Do not panic about sargassum

Sargassum has arrived at Mexican beaches in the last few days, but don’t panic. Sargassum is temporary and doesn’t reach all beaches in Mexico. 

Some beaches along the Mexican Caribbean coast have been affected by the sargassum. The most affected beaches are Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Quintana Roo.

However, don’t let worries about sargassum ruin the vacation. Swimming on the crystal clear and multicolored beaches of the Caribbean is not the only activity we can enjoy in these paradises.

Sargassum is temporary 

As mentioned above, sargassum is not present 365 days a year. Therefore, although the organic material is daily in the Caribbean Sea, it is for specific periods that it is present in high concentrations. 

Several beaches are affected, but many others nearby are free of sargassum. Even with that in mind, the affected beaches still offer a variety of entertaining activities. So sargassum doesn’t have to ruin the vacations.

The most popular activities are exploring archaeological sites, such as Chichén Itzá, Tulum, Cobá, and Uxmal. Or we can visit Mayan communities, where we will learn about their customs, culture, gastronomy, and traditions. Likewise, refresh and swim in the crystalline waters of the cenotes. Or delight in a gastronomic tour through the most exquisite dishes of the region.

The harsh reality about sargassum

The arrival of sargassum occurs for different reasons. Its proliferation has been increasing due to human action, pollution, climate change, and the melting of the poles.

Sargasso is a global problem, and Mexico is not the only country affected. Since April, the Secretary of the Navy warned of the sighting of enormous spots approaching the coasts and described the situation as alarming. Then, specialists expected around 32,000 tons at the beaches, but this amount has increased every year. 

Sargassum affects tourism, generating little affluence and ecosystems. Authorities and specialists have mentioned that although sargassum is not harmful to human health, it does damage the ecosystem.

The sargassum doesn’t allow sunlight to pass deeper offshore, where it’s necessary for life, especially for seagrasses and corals. In addition, when the sargassum dies and decomposes, it consumes large amounts of oxygen, causing anoxia and killing hundreds of marine species.

Let’s take care of our beaches.

To prevent the sargassum problem from becoming an ecological disaster, the government and the private sector have implemented several measures.

 
• To remove sargassum by hand and specialized machinery to reduce the ecological impact.
 
• The government had installed floating containment barriers to block the passage of sargassum. These environmentally friendly structures are placed only during periods when more macroalgae are expected to arrive.
 
• To position boats with trained personnel to collect sargassum before reaching the beach.

How can I help as a traveler?

As a tourist, it’s essential to know that we can also help with small or big actions. For example, not throwing garbage and not bringing food to the beach. Also, avoid using chemicals or creams while swimming to prevent affecting the sea.

Last but not least, in Rutopía, we monitor the state of the sargassum to guarantee a safe trip. Also, remember that sargassum does not affect all beaches. So now, if we want to be 100% sure there is no sargassum, the government of the state of Quintana Roo informs us daily about the affected areas. Or we can search through social networks.

Certainly, sargassum is a real challenge in many coastal destinations. Fortunately, great efforts are being made to control it. However, it’s worth considering recommendations to make your trip to a Mexican paradise as enjoyable as possible. 

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