Tulum beaches see reduced sargassum levels as season wanes

Sargassum levels are beginning to decrease on several beaches in Tulum and Akumal, Quintana Roo, allowing coastal waters to regain their turquoise clarity. According to Esteban Amaro Mauricio, director of the Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Network, the arrival of the macroalgae peaked during June and July. Experts predict the current season will conclude between September and October, though occasional patches may still appear.

In Quintana Roo, authorities have collected approximately 110,000 tons of sargassum so far this year, surpassing the total amount removed throughout 2025. To manage the environmental contingency, the Mexican Navy (Secretaría de Marina) has deployed brigades to assist hotels in cleaning the beaches.

In response to the impact on the tourism sector, President Claudia Sheinbaum has committed to investing in mitigation efforts, including the development of specialized vessels designed to collect and contain sargassum at sea before it reaches the coastline.