Vacationers planning a getaway to Cancun in 2026 could wish to take notice: the 2025 sargassum season was one of many hardest in current Caribbean historical past. Based on the College of South Florida Sargassum Watch System (SaWS), the “Nice Atlantic Sargassum Belt” reached file ranges this yr, creating intensive seaweed buildups on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Information from the Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Community confirms that the southern hall of Cancunstretching in the direction of Puerto Morelos skilled the heaviest affect. All through the spring and summer time of 2025, these seashores acquired repeated “ample” and “extreme” sargassum warnings.
Most affected seashores in 2025
- Playa Coral (Mirador II) – Typically topped the day by day charts as a consequence of extreme sargassum.
- Riviera Cancun and Moon Palace – Uncovered southern coastlines recorded excessive accumulation ranges.
- Royalton Riviera and Bahia Petempich – Continued heavy landings famous.
- Punta Caracol and Puerto Morelos (north) – Continued inflow of seaweed all through the summer time.
- Vidanta / Playa Paraiso to Punta Maroma – Repeated arrivals throughout peak months.
Specialists attribute this sample mainstream currents pushing sargassum onto the coast south of Cancun’s lodge zone. Satellite tv for pc photos from USF confirmed these findings, displaying file concentrations within the area’s waters by mid-year.
Situations within the lodge zone: manageable however not immune
Central Seashores of Cancun’s Resort Zone– together with Gaviota Azul, Chac-Mool, Marlin, Ballenas, Delfines and Punta Nizuc – skilled reasonable sargassum ranges in 2025. Due to improved cleanup operations, many items have been restored to their signature turquoise blue readability inside hours of seaweed washing.
Native authorities and volunteers have collectively eliminated tens of 1000’s of tonnes of sargassum, marking a notable enchancment in coastal administration in comparison with earlier years.
Greatest bets for clear seashores in 2026
For vacationers who wish to keep away from sargassum in 2026, consultants advocate specializing in naturally sheltered areas like Isla Mujeres And Isla Contoywhose west-facing seashores are largely shielded from the Atlantic inflow.
The optimum journey interval for seaweed-free circumstances runs from October to Februarywhen seasonal currents and wind patterns change. In 2025, circumstances improved dramatically in mid-October and the seashores in Cancun started to return to their pristine state.
Suggestions for vacationers: keep versatile and knowledgeable
- Examine reside circumstances: Use real-time webcams and sargassum monitoring maps earlier than heading to the seashore.
- Have backup plans: Discover cenotes, lagoon excursions or day journeys to islands throughout seaweed waves.
- Strategic reserving: Select resorts with lively cleansing crews and protecting limitations.
Security and environmental notes
Though sargassum just isn’t inherently harmful, it could possibly create slippery surfaces and emit delicate odors because it decomposes. Beachgoers ought to at all times do this observe native security flags and keep away from discolored or cloudy water.
Along with the visible affect, scientists notice that the rising inflow of sargassum is inflicting environmental issues, as extreme blooms can degrade marine habitats and coastal ecosystems.
In brief, for 2026 vacationers
If 2026 mirrors 2025 patterns, guests to Cancun ought to anticipate some presence of sargassum, particularly in southern zones corresponding to Puerto Morelos. Nevertheless, proactive seashore upkeep and good journey timing guarantee that you would be able to nonetheless expertise Cancun’s well-known turquoise waters with minimal disruption.
By planning your keep nicely seasonal tendencies And geographically protected areasyou might be finest positioned to get pleasure from a cleaner, extra vibrant Caribbean escape subsequent yr.