If you've ever walked onto a beach in Mexico, taken a deep breath, and thought, “Hmm… what's that smell?”—you're not alone.

We’ve had travellers ask us what’s going on with the seaweed, and we totally get it. There’s nothing worse than showing up to a dreamy white-sand beach, only to find a line of brown seaweed, a slightly sulphuric scent in the air, and beach tractors hard at work. So, we figured it’s time to write a quick, honest, and helpful blog about what’s really going on.

Because while Mexico is still very much worth the visit, it’s important to know what you’re getting into—especially if you’re traveling during peak sargassum season.

What is sargassum?

Sargassum is a naturally occurring, floating seaweed that drifts from the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic and occasionally washes up in large amounts along the Caribbean coastline. It’s totally harmless, but it can show up in big quantities, especially between April and October—which is why we get the most questions during spring and summer vacations.

Why does it smell?

That signature smell? It's just the seaweed breaking down once it hits land. As it dries out and decomposes, it releases gases like hydrogen sulfide (which smells a little like rotten eggs). It’s not toxic, but it is noticeable—especially in areas with a large accumulation.

What time of year is the worst for sargassum?

The sargassum influx tends to peak between late spring and early fall. But just like the weather, it’s hard to predict with 100% accuracy. Some weeks the beaches are pristine, other times you’ll see more build-up. Ocean currents, storms, and water temperatures all play a role in how much sargassum washes ashore.

How do resorts clean it up?

We snapped a few photos recently in Playa del Carmen of the massive beach-cleaning tractors hard at work. These machines cruise the beach early in the morning, collecting piles of seaweed to keep the sand clear for guests. Some resorts even hire full-time crews to remove sargassum multiple times a day. Trust us—they’re doing everything they can to keep the guest experience positive.

Why not just get rid of all of it?

As annoying as it can be, sargassum plays a crucial role in the ocean's ecosystem. It provides food, shelter, and breeding grounds for hundreds of marine species. It also helps prevent beach erosion and contributes to the overall health of coastal environments. So while resorts do their best to manage it for guest comfort, a total removal just wouldn’t be environmentally responsible.

Should you still travel to Mexico?

Absolutely. We’re not here to scare you—we’re here to prepare you. Sargassum might affect a few beach days, but there is so much more to enjoy. From rooftop infinity pools and cenote adventures to Mayan ruins, tequila tastings, jungle excursions, and sunset catamaran rides, your trip can still be everything you dreamed of and more.

Final Tips Before You Pack:

Check current sargassum updates (we can help with this).
Stay at resorts with strong beach maintenance (we’ll guide you to the best ones).
Be flexible—if the beach isn’t perfect that day, there are endless inland and poolside adventures to explore.

At the end of the day, seaweed happens. But with the right expectations and a little local insight, it doesn’t have to get in the way of your dream getaway.

Want help planning a sargassum-smart vacation? Get in touch and we’ll find the perfect resort for you.