Punta Cana is an incredible place to go in the Caribbean. With crystalline waters, beautiful landscapes, and white sandy beaches, it has all you need. Over the last couple of years, it has been party to a natural phenomenon occurring across the region; sargassum. This seaweed in Punta Cana is usually found far off shore, but ocean currents have brought it to the Dominican coast. Here you can find the lowdown on the seaweed in Punta Cana.
There are a variety of explanations for the rise in Caribbean seaweed over the last few years. The most significant among these include changing climate and wind patterns, nutrient-rich waters, and less hurricane activity. The sargassum levels change season by season, year by year, but they have spiked since 2015. Lots of ideas have been thrown around on how to dispose of it, including using it for fuel.
When is seaweed season in Punta Cana?
Seaweed season in Punta Cana typically occurs during the summer months, spanning from June to August. This period often witnesses an increase in seaweed washing up on the beaches due to changes in ocean currents and weather patterns. However, it’s essential to note that seaweed conditions can vary from year to year, influenced by factors like temperature and environmental conditions. Therefore, it’s advisable to check with local authorities or tour operators for the most current information before planning a visit.
Where is the Seaweed Mostly Located in Punta Cana?
The levels of seaweed in Punta Cana vary day by day; the main areas affected recently were Cabeza de Toro and Cap Cana. Once you get to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bavaro Beach, the beaches are pretty seaweed clear up to Uvero Alto. The beaches of Puerto Plata are, at the time of writing, seaweed free. With a bit of clever searching, you’ll be able to find webcams of popular beaches online.
You can also swim past the first strip of seaweed to find the crystalline waters Punta Cana is known for at the lesser affected beaches. The hotels, especially AMResorts, have processes in place to remove the seaweed throughout the day.
Things to Do to Avoid Seaweed in Punta Cana
If you have a day where there’s a lot of seaweed, you’ll have a great opportunity to explore. So much more than its beaches, and there are lots of things to do in Punta Cana. You can head into town, or try out one of the fun inland tours available. They can be fun, relaxing, fascinating, and just as entertaining as a day on the beach. Another choice to avoid seaweed in Punta Cana is to make the most of your All-inclusive hotel’s facilities and spend more time poolside!
Some of the cooler inland tours you can check out to avoid the seaweed in Punta Cana are the following:
Scape Park Full Day
This fabulous Scape Park tour takes you exploring the Punta Cana great outdoors. Explore incredible landscapes on a mountain bike and your own two feet during an incredible day out. Here you can try soaring down fun zip-lines and swimming in crystalline sinkholes. The park is located on 247 acres of land and features a beautiful jungle and lots to do. You can even explore a fantastic cave! Admire incredible colors and views during a wonderful seaweed-free day out in Punta Cana.
Outback Experience Tour
Explore Punta Cana’s wild side on this fantastic adventure tour. Head to a local ranch on an all-terrain safari truck, climbing a jungle-sided mountain along the way. Find out all about your surroundings from your expert guide during an enriching experience. The tour takes you to a coffee and cacao plantation where you can try mouthwatering homemade chocolate. You’ll also get to go to beautiful Bavaro beach for a swim. A little bit of everything on an action-filled day out!
Zip Lines Tour
Take to the canopy and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Punta Cana. This incredible Zip Line Experience in Punta Cana covers more than a mile, with 18 platforms and 12 zip-lines in total. Soar over Lake Anamuya and admire incredible views as you enjoy a truly memorable experience. If you travel with friends, you can even race on side-by-side cables! An inland tour not to be missed when you want to avoid the seaweed in Punta Cana.
Have an Amazing Vacation in Punta Cana, with or without Seaweed!
In summary, there are different ways to look at the sargassum phenomenon in Punta Cana. As a glass-half-full type of guy, I prefer to look at the bright side. It offers a great chance to head inland and to other top attractions during heavy days. With a little bit of research, webcam stalking, and great planning, the seaweed in Punta Cana won’t have a major impact on your vacation.
Pick your hotel well and look for less-affected areas. You can also pick one of the popular Amstar resorts where there are hardworking local crews that rake the beach and remove the seaweed. Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic in general is so much more than its beaches. Find its hidden gems and explore stunning landscapes as you make the most of an unforgettable vacation here.
