February 4, 2025
If you’ve been dreaming of a white-sand, crystal-clear water vacation in the Caribbean or Mexico, you may have heard of sargassum, the brown seaweed that has become a growing issue along some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines.
While it’s not a year-round problem, sargassum has become a seasonal challenge, especially for resorts along Mexico’s Cancun and Riviera Maya beachfront. It also affects some Caribbean islands but to a lesser degree. The good news? Resorts are adapting in major ways—creating bigger pools, water parks, and enhanced resort amenities to give travelers an amazing experience, even when the beach isn’t ideal.
Here’s everything you need to know about sargassum, how it’s impacting beachfront resorts, and how properties are elevating their offerings to make up for it.
What Is Sargassum and Why Has It Become a Problem?
Sargassum is a type of floating seaweed that originates in the Sargasso Sea, an area of the Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda. While it’s a natural part of the ocean’s ecosystem, the problem arises when massive blooms drift toward shorelines, washing up on beaches and piling up in thick mats along the coast.
Sargassum isn’t harmful to people, but when large amounts accumulate on the beach, it can:
✅ Block access to the water – Making it difficult to swim directly from the beach.
✅ Release a sulfur-like smell as it decomposes, which can be unpleasant.
✅ Affect the clear blue color of the ocean – Instead of the postcard-perfect turquoise, you may see a murkier brownish tint in affected areas.
Sargassum isn’t present every day or in every season, but when it hits, it can have a major impact—particularly in the spring and summer months.
Where Is Sargassum Affecting the Most?
The Cancun and Riviera Maya coastlines have been hit the hardest, especially in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Akumal.
Other Caribbean islands have also dealt with sargassum, but to a lesser extent, including:
- The Dominican Republic (especially Punta Cana)
- Parts of Jamaica (primarily the southern coast, but much less than Mexico)
- Some smaller Caribbean islands, though western-facing beaches tend to be clearer
Some areas—like the Pacific coast of Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo) and Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—are not affected at all due to ocean currents.
How Resorts Are Fighting Back Against Sargassum
Resorts and local governments in the Cancun and Riviera Maya region aren’t sitting back and letting seaweed take over their beaches. They’ve invested millions in solutions, including:
🌊 Floating Barriers – Offshore sargassum containment systems help catch seaweed before it reaches the beach.
🚜 Daily Cleanup Crews – Many resorts employ staff to remove sargassum every morning, keeping their beaches as clear as possible.
🌱 Natural Solutions – Some locations are using mangroves and seagrass beds to prevent sargassum from washing ashore in large amounts.
While these measures help, they don’t completely eliminate the issue, especially during peak sargassum season. That’s why resorts are investing in MORE on-site experiences, ensuring guests still have an amazing tropical vacation—without depending on the ocean.
The Shift to Resort-Centric Experiences: Bigger Pools, Water Parks & More
Because reliable beach access isn’t always guaranteed, resorts have leveled up their game to offer experiences beyond the ocean. Instead of just lounging by the sea, guests now have more ways to relax, have fun, and enjoy luxury amenities.
Here’s how resorts are adapting:
🏊 Bigger, More Luxurious Pools – Many beachfront resorts have expanded their pool areas, making them resort-style destinations of their own. Think swim-up bars, lazy rivers, infinity pools, and even private plunge pools in your suite.
💦 Massive Water Parks – Family-friendly resorts have built full-scale water parks, complete with slides, wave pools, and splash zones. This trend is particularly strong at resorts like:
- Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts (Riviera Maya & Punta Cana)
- Dreams Natura Resort & Spa (Riviera Maya)
- Hard Rock Hotels (Cancun & Punta Cana)
🍽️ Gourmet Dining & Culinary Experiences – Instead of relying on beachside seafood, resorts are stepping up their culinary game, offering world-class dining, rooftop restaurants, and immersive food experiences.
🍹 All-Day Entertainment & Nightlife – When beach access is limited, resorts keep guests entertained with live music, rooftop bars, fire shows, beach clubs, and interactive events.
💆 Luxury Spa Retreats – Resorts are catering to wellness travelers by expanding spa offerings, hydrotherapy circuits, and meditation spaces to create an ultra-relaxing experience.
🎭 Cultural & Adventure Excursions – Since the beach may not be the highlight of the trip, resorts offer more guided tours, cenote visits, Mayan ruins excursions, and jungle adventures to give travelers a well-rounded experience.
Should You Still Book a Beachfront Resort in Cancun or the Caribbean?
Yes! The key is knowing what to expect and choosing the right resort. If your dream vacation involves walking out of your hotel and stepping into clear blue waters every day, you may want to:
✔️ Consider traveling outside of peak sargassum season (November–March tends to be clearer).
✔️ Look for resorts with barriers and proactive cleanup.
✔️ Choose properties with expansive pools, water parks, and high-end amenities to make up for potential beach issues.
✔️ Consider islands that are less affected, such as Jamaica’s Negril beaches, Aruba, or the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
Final Thoughts: A Different Kind of Beach Vacation
While sargassum has changed the beachfront experience, it hasn’t ruined all-inclusive vacations. Resorts in Cancun, Riviera Maya, and the Caribbean have elevated their game, providing guests with world-class pools, thrilling water parks, gourmet dining, and incredible entertainment—ensuring a vacation that’s just as unforgettable, even if the ocean isn’t always perfect.
Looking for the best resort experience, sargassum or not? Let Elevating Travel help you find the perfect property—where you’ll have an amazing time, no matter the season.
📩 Contact us today to plan your stress-free, all-inclusive escape! 🌴✨
Recipe of the Week: Tikin Xic – Yucatán-Style Grilled Fish 
Transport yourself to Cancun and the Riviera Maya with this traditional Mayan dish, Tikin Xic (pronounced teek-in sheek). This flavorful grilled fish is marinated in achiote (annatto), citrus, and spices, then cooked over an open flame or baked in banana leaves for a truly authentic taste of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Perfect for a taste of the Caribbean at home, this dish is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor!
🌿 Ingredients (Serves 4)
🟢 For the Marinade:
- 2 fillets grouper, snapper, or mahi-mahi (or any firm white fish)
- 2 tbsp achiote paste (found in Latin markets or online)
- ¼ cup orange juice (preferably sour orange, or mix equal parts lime and orange juice)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
🟢 For Cooking & Garnish:
- 1 large banana leaf (or aluminum foil, if unavailable)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ½ bell pepper, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Warm corn tortillas (optional, for making tacos)
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix together achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
2️⃣ Marinate the Fish
Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor).
3️⃣ Prepare the Banana Leaf (if using)
If using a banana leaf, pass it over an open flame (like a gas burner) for a few seconds to make it pliable. This prevents tearing and enhances the flavor.
4️⃣ Assemble the Fish for Cooking
Place the banana leaf (or foil) on a flat surface. Lay down sliced onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, then place the marinated fish on top. Fold the banana leaf (or foil) around the fish to form a sealed packet.
5️⃣ Cook the Fish
- Grill Method: Place the wrapped fish on a medium-high grill for 10–15 minutes, flipping once.
- Oven Method: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until flaky and cooked through.
- Stovetop Method: Cook in a covered skillet over medium heat for 15–20 minutes.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Carefully unwrap the banana leaf or foil and garnish the fish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with warm tortillas for tacos or enjoy with rice and black beans.
🌊 Why You’ll Love This Dish
✅ Authentic Yucatán flavors – Citrus, achiote, and smoky grilled goodness!
✅ Healthy & light – Perfect for a fresh, tropical meal.
✅ Versatile – Enjoy it as a plated dish or as tacos!
🍹 Pair It With:
This dish pairs beautifully with a refreshing Margarita, Horchata, or a cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Pacifico.
Craving a taste of the Riviera Maya? Let Elevating Travel take you there! 🌴✨ Contact us today to plan your next getaway.
#MexicanFood #TikinXic #TasteOfCancun #TravelInspiredEats
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