Sargassum Levels Expected To Drop In Punta Cana This Summer According To New Forecast

Last Updated 5 months ago

A new long-term sargassum forecast published by the University of South Florida suggests that seaweed levels may drop significantly over the summer in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic.

A beautiful white sand beach in Punta Cana

In contrast to earlier predictions, which anticipated record amounts of the foul-smelling seaweed in 2023, the summer months are likely to see diminishing seaweed levels due to ocean currents and geological factors.

That’s great news for the Dominican Republic’s travel industry, which has invested heavily in new sargassum measures, and even better news for travelers, who can now look forward to soaking in the sun on the country’s famous white-sand shores.

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New Sargassum Model Offers A Glimpse Of Hope

Summer is typically one of the worst periods in terms of sargassum, a naturally-formed but pesky seaweed that grows over the Atlantic and washes up on Caribbean shores.

With the peak of the summer season kicking off, travelers can expect to see much less sargassum than previously anticipated.

According to a new sargassum modeling forecast, the next two to three months will likely see a considerable dip in seaweed levels. And while the trend appears positive, experts say there’s still the possibility for sargassum patches to form over the Atlantic and reach Caribbean shores.

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Sargassum after washing up on shore in a white sand beach

As always, forecasts have a certain degree of unpredictability and volatility, so travelers should always check the latest sargassum updates before heading to the beach.

Even so, officials in the Dominican Republic have invested millions of dollars in new sargassum equipment, which has already been deployed across several popular beaches.

A cleaner in Punta Cana collecting a large sargassum patch

This year, the eastern and southern coastlines of the Dominican Republic have been some of the most affected by sargassum, so much so that officials had to temporarily shut down beaches in the Boca Chica area last month.

In Punta Cana, the country’s leading tourism hotspot, authorities, and resorts have stepped up measures to tackle sargassum this year. Travelers can generally expect sargassum-free beaches in places like Bávaro or Cap Cana, where resorts have hired more cleaners and installed sargassum barriers.

A white sand beach with palm trees in Punta Cana

Although sargassum won’t disappear entirely, it’s very likely this summer will be one of the best times to enjoy Dominican Republic beaches, experts say. That said, major resort hotspots like Punta Cana and Samaná are prepared to deal with sudden sargassum arrivals should they occur.

These Are The Best Beaches To Enjoy Right Now

With Punta Cana’s white-sand beaches drawing in more travelers than ever before, now is the perfect time to enjoy the city’s world-class shores.

The Dominican Republic is home to hundreds of spectacular beaches, so it’s important to choose a destination that fits your travel style.

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Punta Cana’s award-winning Bávaro Beach is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. This Blue-Flag shore stretches for more than 30 miles, giving travelers plenty of opportunities to enjoy its shallow crystal-clear waters as well as an array of aquatic sports.

Further up north, travelers can find Macao Beach and Playa Arena Gorda, two excellent white-sand beaches that are ideal for snorkeling or simply relaxing next to Punta Cana’s azure waters.

Not to be overlooked is Juanillo Beach, a famous powdery beach in Cap Cana, Punta Cana’s premier luxury destination. Situated entirely within the premises of this gated community, travelers can find some of the city’s most lavish resorts – including Secrets Cap Cana and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana – along the beach.

Drone View of the Golf Courses and amazing beaches in Cap Cana

And with travelers increasingly leaving their resorts to explore the Dominican Republic’s stunning nature and culture, island destinations like Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are trending for their impeccable white-sand beaches.