Cancun, Q.R. — Authorities say the sargassum washout on Cancun beaches has significantly decreased. The reduced landing of seaweed has been met with great relief after an overly abundant season.
Despite the recent relief, city authorities say the amount collected so far in 2025 is nearly four times that collected last year. Antonio de la Torre Chambé, Cancun’s General Directorate of Public Services, says the decrease has been noticed over the past week.
He says in July, Playas Delfines and Chac Mool were hit hardest followed by Playas Tortugas and Langosta.
Compared to last year, the tonnage of sargassum collected in 2025 has almost quadrupled. According to Antonio de la Torre Chambé, Cancun has removed 13,009 tons of seaweed compared to 3,700 tons collected during the same period last year.
“We have collected 663 tons from August 25 to 31. The total sargassum to date in 2025 is 13,009 tons. Last year there was 3,700 tons,” he detailed.
This year has been one of the most complicated for the Mexican Caribbean in terms of sargassum grounding with historical figures that far exceed previous seasons.
According to Esteban Amaro, Coordinator of the Sargassum Monitoring Network in Quintana Roo, two months ago, 50 million metric tons of sargassum was recorded floating between Africa and the Yucatan Peninsula. Of that volume, approximately 1 percent reached the Mexican Caribbean.
In response, the state launched sargassum removal programs in various coastal areas where the seaweed was headed. The recent decrease in sargassum has not only been noticed in Cancun, but also along the entire coast, however, that continuation will depend on weather conditions.
According to the Mexico Marina, coastal currents off the vicinity of the following locations: Xcalak: 0.7 knots northward, Mahahual: 1.5 knots northward, Tulum: 0.1 knots northward, Playa del Carmen: 2.1 knots northeastward, Puerto Morelos: 1.8 knots northeastward and Cancun: 0.2 knots eastward. VII. Winds: Southern Region: 4-8 knots, southerly and southeasterly, Northern Region: 4-9 knots, southwesterly.
The sargassum season for Quintana Roo officially ends in November.
