Sargassum is the nightmare of the tourists and the whole tourism sector in the Mexican Caribbean beaches. Scientifically, it is a giant brownish green colored macroalga (can grow up to 200 feet long) that grows in the ocean and is propelled by the currents of the water. Since it can grow extremely quickly, if the conditions for its growth are ideal, it can double its biomass in less than twenty days (which is what is currently happening). This causes the algae on these idyllic beaches to turn brown.
The worst part is that the Caribbean is currently in the thick of the sargassum season, which occurs between June and July. In the upcoming weeks, Quintana Roo will continue to receive massive shipments of seaweed. Due to southeasterly winds and harsh weather conditions, which under other conditions would clean the beaches of this algae, now are bringing it to the coasts from the high seas.
Some curious facts about sargassum:
- According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, many marine animals have a natural habitat because of floating sargassum rafts. Fish, sea turtles, marine birds, crabs, shrimp, and other creatures all call this floating island home.
- There are more than 300 different species of sargassum.
- There's a place called the “Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt” that sits in the middle of the ocean between Brazil and Africa.
- In 2018, a businessman from Quintana Roo built an entire home from a mixture of sargassum and adobe.
Why is sargassum caused?
In its natural state, sargassum is an ecosystem in the open sea that causes no harm and serves as a haven for numerous fish and turtle species. The problem is that climate change and pollution of the oceans are causing this macroalgae to arrive massively.
Sargassum on beaches is a sign of our own destruction and the damage of human activity along the Caribbean shores, where there are sporadic settlements and insufficient sewage and greywater treatment facilities.
Where does sargassum come from?
The arrival of seaweed is a regional occurrence that adversely affects all the coastlines of more than 30 countries. Cuba, the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Haiti, The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Honduras, and the Mexican state of Quintana Roo 's coastline have all reported sargassum sightings.
In order to predict where, when, and in what volume of sargassum will arrive, an entire ONG in Quintana Roo called the Sargassum Citizen Observatory monitors its activities using satellite pictures, drones, and boats. Because of this monitoring, you can keep track of the condition of the beaches in real time.
Let’s get to the point: Is there sargassum in Costa Mujeres?
The short answer is NO. Costa Mujeres is a sargassum-free paradise in northern Cancun.
Sargassum in Costa Mujeres
This heavenly beach is located in a privileged location in the northern area of Cancun, just thirty minutes away from the airport.
And we said privileged because, in Costa Mujeres, sargassum will be the least of your worries thanks to the existing ocean currents pulling it farther south and preventing it from having any real problems with the aquatic invading flora.
The large influx of algae that Cancun's hotel district and other places on the Riviera Maya, such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Puerto Morelos, are experimenting with has not been seen in Costa Mujeres, which is one of the best beaches for vacationing without sargassum.
Its location away from the hotels zone gives the impression that one is in a more private Cancun. This lovely beach has grown to be one of the most exclusive in the area. Although there is more of a laid-back vibe, resorts are nonetheless known for their luxury and first-rate service.
Its crystal blue waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the vibrant marine environment in this all-time favorite paradise of the Mexican Caribbean.
Costa Mujeres is a great choice for a day trip from Cancun because it has many to-go places like El Meco, an ancient Mayan city that today is a well-preserved archaeological site and definitely a must-go place thanks to its amazing views of all the coast.
A little further north, you can find Isla Blanca. This almost virgin and practically hidden beach for many has an unparalleled beauty. Its blue-green-colored water causes an immediate love for the place. Although it is not a beach where we can find restaurants, lounge chairs, or palapas to settle down to spend the day, it is very easy to get there in a car, and with beach umbrellas and a cooler, Isla Blanca is a great option for a picnic at the beach.
Now you know there’s no need to cancel your vacation because of sargassum. Just keep an eye on the sargassum-free beaches like Costa Mujeres, and we assure you that your time off will be a dream.
Frequently asked:
Where is Costa Mujeres?
In the northern area of Cancun, just thirty minutes away from the airport.
Is there seaweed in Costa Mujeres?
At a very low quantity. Thanks to the existing ocean currents pulling it farther south and preventing Costa Mujeres from having large quantities of sargassum, unlike other beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.
How are the beaches in Costa Mujeres?
Calm beaches surrounded by silky sand, lush vegetation, and the beautiful turquoise hues of the Mexican Caribbean.
How I get to Costa Mujeres?
There is no public transportation to Costa Mujeres. However, there are still so many options to get there, like car rental, local cab services, hotel shuttles, and private shuttles.
How is the weather in Costa Mujeres?
Costa Mujeres experiences hot, humid, damp, and cloudy summers and warm, muggy, windy, and generally clear winters. The average annual temperature ranges from 68 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, rarely falling below 59 or rising above 93.
The best times of year to visit Costa Mujeres for hot-weather activities are from late January to early May and from late November to late December.
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