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Planning a {couples} getaway, household trip or honeymoon and in search of the perfect Caribbean seashores with out seaweed?
Should you’ve been studying about sargassum seaweed issues in Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean, you could be questioning which Caribbean islands usually are not affected by seaweed and brown algae.
It’s particularly essential to consider in 2023. There’s been a record-breaking sargassum seaweed bloom in 2023 within the Caribbean Sea.
With a view to allow you to plan your seashore trip, we’ve created a listing of Caribbean seashores not affected by sargassum seaweed traditionally.
This text was initially printed in 2019. Every year, our Caribbean consultants repeatedly go to dozens of islands within the Caribbean.
We additionally seek the advice of scientific assets on the College of South Florida oceanography laboratory for data and forecasts on sargassum seaweed in 2023 and past.
There’s by no means a assure you gained’t discover sargassum seaweed.
However primarily based on their historical past, these seashores needs to be place to begin for planning a Caribbean seashore trip in seaweed season.
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Information about Sargassum Seaweed
The world’s largest sargassum seaweed bloom — generally known as the Nice Atlantic Sargassum Belt — now stretches 8850-kilometres lengthy from West Africa to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, says Science journal.
Whereas there was once an identifiable seaweed season of Could to December, sargassum seaweed is arriving earlier, staying longer and the mats of seaweed are bigger in dimension.
This will increase the chance of encountering the disagreeable brown algae in your Caribbean trip.
The College of South Florida repeatedly produces a report titled Outlook of Sargassum blooms within the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico (generally known as (SaWS).
This report assesses the amount of sargassum seaweed within the central Atlantic and tracks its motion and landings on seashores in Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean.
It recognized heavy influxes of sargassum in 2018, 2019, 2022 and early 2023. Caribbean islands most affected by sargassum seaweed up to now embrace seashores in Barbados, Tobago, Guadeloupe, Dominican Republic and Martinique.
Caribbean Sargassum Seaweed in 2023
Nevertheless, it’s essential to notice that even on islands affected by an inflow of sargassum algae there are sometimes seashores with no seaweed on the identical island.
For instance, in 2022, when mainland of Playa del Carmen, Mexico had a extreme sargassum seaweed drawback, the leeward seashores of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel had been freed from seaweed.
And in Barbados, Carlisle Bay typically has no points with sargassum.
Whereas there’s no assure, in the event you’re planning a seashore trip and in search of Caribbean islands not affected by seaweed and Caribbean seashores with out seaweed, listed here are some locations to think about:
1. Grand Anse in St. Georges, Grenada: A Caribbean Seashore With out Seaweed
With its natural bean-to-bar chocolate, artisanal rum plantations and mountainous inside dotted with waterfalls, there’s heaps to like in regards to the Caribbean island of Grenada with out even contemplating its idyllic seashores.
In Grenada, Grand Anse repeatedly tops the listing of the world’s greatest seashores as a consequence of its crystal clear waters and its 2 kilometre lengthy stretch of white sand dotted with palm bushes.
It’s additionally blessedly freed from sargassum seaweed.
Even on the top of seaweed season, you’ll not often see something besides a star fish within the water. There are many resorts to select from on Grand Anse Seashore, however listed here are my favorites:
Verify availability and costs at Spice Island Seashore Resort, a luxurious lodge on Grand Anse Seashore, on Reserving.com.
Verify availability and costs at Radisson Grenada Seashore Resort, the perfect mid-range lodge on Grand Anse Seashore, Grenada on Reserving.com.
Verify availability and costs on the Siesta Lodge, a finances lodge close to Grand Anse Seashore, on Reserving.com.
🌟 Disclaimer: Sargassum seaweed situations can change rapidly as a consequence of prevailing winds, ocean currents, tides and different elements. It’s unimaginable to foretell with any accuracy the place seaweed will land. We take no accountability for selections made primarily based on possibilities so make sure to confirm together with your lodge earlier than reserving.
2. Morne Rouge Seashore on Grenada
This stunning seaweed-free seashore with turquoise blue waters can also be on the island of Grenada.
Morne Rouge also referred to as BBC Seashore is much less well-known than Grand Anse Seashore however can also be not often affected by sargassum seaweed.
It’s particularly common with households because the waters are very calm for swimming. Morne Rouge is a superb choice in the event you’re in search of a family-friendly Caribbean seashore with out seaweed.
Whereas there are a number of finances accommodations and condos for hire overlooking Morne Rouge, the closest 4-star lodge is Mount Cinnamon Resort, a brief drive or hilly stroll away.
Verify charges and availability at Mount Cinnamon Resort on Reserving.com.
3. Grace Bay Seashore in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
One other of probably the most stunning seashores on this planet, Grace Bay Seashore options clear waters and powder smooth sand. This lengthy seashore is protected by a barrier reef so is very calm.
The ocean backside at Grace Bay Seashore is easy and clear.
Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos is certainly a vacation spot to think about in the event you’re in search of Caribbean seashore with out seaweed for a household, {couples} or group trip.
Though the Turks & Caicos participates within the Caribbean Improvement Financial institution, it’s technically located north of the Caribbean and within the tropical Atlantic. Nevertheless, the waters are as blue because the Caribbean!
On the alternative coast, Lengthy Bay Seashore is understood to obtain some seaweed on its shores. It’s extra of a windswept seashore with dramatic wave motion and has its personal distinctive magnificence.
Browse this Turks and Caicos Journey Information for concepts of enjoyable issues to do on this stunning Caribbean island with out sargassum.
Verify costs at The Somerset on Grace Bay on Reserving.com.
4. Palm Seashore in Aruba, Dutch Caribbean
The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is greatest identified for its white sand seashores, luxurious resorts and cooling commerce winds.
Along with being positioned exterior the hurricane belt, its well-known seashores resembling Eagle Seashore, Palm Seashore and Child Seashore even have the great fortune of being exterior the sargassum seaweed belt.
So, in the event you’ve been spending the winter imagining your self kicking again on a lounger, sipping a tropical cocktail at a seashore bar and floating in idyllic Caribbean waters with none brown smelly seaweed to spoil the fantasy, then think about Aruba.
It’s one of the vital dependable Caribbean islands with out sargassum.
Whereas there are a number of small, boutique-sized accommodations in Aruba, listed here are two of our favorite massive resorts on Palm Seashore and Eagle Seashore.
Verify costs and availability on the Vacation Inn Seashore Resort & On line casino, Palm Seashore on Reserving.com
Verify costs and availability on the Divi Aruba Phoenix Seashore Resort set on a main stretch of seashore with easy accessibility to swimming and water sports activities.
5. Playa Porto Mari on Curacao, Dutch Caribbean
One of the stunning seashores in Curacao additionally occurs to be top-of-the-line Caribbean seashores with out sargassum.
Situated on the west coast of the island of Curacao, Playa Porto Mari is a personal seashore which suggests there may be an entrance price. Verify the Porto Mari web site for hour and costs.
Together with the price you get clear washrooms, an out of doors bathe, parking, a lookout for picture ops, a floating dock, a restaurant/bar, lounge chairs for hire and extra.
This Curacao seashore delivers the complete tropical seashore fantasy with all of the conveniences.
Though there are some rocks on the entry to the water, family-friendly Porto Mari has a sandy ocean backside, light waves and no below currents because it’s protected by a double off-shore reef.
It’s top-of-the-line seashores for snorkeling in Curacao. Together with the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, can also be common amongst scuba divers.
There’s additionally the distinctive attraction of untamed pigs that roam freely – you would possibly spot them ambling by on the finish of the day. Playa Daaiboo, a public seashore with free admission, can also be close by.
🌟 Insider Tip: Take a look at the Free Issues to Do in Curacao to see wild flamingoes and different points of interest in your approach to PortoMari.
6. Bloody Bay and Lengthy Bay Seashores in Negril, Jamaica
One of many largest Caribbean islands, Jamaica provides a number of coastlines and seashores to select from.
Though there have been points with foul-smelling sargassum seaweed in Jamaica (resembling Fort Clarence Seashore close to Kingston) the seashores in Negril have usually been freed from sargassum seaweed.
🌟 Word: There’s a distinction between seagrass (which grows on the ocean backside) and sargassum seaweed, a free-floating mass of seaweed that accumulates on the ocean’s floor.
Verify costs on {Couples} Swept Away Negril, an adults-only resort set on an exquisite stretch of seashore in Negril, on Reserving.com.
7. Seashores in Antigua & Barbuda
Though the luxurious St. James Membership within the japanese windward facet of Antigua within the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands needed to shut down for 3 months in 2019 due to an enormous inflow of sargassum, many different seashores in Antigua typically don’t have any sargassum seaweed.
Situated on the southern tip of Antigua, Curtain Bluff Resort’s two seashores obtain little or no seaweed.
The boutique resort options 72 rooms, all-inclusive connoisseur eating in addition to loads of diversions together with tennis, squash, crusing, guided snorkelling and sea kayaking.
Sargassum on Antigua Seashores in 2023
Dickenson Bay, Jolly Seashore and different stunning seashores in Antigua on the west coast of Antigua have traditionally not obtained an inflow of sargassum.
However as a consequence of wind currents and different elements, appreciable sargassum and sea grass has been reported on some stretches of Dickenson Seashore, Jolly Seashore and others in addition to within the water as of March 2023.
This consists of Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa. Seashore situations in Antigua change rapidly so examine earlier than you journey.
It’s value wanting into Darkwood, Carlisle Bay and FFryes seashores as they’re common seashores with out sargassum up to now.
For updates on the perfect Caribbean seashores with out seaweed browse the reviews and photographs of sargassum seaweed situations in Antigua on the Antigua Sargassum Seaweed Observations Fb group.
8. Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres and Finest Seashores With out Seaweed in Mexico
If in case you have your coronary heart set on visiting Mexico’s Caribbean coast, it’s nonetheless potential to search out seashores with no sargassum seaweed alongside this huge shoreline.
Whereas uncovered japanese shores are probably to get hit by surges of sargassum, some seashores in Mexico don’t have any sargassum.
This consists of Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel’s western shore. They’re usually seaweed-free. Nevertheless, a lot will depend on winds and ocean currents.
It’s additionally value contemplating the seashores on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the event you’re in search of seashores with out seaweed. Whereas the water alongside Mexico’s Pacific seashores is darker blue and never as heat because the water alongside its Caribbean seashores, Pacific seashores aren’t affected by sargassum seaweed within the Atlantic.
Sargassum seaweed originates within the Atlantic so it doesn’t migrate to the Pacific.
A number of the prettiest Mexican seashores are positioned on the the nation’s Pacific Coast.
High seashores in Mexico with out seaweed for a seashore trip embrace Carrizalillo Seashore (Puerto Escondido), Punta Mita, Mismaloya and Bucerias (close to Puerto Vallarta) and Santa Cruz seashore and San Agustin seashore (Huatulco).
🌟 Word: Purple tide is a distinct phenomenon than sargasso seaweed and all seashores can briefly be affected by pink tide algae.
Verify availability and costs on Zoetry Villa Rolandi Resort & Spa on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo on Reserving.com.
9. Little Bay Seashore, St. Maarten
This little twin nation island (one facet is Dutch, and the opposite facet is French,) has 37 beautiful seashores dotted round its 34 sq. miles. It sometimes has issues with sargassum, however totally on the east coast.
Should you’re in search of a seashore with out seaweed in St. Maarten, Little Bay Seashore, on the southern facet and minutes from the capital of Philipsburg is an efficient guess.
It’s not often affected by sargassum seaweed because it’s by itself peninsula and guarded by rocky outcroppings on both facet.
Although it’s the most important seashore of the sprawling all-inclusive Divi Little Bay Seashore Resort, all seashores on this island are open to the general public.
Non-guests are welcome, and there’s a stand-alone operator renting chairs and umbrellas.
You too can buy a Day Cross to benefit from the resort’s stellar water circuit and all of the meals and beverage choices.
🌟 Insider Tip: There’s glorious snorkeling proper off the Divi pier. Lease gear on web site from Aqua Mania Adventures.
You’re certain to identify scads of tropical fish on their home reef, and in the event you’re fortunate you would possibly even see noticed rays and sea turtles!
10. Bayahibe Seashore in Dominican Republic
Whereas Bavaro Seashore in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is understood to obtain massive quantities of seaweed, the seashores on the nation’s southern coast typically don’t have any seaweed in any respect.
Bayahibe seashore, positioned simply half-hour from La Romana, is an efficient choice for seashores in Dominican Republic with no seaweed.
It has powdery white sand dotted with lofty palm bushes and crystal clear waters. It’s the proper place to take pleasure in a quintessential tropical seashore day within the Caribbean.
Forecast 2023 for Sargassum Seaweed within the Caribbean
In line with the College of South Florida oceanography laboratory, the big sargasso seaweed mat within the east-central Atlantic in early 2023 meant a excessive danger of main blooms of seaweed in 2023.
Nevertheless as a consequence of ocean currents, the quantity of seaweed touchdown on seashores within the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico in June and July 2023 was decrease than anticipated.
There’s extra excellent news! The sargassum seaweed forecast for September 2023 is minimal seaweed within the Caribbean Sea. And there may be anticipated to be no seaweed within the Caribbean Sea in October 2023.
Word that it’s typically to potential to search out seaweed-free seashores even throughout sargassum season.
Even on the peak of the seaweed drawback in Cancun, it was potential to search out seaweed-free seashores to take pleasure in.
Monitoring Caribbean Sargassum in 2023 and Seaweed Forecasts for 2024
World Information reviews that 25 per cent of Canadians guide Christmas journey greater than three months prematurely.
So, ready for sargassum reviews and reserving a last-minute journey won’t be sensible.
The three greatest methods to evaluate the likelihood if a Caribbean vacation spot shall be hit by waves of sargassum embrace:
- Checking the SEAS Program for up to date details about when and the place sargassum goes to be. Click on to entry the Seas Forecast. to see actual time seaweed forecast for the following 8 days.
- Monitoring the likelihood of a Caribbean seaweed bloom on the College of South Florida’s satellite-based Sargassum Watch System (SaWS).
- For the Caribbean coast of Mexico from Cancun to Tulum, go to the Purple de Monitoreo del Sargazo Cancun Fb web page for weekly updates on seaweed situations.
Keep in mind that seaweed predictions are primarily based on a fancy variety of elements. These embrace historic ranges, patterns, ocean temperatures, currents and extra.
Predictions are possibilities solely. So, you possibly can’t rely on them to be 100% correct.
Different Caribbean and Mexico Journey Ideas
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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the closest tropical seashore), Michele Peterson is the founding father of A Style for Journey. Her award-winning journey and meals writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Supply, Nationwide Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ different publications.
Learn extra about Michele Peterson.