Yucatan Seaweed Conditions in Progreso 2023

Yucatan's beaches are currently experiencing an increase in sargassum, a type of seaweed that is causing concern among tourists and researchers alike. According to Ileana Ortegon Aznar from the Autonomous University of Yucatan, the presence of sargassum not only scares away tourists but also has negative impacts on the ecosystem, affecting sea grass and coral.

The upwelling of sargassum begins in Progreso, which is the nearest port to Merida and continues to Dzilam de Bravo. While it is also present in some other ports such as San Crisanto, San Bruno, and Santa Clara, it is less frequent.

The growth of sargassum eutrophizes the waters, leading to the growth of microalgae that can cause the mortality of coral colonies and alter seagrass ecosystems. Coastal municipalities have suggested the need to clean and collect sargassum from the seashore to prevent further damage.

As a result of the sargassum invasion, many bathers in Progreso are avoiding going into the water, citing fears of being affected by the seaweed, which can cause itching and scratching. This situation could potentially impact tourism in the area. Stay updated on the current seaweed conditions in Yucatan before planning your beach visit.

Beaches of Progreso, Yucatan

The emerald green beaches of Yucatan are an option to cool off with your family, visit a nearby cenote, and admire the mangrove forests, the archaeological sites, and the species of flora and fauna typical of the Yucatan coast.

During a trip made in Yucatan, from Chuburna to Dzilam de Bravo passing through Progreso, it is possible to admire a set of clean beaches, to the point that Yucatecan families and national and foreign visitors can enjoy the cleanliness and tranquility of the beaches.

Telchac is mostly populated by summer houses and some hotels, but that does not prevent enjoying the small coastal population of beaches and sport fishing in some points. In Telchac, families who live nearby often go to the small boardwalk to eat and stroll in the afternoons and of course to dive into the clear waters of the beach of this small Yucatan port that does not escape the arrival of foreign visitors although in a smaller scale than the beaches of the Riviera Maya.

Santa Clara, one of the most emerald beaches and with the least propaganda, is also one of the most tranquil and free of sargassum, algae that at this time has caused a strong crisis on the beaches of Quintana Roo, where the hotel sector is suffering from its occupation in almost 40 percent of its availability, due to the bad "recommendation" that gives the great wave of sargassum that has arrived at this time.

In the same route of Yucatan, entering a few kilometers to the road that leads to Dzemul, it is possible to admire the pink flamingos, this species has its main refuge in the mangroves of the saline lagoon and see them in the middle of a pink lake, without having to go to Celestun, is a plus added to the visit of the beaches of Yucatan.

Finally, in San Crisanto, located about 80 kilometers from the capital of Yucatan. It is possible to observe the "eyes of water", especially one, which attracts domestic and foreign tourists attracted by the presence of marine species that have adapted to the freshwater that possibly arises from an underground cenote.