Mexico Sargassum Daily Updates 2024: Cancun, Tulum, PDC, etc.

In 2024, the sargassum seaweed season in the Cancun Area is anticipated to start earlier than usual, following the trend from 2023 when it began in February. Typically, the season starts in early spring, triggered by rising ocean temperatures that facilitate seaweed growth and reproduction.

Beaches most affected by high concentrations of algae include Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Sian Ka’an, and certain areas between Cancun and Puerto Morelos.

However, accurately predicting which beaches will be affected and to what extent is extremely difficult, as conditions change almost daily and often without notice. 

Read on for the latest information on the sargassum situation at these beaches.

Sargassum Cancun Right Now (April 22 Update)

Sargassum season in Cancun has been very good in 2024 but recently there has been an increase. There are morning clean-ups organized by resorts which keep the beaches mostly clean until afternoon.

Cancun photo updates – April 22, 2024

Here are some of the live cameras from Cancun Resorts:

Daily Cancun Area Seaweed Updates and Beach Photos:

Join our Seaweed/Sargassum Cancun FB group where locals and tourists post photos and videos from the area

April 22 – April 23

Tankah Bay and Paradius

Playa Caracol, the cleanest beach in Cancun, zero seaweed – April 22, 2024

April 20 – April 21

Sarah G. said in her FB report: “Today in Tulum. Sargassum is here. But they are doing a good job of mitigation. It’s different everywhere but also not really in the water or stinky. No complaints.”

“The worst photo is La Zebra. The other two are equidistant in either direction. Enjoy.” she continued.

April 17 – April 19 – Latest news, photos, and video from recent seaweed arrival

Sargassum seaweed alert in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean has been raised for the first time in 2024 by the local officials.

The arrival of the sargassum continues as predicted. According to photos submitted to our FB reporting group and information from our journalist in the area, the situation is at its worst in 2024.

This increase in the sargassum prompts the Mexican Navy to install more barriers along the Cancun and other parts of the coast.

Video report from Puerto Morelos (by Traveling Lifestyle)

April 15 – April 16 – Another wave of sargassum is expected in the upcoming weeks

Mexican officials expect another wave of seaweed on the beaches of popular destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, and Cozumel.

Latest photo & video updates:

April 13 – April 14

Latest update on Mexico’s seaweed situation from the FB reporting group. Photos from Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Puerto Morelos

April 11 – April 12

Latest photos from Playa del Carmen, Playa Car and Puerto Morelos

April 11: Massive Arrival of Seaweed to Mexican Caribbean from April 6

Massive invasions of seaweed started happening in the Mexican Caribbean. From April 6, people started uploading photos into our FB seaweed reporting group with huge amounts of seaweed on the beaches of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, etc. This invasion continues throughout the week and it’s most likely caused by increased temperatures in the Caribbean.

Here are some photos from our FB group (April 7 – 10):

March 19 – 29

Seaweed photo reports from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun

March 18: Latest photo reports from the main Playa del Carmen

March 18: The seaweed situation in Riviera Maya in the first two months of 2024 is significantly better than last year

The local government confirmed that the situation in the first 2 months of 2024 was significantly better than in 2023. As per numbers, in January and February 2023 they collected 1000 tons of seaweed, and in 2024 was only 200 tons. This may have been caused by lower sea temperatures which are also lower compared to last year.

We also compared photos from our FB seaweed reporting group, and the results are clearly noticeable.

2023:

2024:

March 1 – March 8

Latest seaweed photo updates from FB Reporting Group from Cancun, Playacar, and Puerto Morelos.

February 23: Cancun Acquires New Vessels To Tackle A Massive Sargassum Seaweed Arrival

February 5: Cozumel Island Receives First Sargassum Arrival Of 2024

The adverse weather caused a large amount of sargassum to accumulate, yesterday afternoon Thursday, in front of the area of the Malecon, especially between the dock of San Miguel and the Fountain of the Buzo, which required a special deployment of personnel from the Cozumel municipality.

When Does Seaweed Season Start In Cancun (Mexican Caribbean)?

According to the data from the last 2 years, seaweed season in Cancun starts in February and peaks between April and August. Some parts close to Cancun, such as Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Puerto Morelos see the start of the peak already in February.

What is the seaweed sargasso and what is causing it?

Sargassum is a type of brown seaweed that floats on the ocean surface and is known for forming large masses or “blooms.” It is distinctive for its leafy appearance and air-filled bladders that aid in buoyancy.

The recent increases in sargassum blooms, particularly in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, are attributed to various factors including nutrient enrichment from agricultural runoff and human waste, climate change, and altered ocean currents. These factors contribute to an environment conducive to the rapid growth and accumulation of sargassum, leading to significant environmental and economic impacts on coastal regions.