches.
Travelers seeking the best white-sand shores are advised to head to Isla Mujeres, Holbox, and Cancun, which currently have the least sargassum.
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