Dealing with sargassum seaweed is an ongoing task for Mexico’s Caribbean coast, and recent reports from Tulum show that the challenge intensified this past April. Environmental officials there have noted a considerable increase in the amount of algae washing ashore compared to the same time last year.
Tulum Sees Significant Sargassum Spike in April
According to Juan Antonio Garza, the director overseeing the Federal Zone of Maritime Land (Zofemat) in Tulum, the area experienced a notable rise in sargassum during April 2025. He stated that the shores saw between 20 and 25 percent more of this seaweed compared to April 2024.
This percentage increase translates into a substantial amount of actual algae. Garza reported that cleanup crews collected approximately 300 tons of sargassum throughout the month. Handling such a large volume presents significant hurdles. Back in January, forecasters had already warned that warmer ocean temperatures could lead to a more challenging sargassum season this year, and April’s numbers seem to align with that prediction.
Mobilizing Against the Algae: Cleanup Efforts Underway
That extra 300 tons of sargassum creates real difficulties for the teams tasked with keeping Tulum’s famous beaches clean. Garza acknowledged that the increased volume brings “significant operational challenges.” However, he also highlighted the coordinated response in place.
“We have comprehensive actions undertaken by all levels of government to contain the algae and keep our beaches clean,” Garza explained. The number of workers involved in the cleanup fluctuates based on the season and how much sargassum is arriving on any given day. For instance, during the April surge, Zofemat deployed nearly two dozen personnel to the most affected beach areas.
These Zofemat crews aren’t alone in their efforts. They often receive support from members of the Navy and dedicated local volunteers who contribute their time to rake and remove the seaweed. Recognizing the scale of the task, the Tulum municipal government recently provided Zofemat staff with better tools, including a large beach-sweeping machine and several 4×4 vehicles designed to transport the collected sargassum efficiently from the sand to removal trucks.
The Bigger Picture: Coastal Conditions and Cancun Update
While Tulum grappled with its April increase, it’s part of a larger picture affecting the coastline, driven partly by those predicted warmer sea temperatures. So, how are other popular destinations like Cancun faring as we move into May 2025?
The sargassum situation tends to vary along the coast, and even from beach to beach. Current reports suggest that Cancun, much like Tulum, is actively managing sargassum arrivals. Monitoring services show seaweed patches in the waters off the coast. While some beaches might experience minimal sargassum, others are seeing moderate to occasionally high amounts washing ashore. Cleanup efforts are very much active in Cancun and neighboring areas like Playa del Carmen. Teams are using strategies like floating barriers and daily beach cleaning to manage the seaweed. It appears the entire Riviera Maya region is prepared for and actively working through another sargassum season, focusing on keeping the beaches enjoyable for everyone.
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