Sargassum

• Sargassum seaweed season lasts around 6 months in Mexico. It starts in April and finishes in October.
• The problem of sargassum in the Caribbean is a recent phenomenon that has caused significant ecological and economic impacts. In recent years, large quantities of sargassum have been washing up on Caribbean shores, leading to problems with beach tourism and causing health hazards for local populations. Additionally, the decaying seaweed can deplete oxygen levels in the water, negatively affecting marine life and creating “dead zones” in some areas.
• There is no single cause of the increased sargassum in the Caribbean, but a combination of factors is likely to blame, including changes in ocean currents, overfishing, and nutrient pollution. Some scientists also believe that rising sea temperatures and increased rainfall in the Amazon Basin may be contributing to the problem.
• Sargassum volume is unpredictable. Some years there is more sargassum than others.
• The Mexican government does not currently clear the beaches of sargassum.
• It’s forbidden to use chemicals that harm the environment to speed up the decomposition of sargassum.
• Sargassum quickly decomposes when it washes up on beaches. When it does it releases an offensive sulphur smelling gas.
• During heavy periods sargassum can make the beaches unusable. However, there are lots of activities that are not affected by the sargassum, such as visiting the cenotes, scuba diving, dining at the restaurants and more. Rates are cheaper during sargasso season too. 
• There are no refunds or compensation due to sargassum. Therefore we strongly advise if you are planning a visit during sargassum season to check the status of the sargassum before committing to a booking so you know what to expect.