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Sargassum season is well underway in the Riviera Maya region, and like last year, it’s arriving on the coast in mass amounts.
This can really put a damper on a vacation in popular Mexican Caribbean destinations like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun.
But there is one type of excursion that is the perfect way to still enjoy the ocean when sargassum hits.
What Is Sargassum?
If you have ever been to the Mexican Caribbean, then you likely already know what sargassum is and may even have had it affect your vacation.
For those that have never experienced it, sargassum is a brown seaweed that, although it poses no threat to humans, is annoying nonetheless.
As it begins to decay, it emits a terrible odor, and the sight of it really takes away from the beauty of the usually stunning Mexican Caribbean beaches that it washes up on.
@evpro_ All for $40 per person, very worth doing ☀️#cancun #thingstodoincancun #mexico #cancunboattour #speedboat #swimming #GradeUpWithGrammarly ♬ Wifey Riddim – AJ Tracey
How To Avoid Sargassum
While there is no surefire way to avoid sargassum, there are certain times of the year that the Mexican Caribbean sees less of it.
This is typically during the fall and winter months, with the sargassum season starting to wind down by about October and picking back up around May.
This year, though, sargassum season started very early, with the first arrival of the seaweed taking place as early as February.
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Sargassum And Tourism
Despite the fact that sargassum takes away from the enjoyment of the beaches, tourists still flock to Cancun in huge numbers.
Last year was one of the worst sargassum seasons in history, and it was one of the best in terms of tourism numbers.
The tourists that do arrive to find massive amounts of sargassum no doubt seek out the beaches with the least sargassum, but they also find other ways to enjoy the extremely popular vacation destination.
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Why Boat Tours Are The Perfect Way To Avoid Sargassum
One way to get away from the sargassum and still enjoy the mesmerizing aqua-blue Caribbean Sea is to take a boat tour.
Doing so allows you to get out past the sargassum and still enjoy some of the best activities Cancun has to offer.
Not only will you have spectacular views of sargassum-free ocean, but you’ll find areas where you can enjoy activities like snorkeling without sargassum getting in the way.
@derek_inthewild Cancun excursions. Make sure you get on the right catamaran! Not all of them are party central! #cancun #cancunmexico #catamaran #boatsandhos #boats #jumparound #partytime #party #vaca #vacation #vacatioode #dj #funatthebeach #funinthesun #sunshine☀️ #oceanlife #freedom #questing #onaquest ♬ original sound – Derek-InTheWild
Cancun Boat Tours
Boat tours in Cancun are surprisingly affordable, and there are many different options, so you’re sure to find the perfect boat tour for you.
Boat tours that include snorkeling, open bar, lunch or dinner, sunset tours, and even dinner shows are all options you’ll have to experience the sea without the sargassum.
We’ll highlight some of the best boat tour options below.
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Cancun Boat Tours
Cancun boat tours can be found through many tour companies directly, but Viator is a great option as well.
Some of your options through the popular tour booking site include the following:
- Sailing Experience to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran with Open Bar – $69.00
- Hidden Cenote Swim, Snorkeling With Sea Turtles and Beachside Lunch – $149.00
- Private Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour From Cancun with Open Bar – $570.00 per group of up to 9
- Isla Mujeres Catamaran with Snorkel, Open Bar & Buffet Lunch – $45.00
- Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel. Lunch & Open Bar Onboard and Visit to Isla Mujeres – $129.00
- Private 46 FT Yacht Rental in Cancun Bay – $560.00 per group of up to 15
- Riviera Maya Luxury Catamaran and Snorkeling, Lunch & Drinks Included – $129.00
@carlosgee1981 When I’m Cancun, make sure you get the private boat tour! #cancun #cancunmexico #islademujeres #islademujeresmexico #catamaranboatparty #catamarancancun #cancunboats @mando_030 @aleoz11 ♬ Pepas – Farruko
Nobody wants to deal with sargassum during their Cancun vacation, but many tourists do and find ways to make the most of it.
These tours, and so many more like them, are the perfect option for still being able to enjoy the amazing Caribbean Sea.
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