Sargassum Cancun: Daily Seaweed Beach Photos, Forecast 2024

In 2024, the sargassum seaweed season in Cancun 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.

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

March 19 – 29

Seaweed photo/video reports from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun

March 18: Latest video & 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 21 – February 28

Latest seaweed photo updates from Tulum, Cancun, Hoblox, and Puerto Morelos.

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

February 14 – February 20

February 2 – February 6

Latest seaweed photos from Playa del Carmen, Playacar and Cancun

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.

Scientists in Florida measured another massive seaweed blob for the Caribbean

Scientists have alerted the public to a potentially record-breaking accumulation of sargassum seaweed near the Caribbean Sea, which could impact Florida’s coasts in 2024. The University of South Florida researchers noted that the December 2023 mass of about 5 million metric tons significantly exceeded the previous year’s figure. The sargassum bloom, influenced by factors like human waste, climate change, and agricultural runoff, represents an unpredictable and growing environmental challenge.

Cancun Sargassum Seaweed 2024 Season To Begin Early, According To New Report

The Cancun Sun reports that in 2024, the sargassum seaweed season in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean is expected to start earlier than usual. This follows an early onset in 2023. Sargassum, while vital to marine ecosystems, poses challenges when it grows excessively. The University of South Florida predicts an increase in sargassum in early 2024. Efforts to manage this include monitoring and clean-up initiatives, and innovative uses such as repurposing it as fertilizer.

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.