When does sargassum hit Tulum? What to do
The continued presence of sargassum seaweed on the beaches of Tulum, Mexico is a main concern to many travelers. For those wondering how clean the beaches will be in their upcoming vacation, here you will find all the information you need.
A large amount of seaweed grows between the coast of Africa and Brazil, an area that has been named as the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt and due to the ocean currents, arrives to Mexico and the Caribbean area. The increase in temperatures, due to climate change, is what generates a substantial increase in the arrival of the sargassum. So the hottest months are the ones that potentially can present more seaweed than others. The sargassum season goes from April to August (this doesn’t mean the beaches will be covered with algae throughout these months), it is just an indication that in the hottest months of the year, sargassum is more likely to arrive to the coastline.
Here you can find updated information on the current conditions of the beaches of Cancun, Tulum and the Riviera Maya. www.mexicanist.com/l/cancun-seaweed-sargassum/
The Federal Government and the Navy of Mexico have invested in large seaweed barriers to determine how the sargassum collection vessels will be used to collect and contain the seaweed from the sea before it reaches Quintana Roo. The local Government in Tulum has created a recollection center with state-of-the-art technology, in order to prevent the toxic liquids to filter the soil and drain into the large underground river system.
The “Cleaner Beaches Program” (Programa Playas más Limpias), created by government, local population and hotels, has shown excellent results by cleaning the beaches along with locals, tourists, businesses and volunteers, with a notable advance that can be perceived on the beaches Santa Fe, Pescadores, Paraíso and Punta Piedra.
What can you do if there is sargassum in Tulum?
First of all, be more conscious of the environment. Try not to pollute, stop using plastic bottles (plastic straws now are banned as well as plastic bags at supermarkets and mini markets of Quintana Roo). Don’t throw cigarette butts in the sand or any other type of garbage. Remember all the trash that lays on the beach ends up in the ocean harming the environment and the marine life.
If you happen to be vacationing in Tulum when sargassum arrives, remember that Tulum offers so much more than it’s wonderful turquoise-blue Caribbean Sea:
- Choose a hotel that has a swimming pool
- Explore all the archaeological sites near by like Tulum, Muyil, Cobá, Xel-Ha.
- Swim, snorkel or dive in the amazing cenotes (natural fresh water sinkholes).
- Explore nature by reserving a jungle tour or visit authentic and functional Mayan communities immersed in the jungle that offer rappel, kayaking and interaction with their inhabitants.
- Visit the unique and impressive Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- Take a day trip to the colonial town of Valladolid, Yucatan
- Take a one day tour to Chichen Itzá
- Relax on the beach with your favorite book
- Enjoy a Spa treatment
- Join a yoga or meditation class
- Head to “downtown Tulum” for a culinary and shopping experience.
Hotel Cabanas Tulum has recently renovated its swimming pool and added private plunge pools to all ground floor rooms, while top floor rooms all have a private rooftop hot tub, so you have an option to the beach.
So if you encounter sargassum while vacationing in Tulum, remember there are so may other amazing and memorable things you can do.