Sargassum in Punta Cana. Where to Check the Sargassum Status?

The arrival of Sargassum on the Punta Cana beaches (in unusual quantities) seriously affects the coastal ecosystem.

The problem is not only for tourism, but it alters the fragile flora and fauna ecosystem on the coasts.

What is Sargassum and Where does it come from?

Sargassum is a species of seaweed that grows in the sea, some species form a huge population and drift around.

In the Atlantic Ocean near the Caribbean Sea, there is an area called the "Sargasso Sea", a gigantic extension of floating sargasso.

Its existence is very important in terms of biodiversity, since it is part of the ocean's ecosystem.

In the sea of sargasso live different marine species, such as turtles and fish. It also is used as a "refuge" or stop-over for migratory species such as fish and birds.

The problem is not the sargassum, but that something has changed to make these algae grow excessively.

Scientists say that global warming, increased water temperature, and pollutants discarded by humans contribute to the excessive growth of sargassum.

Sargassum, a big problem on the Punta Cana beaches.

Beyond who is to blame for this ecological disaster, sargassum affects tourist activities on the beaches.

Thousands of tons of sargassum accumulate on the paradisiacal beaches of Punta Cana and keep tourists away.

The inconveniences caused by sargassum on beaches are numerous, some of them:

• Brown water beaches: The crystalline waters become brown waters. And the white sands, covered by these algae.
• Access to the beaches: The sargassum forms a barrier that obstructs or makes it impossible to access the beach. They also cause scratches and injuries to the feet.
• Bad smell: The decomposition of sargassum on the beach generates a nauseating and unpleasant smell.
• Health: When decomposing, they produce toxic elements such as arsenic, which can filter into the sands and ground, contaminating them.
• Negative perception of the destination: The constant arrival of sargassum on the beaches of Punta Cana affects the reputation of the destination negatively.

Sargassum Season in Punta Cana

Punta Cana seaweed season

Actually, there is no time or season that can predict the arrival of sargassum to the beaches.

But analyzing what has happened in recent years, it can be said that the sargassum season in Punta Cana would be the months from September to January.

Sargassum season in Punta Cana: September to January.

How to Check the Sargassum Status in Punta Cana

If you are planning to travel to Punta Cana, it is impossible to predict exactly whether or not there will be sargassum on that specific date.

You could plan your trip avoiding the months where most sargassum arrives in Punta Cana. But even outside of those months, you can't be sure that there won't be sargassum.

There is still no precise "forecast" of sargassum, like the weather forecast.

What there is, however, is a Facebook group, where people are reporting the state of sargassum on the beaches of Punta Cana and Bavaro.

Tourists and locals take pictures and videos of the beaches and post them in the group.

The group is called "Centro de Monitoreo de sargazo en Bávaro Punta Cana" (sargassum monitoring in Punta Cana), and here is the link:  Monitoring Sargassum status in Punta Cana.

The group is in Spanish, but you can easily translate it with Google translator.