Over the past month, Punta Cana has seen an unprecedented surge of sargassum seaweed washing ashore, stirring concern among tourists, locals, and environmental experts alike. Facebook reports from late June and early July describe the situation as “the worst I have seen this early”.
Explosive Bloom Behind the Crisis
Satellite data from May 2025 reveals an alarming 37.5 million metric tons of seaweed floating in the Atlantic—the highest amount ever recorded. Although blooms softened slightly in June across the open Atlantic, Pointe Cana and other Caribbean regions remained heavily impacted as sargassum drifted in with currents. Scientist Brian Barnes and others warn that June and July mark the peak of the season—yet this year’s levels dramatically exceed past years’ records.
Daily Impacts: Odor, Labor, and Lost Beauty
Visitors and hotel staff alike report thick, foul-smelling mats choking beaches like Bávaro and Cap Cana. Decomposing sargassum produces hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, causing noticeable odors—and in extreme cases, like in Martinique in June, even forced temporary school closures. In Punta Cana, one Tripadvisor post stressed that despite daily tractor and net efforts by hotels, “they’re fighting a losing…” battle.
Local resorts have deployed barrier systems offshore and ramped up manpower to haul seaweed away. Dominican hotelier associations report the added cost is weighing heavily on budgets, with clean-up largely shouldered by the private sector.
Authorities Sound the Alarm
Frank Rainieri—founder of Grupo Puntacana—described the current influx as a “plague,” warning of the potential for over 31 million tons entering regional waters. In June, he called for international cooperation in research and funding to develop long-term solutions, beyond the temporary fixes employed today.
Why This Year Is Worse?
Experts cite a combination of factors: nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff, warming sea temperatures, and shifts in wind patterns and currents all fueling rapid sargassum growth. While June may mark the Atlantic bloom’s brink, local beach conditions in Punta Cana depend heavily on daily currents and wind shifts.
The Road Ahead
- Expect more through July: Scientists predict the bloom will persist at historically high levels through at least August.
- Local response ongoing: Hotels maintain 24/7 clean-up efforts and deploy floating barriers. Still, many are exploring greener methods—transforming sargassum into fertilizer, biofuel, or animal feed.
- International pressure rises: Industry leaders now advocate for government-backed research hubs focused on sustainable collection and repurposing initiatives.
Tips for Travelers
If you plan to visit Punta Cana this summer:
- Call ahead: Check the latest on beach conditions via your resort or local social media, especially large Facebook groups tracking daily sargassum.
- Pick the right spot: North- and west-facing beaches like Macao and Bayahibe remain comparatively spared.
- Resort choice matters: Opt for accommodations with proven clean-up practices and offshore barriers.
- Diversify your experience: Short boat trips versus beachfront lounging can offer cleaner waters and avoid algae-strewn shores.
