How to Avoid the Tulum Seaweed Problem

Tulum has been grappling with a significant seaweed problem in recent years. Here’s more information on the Tulum seaweed problem and how to avoid it.

Since 2021, Tulum has been plagued by a massive environmental issue that is affecting not just tourism but also the locals’ livelihood. Seaweed is brewing trouble in paradise. Yes, you read that right: Tulum is under siege by a relentless army of brown algae. It’s turning this postcard-perfect destination into a scene straight out of a B-list environmental thriller.

I have been living in Mexico since 2021 and have seen first-hand how this problem is ruining the environment along the entire Riviera Maya coast. That’s why I have written this detailed guide on Tulum sargassum, with tips on how and where you can go to avoid it.

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What is Tulum Seaweed?

Since 2021, Tulum’s idyllic beaches have been blanketed in unsightly and malodorous seaweed known as sargassum or sargasso. Originating from the Atlantic Ocean, sargassum spreads and multiplies in the Caribbean’s balmy waters before landing on Tulum’s shores.

Sargassum is simply a type of algae that floats on the ocean in large isolated formations without attaching to the ocean floor. This type of algae thrives in the warm waters of the Caribbean. The brownish-bronze algae possess buoyant ‘bladders’ that keep it afloat, preventing it from sinking and allowing it to form expansive mats on the water.

While seaweed provides food and breeding grounds for marine life, its presence on Tulum beaches seaweed is affecting the environment. When the seaweed washes ashore, it eventually rots and emits a foul egg-like stench which causes irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.

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What is the Scale of Tulum Seaweed Problem? 

Due to adverse climate change, these seaweed epidemic is not only affecting Mexico, but also other parts of the Caribbean Sea. The scale of the problem is so daunting that it is visible from space. Case in point; the Great Sargassum Belt is a 13-million-ton mass that stretches 8,000 km long and 500 km wide from the Gulf of Mexico to West Africa.

As this sargassum belt is affecting many travel destinations in the Caribbean Sea, the impact it has had on the tourism industry is hard to ignore. Since this sargassum surge started, Riviera Maya hotel occupancy rates dipped by 2.3% in 2022 and a further 2.7% in 2023.

Hotels were forced to lower prices, compensate their guests, and create itineraries for off-beach attractions. Even today, several beach hotels still spend thousands of dollars on seaweed removal to make beaches habitable for their guests. But it feels like their efforts against Mother Nature are all in vain.

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When is the Tulum Seaweed Problem at Its Worst? 

The sargassum seaweed grows the most during the hottest months (June, July, and August).  It’s at its worst during this window due to the hot and humid conditions. When the seaweed in Tulum builds up on the beaches, it can be almost impossible to swim at times.

The best time to avoid the Tulum seaweed is from November to January. But the sargasso season can be unpredictable: you can find sargassum sometimes even in October or March. Some months will see the beach completely covered in foul-smelling seaweed and the water turn a shade of brown; but some months the water returns to its original crystal clear condition.

Seaweed typically converges on Tulum’s coastline at the start of April. But in 2023, seaweed came as early as February forcing concerned parties to rethink their strategies towards the growing issue.

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How to Solve the Tulum Seaweed Problem?

Tulum is now rigorously dealing with this problem using a multifaceted approach, bringing together environmentalists, scientists, tourism officials, and others to devise effective solutions. Here are the three ways Tulum is dealing with its sargassum problem;

Beach Clean-Ups

Many beachfront hotels in Tulum are spending around big portions of their budget (some up to US$200,000 per year)) for daily beach clean-ups and transportation of the seaweed to disposal sites. Also, many of these hotels have purchased specialized seaweed removal equipment and vessels which cost up to $1M to help ease the workload. Local governments are involved too, employing workers to remove the seaweed from beaches once it washes ashore.

Using Seaweed Barriers

The Mexican Navy has taken commendable action to keep Tulum safe from seaweed. They have successfully installed over 9,050 meters (around 29,691 feet) of anti-sargassum barriers along the coast of Quintana Roo. These barriers protect the beaches from the seaweed, ensuring that you continue to enjoy the sparkling waters that make Tulum a sought-after destination.

Recycling Sargassum

Of all the impressive efforts taken to solve the Tulum seaweed problem, the sustainable ones most resonate with me. Turning seaweed into fertilizer is a stroke of genius. Seaweed is rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are vital for plant growth. The process involves harvesting seaweed, drying it to reduce moisture content, and then grinding it into a fine powder or processing it into liquid form.

Another method of recycling seaweed is by turning it into construction material. Omar Vázquez Sánchez of Puerto Morelos came up with the brilliant idea when he was selling seaweed as a fertilizer at his nursery. He went on to build a model building using these bricks soon after. Today, he has already built about 13 homes for low-income families in his community.

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How to Avoid Tulum Seaweed? 

1. Time Your Trip Right

To sidestep the notorious seaweed problem in Tulum, aim to visit between November and late January, when the seaweed influx is typically at its lowest. Try to avoid visiting Tulum when the seaweed grows the most during the hottest months (June, July, and August). 

Even then, the sargassum can be unpredictable: some months will see the beach completely covered in foul-smelling seaweed and the water turn a shade of brown; but some months the water returns to its original crystal clear condition.

In reality, the situation is not as bad as it seems. Even when you find that the beach in front of your hotel is brown and covered in sargasso, walk a few blocks down and you might find crystal clear waters! Sometimes the water can be gross in the morning, but the seaweed can clear up in the afternoon. The seaweed levels can fluctuate even within a day.

2. Check Seaweed Forecast Online Before the Trip

There are several Facebook pages and groups dedicated to keeping travelers informed on the current status of Tulum sargassum. Getting regular updates will help you avoid areas plagued with seaweed and ultimately keep an upbeat on your vacation.

Here are some of the sites I continually check for these updates;

•  Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo de Quintana Roo (this is a page so you don’t have to join it to see its updates.)

• Sargasso Seaweed Updates Riviera Maya (This is a group, you must join before getting updates.)

• Sargassum Seaweed Updates (Cancun, PDC, Tulum) (Also a group.)

3. Choose the Right Tulum Hotel

As mentioned, some beachfront hotels in Tulum do daily beach clean-ups to make sure the seaweed is removed every morning. Most beach clubs in Tulum also have teams that work to remove the seaweed on a regular basis. But even then, the amount of sargassum on some days can be so overwhelming that they just keep coming back after the clean-ups.

Here are some hotels that clean up the seaweed daily:

• Ahau Tulum
• Amansala
• Bahia Principe Grand Coba
• Ikal Tulum
• Hilton Tulum
• The Beach Tulum Hotel

4. Stay in the Jungle

If your trip is booked for the sargassum season and you can’t change the dates, you can avoid the beach altogether and stay in town or in the jungle. There are many unique treehouses in Tulum where you can stay in!

Built with native Tzalam wood and vines, these treehouses are handcrafted and tastefully designed, with eco-conscious efforts. They’re rustic and natural, blending in perfectly with the lush jungle setting of Tulum. Here are some of our favorite Tulum treehouses:

• Azulik Tulum
• Hidden Treehouse Tulum Ecohotel
•  Jungle Eco Treehouse
• Kanan Tulum
• La Valise Treehouse
• Mamasan Treehouses & Cabins
• Nômade Tulum Treehouse

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Sargasso-Free Beaches Near Tulum

If your Tulum trip is fixed and you’ll be visiting during the sargasso season, fret not! There are quite a few islands off the coast, with beaches that don’t get affected by the sargassum due to their location.

Here are the best sargasso-free beach destinations near Tulum;

1. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a wonderful alternative to Tulum during the seaweed season. It has some of the world’s finest sand pits, with some even certified with the prestigious Blue Flag. It’s just a quick 20-minute ferry from Cancun which is a 2-hour drive from Tulum.

Playa Norte is the most popular beach on Isla Mujeres and ranks among the 25 best beaches in the world by Tripadvisor. This stretch of sand has calm, waist-deep waters extending up to 200 meters and soft, powdery white sand — and it doesn’t get affected by sargasso as it’s facing the opposite direction as the Tulum beaches.

Located just next to Playa Norte, Playa Centro is a vibrant and inviting beach that charms many with its relaxed atmosphere and scenic beauty. While not officially a nudist beach, don’t be shocked to find many sun-seekers here going topless.

2. Isla Cozumel

The nearby Cozumel island is just a 1-hour ferry ride from Playa del Carmen, which is an hour’s drive from Tulum. Cozumel’s best beaches lie on its east coast, and are therefore free of sargasso all year round.

El Cielo, which translates to “heaven,” is a celestial paradise renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and tranquil ambiance. Accessible only by boat, this secluded beach has crystal-clear waters ranging from five to nine feet deep, making it an ideal snorkeling spot for beginners.

Located within Cozumel’s National Reef Marine Park, Chankanaab Beach offers an unparalleled gateway to one of Mexico’s largest protected marine areas. The vibrant underwater park is home to over 1,000 marine creatures, making it a must-visit for aquatic enthusiasts. Check out my guide on where to stay in Cozumel.

3. Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is a heavily protected national park that offers an unparalleled glimpse into untouched nature. Home to over 150 bird species and a handful of dedicated conservationists, this island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Nestled at the edge of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the world’s second-largest reef—Isla Contoy has rich marine biodiversity.

While here, you’ll marvel at turtles, dolphins, giant manta rays, and even whale sharks if you visit in the right season. To help preserve its natural splendor, the island limits visitors to 200 per day, so you must plan this trip in advance. Unlike the more commercialized Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, Isla Contoy feels like a hidden paradise, where the beaches have no distinct names.

4. Holbox Island

Found at the northeastern edge of the Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox is a haven of tranquility, separating the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico. This car-free paradise is a great spot to embrace the serene charm and escape the bustle of the city. Playa Holbox is the vibrant hub of island life, pulsating with energy and activity. Its prime location, just a stroll from the town center, makes it the beating heart of Holbox island’s beach scene.

If you seek a tranquil ambiance and secluded setting, Punta Mosquito is the beach for you. The beach exudes serenity, accentuated by its captivating soft sands. Here, amidst the untouched natural beauty, you can bask in the peaceful allure of the sandbar by taking walks and staring at the ocean. Read my guide where to stay in Holbox.

But that’s not all! Birdwatchers will be able to spot elegant flamingos. The crystal-clear waters are also inviting for a swim, while the surrounding landscape offers a sanctuary for relaxation and introspection. But if you’re looking to snorkel with whale sharks, consider this highly popular tour that everyone raves about.

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Things to Do in Tulum Beyond the Beaches

Visiting Tulum in sargassum season isn’t all doom and gloom, there are so many things to do in Tulum beyond the beach. Tulum compensates with a smattering of ancient Mayan ruins, dreamy lagoons and hundreds of stunning cenotes. Tulum also makes the perfect base for exploring the area, with a variety of day trip options ranging from pristine islands to protected nature reserves.

1. Visit Mayan Ruins

Seeing the Mayan ruins in Tulum is like stepping into a living history book, where the ancient world meets the modern traveler. These ruins tell tales of a civilization that thrived centuries ago. I have made countless trips to see Tulum’s ruins with my husband and daughter and every time feels like our first.

Here are the must-see ruins in Tulum:

Tulum Ruins

Perched atop rugged cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, these ancient Mayan ruins offer a glimpse into a civilization that thrived centuries ago. From the towering Castillo to the beautiful Temple of Frescoes, the structures here make you feel like you’re on sacred ground. Read my guide to the Tulum ruins.

Ek Balam

Unlike Tulum Ruins, Ek Balam offers a quieter experience, where you can immerse in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of ancient Mayan civilization without crowds. Ek Balam is home to well-preserved structures that date back over centuries. Among these, the towering Acropolis stands out, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle canopy. Here’s how to visit Ek Balam Ruins.

Coba Ruins

The Coba ruins offer a trip of adventure allowing you to glimpse towering pyramids through the dense foliage and stone pathways that lead to hidden treasures. Unlike the Tulum Ruins, Coba retains an air of mystery and tranquility, with fewer crowds.

At Coba, you will encounter temples, ball courts, and ceremonial plazas, with each step taking you back to an era when the Maya walked the grounds. Climbing the Nohoch Mul pyramid, one of the tallest in the region, was the highlight for me here. The thrill alone of getting to the top still lives with me. Read more about the Coba ruins.

2.  Swim in the Cenotes

There are over 6,000 cenotes scattered across the Yucatán Peninsula. These natural sinkholes offer a refreshing alternative to Tulum’s beaches during thet sargassum season.

Here are the best cenotes in Tulum:

Cenote Calavera

Just a brief 15-minute drive away from Tulum centro, you will find the enchanting Calavera Cenote. A part of the extensive Sac Aktun cave system, which spans an impressive 230.8 kilometers (143.4 miles), Sac Actun stands as the world’s longest underwater cave system. While there’s an option to descend via the wooden ladder, it’s so much more fun to jump in from the ledge. With depths plunging to 50 feet (15 meters), it is one of Tulum’s deepest cenotes.

Cenote Jardin del Eden

As one of the largest cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, Cenote Jardin del Eden is an extensive underwater cave system where scuba diving is possible. Living up to its name, the cenote is a true Garden of Eden, featuring crystal clear, spearmint fresh water surrounded by thick, lush jungle.

Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul, with its shimmering aqua blue waters and expansive shallow freshwater pools, is one of my favorite cenotes in Tulum. Unlike the typical enclosed cenote, Cenote Azul features a collapsed cave ceiling, creating large, shallow pools that serve as excellent natural playgrounds. Visitors can also explore short hiking trails around the area and discover tiny cenotes scattered throughout the jungle.

If you love cenotes as much as I do, be sure to check out the Cenote Triple Adventure Tour in Tulum. This amazing tour will take you to Cenote Zemway, Gran Cenote, and Casa Cenote.

3. Visit SFER IK Art Museum

Tulum’s bohemian vibes have long drawn in a multitude of artists and designers, many of whom have set up shop here. SFER IK contemporary art museum, part of the AZULIK hotel, is truly one of its kind. Constructed mainly from bejuco wood with traditional Maya artisan techniques, this building was designed specifically to blend in to the backdrop of the Tulum jungle.

Wander barefoot through the weaving corridor and bridges made of knotted vine-like wood and take in the permanent art collection created by world-renowned artists such as Ernesto Neto and Artur Lescher. There are also sacred Mayan plants and traditional masks on display. Entry: 200 MXN or US$10 (be sure to remove shoes at the entrance).

4. Admire the Ahau Sculpture Park

Only opened in October 2021, the Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park was recently built to give a better home to the hugely popular Ven a la Luz sculpture. The 10m-tall giant wooden sculpture, depicting a woman, was first created by the South African artist Daniel Popper in 2018 as part of a festival. Today, it’s become an icon of Tulum and has definitely gained Insta-fame.

Previously, visitors had to line up for hours to take a photo here; so it was moved to its current location in the Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park. Ven a la Luz is the centerpiece in this sculpture garden, but more art installations are slowly being added. They are all made with wood and other natural materials, representing human’s delicate relationship with nature. The park is actually on the beach at the Ahau Tulum Resort.

💸 Entry: 60 MXN (US$3); Open daily 9am-6pm.

5. Cool Off in Kaan Luum Lagoon

Located only a 20-minute drive from Tulum, Kaan Luum Lagoon is one of Tulum’s best kept secrets. This unique spot is actually a cenote situated within a lagoon, creating a breathtaking mosaic of blues visible from an aerial view.

The water’s color transitions from a light green near the shore to increasingly vibrant and intense shades as it approaches the dark blue cenote. The cenote plunges to an impressive depth of about 80 meters, so swimming here is prohibited for safety reasons. Read my guide to Kaan Luum Lagoon.

With this guided tour, you’ll not only visit Kaan Luum Lagoon but also have the opportunity to cool off in the waters of Cenote Mariposa and Cenote Chen Ha, along with experiencing Mayan traditions firsthand.

6.  Explore Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The massive Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its complex and diverse environment. Stretching from the dense Yucatan jungle through expansive freshwater marshes, the reserve extends out through a series of lagoons, ultimately reaching the Caribbean Sea.

The name “Sian Ka’an,” meaning “Origin of the Sky,” reflects the abundance of reflective waters that the Mayans admired thousands of years ago. So, if you want to connect with nature as well as float in the Lazy River, Sian Ka’an should be on your Tulum itinerary. You might also consider this half-day tour of Sian Ka’an, which includes lunch.

7.  Do a Mayan Cooking Class

Not many people know that Tulum actually lies in the heart of the Zona Maya. There’s a substantial Mayan population in Tulum, and many of them still speak their native tongue. Consider booking a full-day Maya village tour to visit local communities who will share their customs and lifestyle with you.

And if you’re interested in delving deeper, take a crash course in Maya ancestral cuisine. When you book a cooking class with a local Maya family, you’ll get to know them, take a peek into their lives, and learn about Maya ingredients and traditional dishes.

My friend did this Airbnb experience and absolutely loved getting to learn all about Mayan ingredients (such as achiote spice) and making staples like tamales from scratch. She got to visit a local market with the Mayan family and also got to talk to them and learn more about the Mayan identity.

8. Visit the Nearby Eco Adventure Parks

Adventure parks in Tulum offer an exhilarating blend of nature and adrenaline, making it a must-do for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Imagine zip-lining through lush jungle canopies, exploring hidden cenotes with their crystal-clear waters, and rappelling down ancient cave walls.

Xcaret

At Xcaret, you can float in a lazy river, swoosh down water slides and take a boat trip and watch reenactments of ancient Mayan ceremonies. Whether you’re swimming on the pristine beach or exploring the mysterious underground rivers, the park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and thrilling adventures. The park’s natural attractions, such as the aviary, butterfly farm, and Jaguar Island, provide a glimpse into the region’s diverse wildlife.

Xplore

Visiting Xplor is a must for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Xplor offers a diverse array of exhilarating activities that cater to all levels of daring. While here, you’ll soar above the treetops on zip lines, navigate the jungle in amphibious vehicles, and paddle through winding rivers on rafts.

Xel-Ha

Xel-Ha is a haven for aquatic enthusiasts, offering snorkeling opportunities that allow you to immerse in a vibrant underwater world. The adventure begins at the lighthouse, where you can take in the surrounding jungle before embarking on a fun-filled descent down the famous slide.

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FAQ: Tulum Seaweed Problem

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Further Reading on Mexico

I hope you’ve found this guide on Tulum seaweed to be useful. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.

For anyone planning a trip, check out my articles on Tulum and other amazing destinations in Mexico below:

• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Best Time to Visit Tulum
• The Perfect Tulum Itinerary
• Is Tulum Safe to Visit?
• My Guide to Kaan Luum Lagoon
• My Guide to Ek Balam Ruins
• My Guide to Coba Ruins
• My Guide to Cenote Calavera
• My Guide to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
• How to Get from Cancun to Tulum
• My Guide to Punta Allen, Sian Ka’an
• 20 Day Trips from Tulum
• 20 Best Beachfront Hotels in Tulum

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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