🌊 Tulum’s Sea of Brown: When Nature Overwhelms Paradise
By Tina Winterlik – aka Zipolita
Adventurez in Mexico Blog – July 2025
I recently came across a video showing the shores of Tulum—what once was a dreamy turquoise coastline—now murky brown and blanketed in what looked like sea sludge. The caption read: "Parece un mar de lodo. Esta situación ya rebasó a todos, así Tulum hoy." Translation: "It looks like a sea of mud. This situation has gotten out of hand for everyone—this is Tulum today."
And it truly has.
Having lived in and loved Mexico for years, especially during my time in Bucerías, I’ve seen firsthand the beauty and fragility of its coastline. But I’ve also seen what happens when natural imbalances, climate shifts, and human neglect meet the sea. Back then, I was pregnant and fled the coast because of a severe red tide—afraid the toxins in the air and water might harm my baby. So watching what’s happening now in Tulum hits close to home.
💩 What’s Really Going On?
The brown waters are not mud—but massive amounts of sargassum, a floating brown seaweed exploding across the Atlantic and washing ashore in unprecedented amounts. Experts say this is the worst year ever, with satellite images estimating over 37.5 million metric tons floating in open waters.
The warm, nutrient-rich waters—fueled by pollution and ocean currents—are turning Mexico’s paradise into a sticky, smelly, brown mess.
🏖️ Tulum, Overwhelmed
Tulum’s open coastline has no natural barriers, so when sargassum arrives, it hits hard. Local workers are cleaning hundreds of tons by hand, day after day. The smell? Rotten eggs—caused by decomposing seaweed that releases hydrogen sulfide gas. It’s not just a nuisance—it can irritate eyes, lungs, and make breathing difficult.
🚧 Cancún Holds the Line (Mostly)
Further north, Cancún is holding its own—for now.
Thanks to 7.5 km of floating booms and a coordinated cleanup effort involving the Mexican Navy, beaches like Playa Langosta, Playa del Niño, and Isla Mujeres remain mostly clear. But it's a constant battle. Crews remove sargassum daily, and state officials are racing to find sustainable ways to repurpose it into fertilizer or even building materials.
🌀 A Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about beach vacations being spoiled. It’s a climate and environmental emergency.
- Ocean warming
- Agricultural runoff
- Deforestation
- Poor urban planning
All contribute to these surges. And if we don’t act—not just in Mexico, but globally—our coastal ecosystems may not recover.
🌱 What Can We Do?
- Support local cleanup efforts – Many eco-projects need volunteers or donations.
- Choose eco-conscious accommodations that are involved in cleanup or prevention.
- Stay informed – Use apps or sites like Sargassum Monitoring to check conditions before you travel.
- Speak up – Environmental policies matter. This is not just a local issue.
💬 Final Thoughts
Tulum is still beautiful. So are Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Isla Holbox, and all of Mexico’s stunning shores. But we can’t take them for granted. This brown seaweed isn’t just ugly—it’s a signal. A warning from nature that balance has tipped.
Let’s listen. Let’s act. Let’s protect the places we love before they’re gone.
With love and sea-salted hope,
Tina Winterlik – Zipolita
✌️🌿🌊💛
If you've experienced this or have tips on sargassum-friendly spots, please share in the comments below or on my Facebook @Zipolita.
