Just days before the start of the 2026 Easter holidays, authorities and specialists warned of an increase in the presence of sargassum seaweed on Mexican Caribbean beaches, particularly in Quintana Roo. They recommend that tourists consult updated reports before planning their trips.
The phenomenon, which affects the coastline every year, is arriving earlier than usual and reaching high levels in various areas, driven by ocean currents and weather conditions.
According to the most recent environmental monitoring in Quintana Roo, approximately 68 beaches in the Mexican Caribbean are experiencing some level of sargassum infestation, with higher concentrations.
Of these, a significant portion remains at abundant to excessive levels, raising concerns just before Easter, while other beaches are registering low or intermittent presence thanks to containment and cleanup efforts.
According to recent reports from the Mexican Navy and state monitoring, the highest concentrations are being recorded in:
Tulum
Playa del Carmen
Puerto Morelos
Mahahual and Xcalak (southern zone)
These destinations are reporting moderate to abundant levels, with constant influxes in recent hours and an increase expected in the short term. In Cancún, beaches such as Coral, Gaviota Azul, and Delfines are showing varying levels of sargassum, while some areas in the north are experiencing better conditions.
Despite the overall situation, there are destinations with less impact from the seaweed, mainly in the northern part of the state:
Isla Mujeres
Costa Mujeres
Holbox (ferry area)
Cabo Catoche
These areas are reporting low or no sargassum, although authorities warn that the situation could change rapidly.
To avoid problems, specialists recommend consulting monitoring tools such as:
NOAA data-based systems
Citizen platforms with sargassum traffic light systems
Official bulletins from the Mexican Navy
These reports allow for daily updates on the conditions of each beach, as sargassum levels can change in a matter of hours. Given the increase in the phenomenon, federal and state authorities are maintaining a containment operation with:
More than 16 collection vessels
Installation of marine barriers at key points
Collection of tons of seaweed so far this year
In addition, the development of circular economy projects is being promoted to utilize sargassum as a raw material and reduce its environmental impact.
Faced with the presence of seaweed on beaches, tourism service providers highlight the cenotes of Tulum as an option for visitors. These natural spaces, free of sargassum, are experiencing a growing influx of visitors and are emerging as an alternative during the high season.
Authorities agree that the sargassum levels in 2026 are high, with the greatest concentration in the southeast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Although there were temporary decreases in previous weeks, the massive influx has regained strength. Therefore, the main recommendation is to stay informed and consider alternative destinations to avoid problems during the holidays.
Source: eleconomista
