What is sargassum?
Although my first response to this question is “irritating and a potential vacation disaster for beach lovers”, here’s a scientific explanation to the phenomena we all hate to see when we visit Cancun/Riviera Maya. Hope this helps answer questions about where it comes from.
Jungala Luxury Waterpark
I found a FB (Facebook) page which gives satellite information on the sargassum situation in Cancun/Riviera Maya. Given the satellite pics, there is a huge amount of brown algae headed into the Riviera Maya area in the next few days. If you want to keep track of this type of information, you will need access to Facebook. In the FB search box/bar, type in Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo Cancún. Hope this helps for those of you wanting into about the algae situation prior to your vacation.
Here’s a new map of the Barceló Maya Grand Resort with the addition of the new adults-only section (Barceló Maya Riviera) which is scheduled to open Dec. 2019. 850 rooms, four pools, five restaurants, five bars, a new convention center, plus access to the rest of the entire resort. I’m going late Feb. 2020 and staying in a swim-up suite–can’t wait to see it and the rest of this great resort. I have my favorite hangouts which I discovered on my trip here July 2018, and looking forward to adding more favorites to my list!
I found a very helpful blog, Two Expats Mexico, which is chock full of great info. Here’s a video they put out on how to avoid being scammed while visiting Mexico–I thought it gave some very necessary reminders. What do you think about the info Paul presented?
Grupo Xcaret officially opened its newest park, Xavage, April 15, 2019. It is located approximately 5-10 min. south of the Cancun airport and is intended for ages 5 and up. The park includes six major activities including kayaking (Crocodile), an intense ropes course (Howler Monkey), zipline (Hawk), fast jet boats with wild careening turns of up to 180 degrees (Dragonfly), white water rafting (Barracuda), and an SUV/large jeep traversing various obstacles (Puma).
Ultramar Ferry, courtesy visitroo.com
Be prepared for “red light/green light” security procedures prior to boarding the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. Starting April 1, 2019, passengers will be subject to a random search of their belongings using the antiquated system once very popular at the Cancun airport–push the button and get a red light, your belongings are searched prior to boarding. Get a green light you are good to go. Authorities are contemplating using the same procedure when taking the ferry from Isla Mujeres to Cancun.
AM Resorts (re. Secrets, Now, Breathless, etc.) is going to take over two Oasis brand resorts–Grand Oasis Sens will become Now Emerald Cancun, while Grand Oasis Tulum will become Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort and Spa. Renovations will be done and the rebranding is supposed to take effect June 1, 2019.
Starting Jan. 1, 2019, the entrance fee to Chichen Itza will double going from USD $12 to $24. There is some speculation this huge increase will negatively impact tourism to this famous site, but only time will tell. Would you still go given the new fee?