Sargassum Levels Begin To Decrease In Cancun As ‘Tapering’ Season Begins

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CANCUN — After a summer that saw sargassum levels reach unprecedented highs—at times 400% greater than in previous years—travelers with fall vacation plans have been anxiously watching the forecasts. The key question on everyone’s mind: when will it end?

Here at The Cancun Sun, we have some good news to report. Based on our on-the-ground observations over the last seven days on the beaches of the Cancun Hotel Zone, the much-anticipated “tapering” season has officially begun. The thick, brown mats of seaweed that characterized much of the summer are beginning to dissipate, and those iconic clear, turquoise waters are starting to emerge more often.

While this doesn’t mean the sargassum is completely gone, the difference is significant and a welcome relief for anyone hoping to enjoy the Caribbean Sea.

The On-the-Ground Report from the Hotel Zone 🏖️

We’ve spent the first week of September walking the beaches and swimming in the waters in the heart of the Hotel Zone, specifically near the Live Aqua and Westin Lagunamar resorts. The change compared to just a month ago is dramatic.

The massive walls of sargassum on the sand are gone. They’ve been replaced by a much smaller, brittle line of seaweed at the tide line that is easy to step over. Once in the water, it’s now easy to navigate and find large areas of totally clear, blue-turquoise water perfect for swimming.

To be clear, it’s not perfect yet. You will still see some darker patches in the distance, and small, stray bits of seaweed will likely float by and touch you while you swim. However, the experience has shifted from “unswimmable” to “easily manageable.” Most importantly, during our entire time on the beaches in the Hotel Zone, there has been zero smell. For anyone who has experienced the pungent odor of decaying sargassum, this is a massive improvement and makes lounging on the beach a pleasant experience again.

What the Experts are Saying 📊

Our on-the-ground experience is backed up by the data. Official monitoring groups, like the Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Network, are now reporting that levels across the state have already reduced dramatically from the peaks seen in July and August. Their latest reports show that many areas of the Cancun Hotel Zone have been downgraded from “Excessive” or “Abundant” sargassum levels to “Moderate.”

This is characteristic of the tapering season, which typically runs through September and October. While a sudden, late-season influx can and sometimes does happen with a change in currents, the chances become less and less likely as the fall season progresses.

A Tale of Two Coasts: The Riviera Maya is a Different Story

It’s crucial for travelers to understand that not all beaches are created equal right now. While the situation in the Hotel Zone is vastly improving, the same can’t always be said for the coastline that stretches south towards the Riviera Maya.

We also checked the beaches near the Moon Palace and AVA Resort areas and found a much different scene. For two of the four days we visited, there was a noticeable smell. The ocean was brown and uninviting, and the beaches were almost completely empty of tourists, who were enjoying the pools instead. The geography of the Cancun “7” often provides more protection and favorable currents compared to the coastline to the south.

The Verdict

For travelers visiting in September, the verdict is clear: if swimming in the ocean is a priority, your chances of an enjoyable experience are exponentially higher if you are staying within the Cancun Hotel Zone.

While the season is not officially over, the worst appears to be behind us. The conditions are improving week by week, and we were able to swim and have fun in the waves every single day. It isn’t the flawless perfection of November, but it is definitely not holiday-ruining, and it’s a welcome and beautiful sight to see.