Hello all,

We were planning a trip to Cancun/Tulum in early August. We started to do our research and found a lot of articles about Sargassum/Seaweed on the beaches peaking in June/July. I understand that no one can predict how it will be later this year, but historically during past 2 or 3 years, how bad was it in early August?

Are there any particular areas within Riviera Maya that are relatively better than others in August?

Thanks.

It's a real problem that is not talked about enough. You can literally be knee deep in brown foul smelling muck. When it arrives on mass cleaning it up is a challenge. It's a deal breaker for me when you consider the cost of hotels.

I would consider Isla Hotbox or Cozumel which is what I will be doing this year. They are expecting record amounts of sargassum by all accounts.

All that said you could be lucky and have a window where there is none. Predictability is a real issue. stay flexible on bookings and decide late on where to go.

Thank you very much. Does this issue exist even in places further south along the coast like Mahahual?
Also, any recommendation between Holbox vs El Cuyo?

Thanks.

How about in late April or May? We are thinking to visit that area in May and wondering if we would run into the same situation ? Thank you

There is a high likelihood you would. There is a huge patch of seaweed floating that way and it can ruin your beach holiday. Yes there are cenotes but it's the beach that makes this place special.

I am heading there next week and Cozumel and Holbox is where I have decided upon as there is less change of huge amounts of sargassum.

Not been to El Cuyo but there are less options for accommodation. Hotbox has a load but prices are increasing due to demand and the relatively low amounts of sargassum.

It does extend down the whole coast so again you may find your beach covered in brown stuff even in Mahahual.

This will really kill the whole coast line I think. All the investment and lofty prices will just crash if it continually gets worse.

Thank you for your response, so that we can better arrange the itinerary. Have a nice trip!

This is worth a read and to keep up to date on what's happening on the sargo front.

the next few weeks look like there will be less which is great news for those traveling over Easter.

https://thecancunsun.com/riviera-may...d-to-february/

that said this is not so good

https://www.mexicanist.com/l/dead-fish-in-mahahual/

I was in Cancun last September at the Ziva Riviera and the sargassum was wild. The smell would permeate the beach restaurants, too. It was low season all pools empty from people and very low occupancy and $200/day AI, so that was the saving grace, but not being able to access the beach on a Caribbean vacation is an atrocity....

I arrived in holbox after a bit of a journey thanks to the weather in Dallas.

holbix is sargassum free. Beaches in top condition.

We were in Akumal (at Nikte condos on Half Moon Bay) the 1st week of August 2022. The sargassum smell was take-your-breath-away overwhelming !! We loved the condo & its location, but man oh man, the smell...








After we got home I did all of our loads of laundry about 5 times each & there was still a hint 'o sargassum there.

Standing on our balcony looking to the north the water/beach up on the "top" of the bay looked swimming pool blue. People were out in the water swimming, wading, kayaking, snorkeling. We were so jealous !!

The water in the middle area of Half Moon Bay just had HUGE mats of sargassum from the beach, way out into the water. It was built up on our beach feet high.

Anyway, we were in Mahahual in late April 2022 & there was some sargassum, but they had the blow-up barriers in the water so it prevented most of it from getting to shore.

We were in Mahahual in late December 2022 & the sargassum situation was better, but it generally is better that time of year. I don't think the barriers were in the water then.

Everything I've read says the sargassum got an early start this year & is worse than other years. We'll be back in Mahahual in a few weeks, so we shall see how bad it is very soon !!

It is not looking good...huge blob coming this way...

Seaweed blob twice width of United States headed toward Gulf of Mexico. Here’s what you should know (click2houston.com)

A record-breaking blob of smelly seaweed is arriving in Key West – and tourists aren’t happy about it (msn.com)

Sargassum masses are threatening Florida's environment and tourist economy | Watch (msn.com)

We are currently in Cancun and it has just started.

Sargassum Monitoring – Official Maps & News

Thinking about a few days in mid-November. Does it clear out by then?