Cancun Beaches Struggle as Sargassum Crisis Hits Tourism Hard

Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico - The picturesque beaches of Cancun, located in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico, are facing an unprecedented challenge as an influx of sargassum, a type of brown seaweed, sweeps in. As reported by Xinhua, staff members are working tirelessly to clear this seaweed from the shorelines. However, this summer, the situation is particularly dire—expectations are that the 2025 sargassum season will become the worst on record.

Recently, the University of South Florida detected a staggering 37.5 million metric tons of sargassum in the Atlantic, marking the highest level since monitoring began in 2011. The predictions indicate that over 522,000 metric tons of this invasive seaweed will hit Quintana Roo, shattering previous records set back in 2018. This news comes as local authorities are already reporting significant accumulation of sargassum across popular spots including Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Cozumel, threatening the thriving tourism sector that the region heavily relies on.

Cleanup Efforts Underway

The Mexican government is fully aware of the seriousness of this situation. As part of a proactive response, Playa del Carmen’s authorities launched a cleanup campaign in mid-April, deploying a combination of 9,500 meters of offshore barriers and a fleet of naval vessels. Despite these efforts, cleaning crews are struggling against the relentless tide of seaweed. In May 2023 alone, over 1,465 tons of sargassum were removed from the Riviera Maya coast, but the waves keep coming.

One of the major concerns regarding the sargassum invasion is the hazardous decomposition process, which generates hydrogen sulfide gas. This not only causes respiratory and skin irritation for those nearby, but it also accelerates the erosion of sandy beaches, further threatening the area’s allure for tourists.

Impact on Local Economies

The economic ramifications of this crisis cannot be overstated. Hotel operators in Puerto Morelos are already reporting losses, while fishermen in Mahahual have had to halt their operations due to the overwhelming presence of sargassum. As the tourism sector reels from this setback, there’s genuine worry about the long-term effects on the livelihoods dependent on seasonal visitors.

Environmentalists are also sounding alarms over the potential irresponsible disposal of this collected sargassum. Such actions risk harming local groundwater and fragile ecosystems, further complicating an already troubling situation. Additionally, sargassum forecasts will play a crucial role in guiding travelers seeking unaffected beaches. Vacationers are advised to look for resorts that offer sargassum-free swimming options and to check forecasts before making plans.

The Uncertain Future

As we move deeper into the 2025 sargassum season, which officially began in April and runs through August, researchers continue to investigate the intricate movements of this seaweed using specialized simulations. With an estimated 5 million tons of sargassum floating towards the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, the main bloom is expected to drift westward as warmer water temperatures promote further growth.

This year, sargassum landings could persist late into the year, possibly extending into November, depending on ocean currents and wind patterns. Given the distressing data and the significant impacts, this is a moment for travelers, local governments, and environmentalists to come together and confront the challenges posed by sargassum.

As Cancun and the surrounding areas brace themselves, it remains to be seen how effectively mitigation efforts will protect the region’s prized beaches and by extension, its economy and ecosystems.