Cancun's Sargassum Crisis: Beaches Affected, But Hope Remains

Cancun's Sargassum Crisis: A Mixed Picture Cancun, Mexico, June 6, 2025 – The popular tourist destination of Cancun is currently grappling with an unprecedented influx of sargassum seaweed, impacting beaches and tourism. While some areas are heavily affected, others remain relatively pristine. "When I was there two weeks ago I was surprised when I saw it in person. I didn’t believe it was gonna be that massive lol!!!" states Jackaiii, a recent visitor who documented the situation in a short video. The video highlights the significant build-up in some areas, contrasting it with relatively clean beaches like Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres and others along the north coast. The sargassum, described by many as prickly, slimy, and smelly, poses a significant challenge to local businesses. The environmental impact is also concerning, with reports of the seaweed suffocating marine life. However, the situation is not uniform across all Cancun beaches. The video shows that some areas remain largely unaffected, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the crisis. The local authorities are working to mitigate the impact of the sargassum, but the scale of the problem remains a significant concern for both the environment and the tourism industry.