Sargassum on beaches worries Dominican Republic, a Caribbean tourism power

Sargassum seaweed is increasingly impacting the pristine beaches of Punta Cana, a major tourist destination in the Dominican Republic, raising concerns among those reliant on the industry. The Caribbean region has seen a significant surge in seaweed accumulation, with nine million metric tons recorded between January and June, surpassing figures from previous years.

Colombian tourist Jeyson Orozco, vacationing in Punta Cana, lamented the seaweed's presence on Bávaro beach, stating it diminished his ability to enjoy the water and was an unwelcome surprise. "It's something they don't announce, that they don't tell you. You get this as a surprise," Orozco told EFE.

Hotels and private businesses are employing tractors and manual labor to clear the seaweed from their shorelines. However, Angelo Joseph, an excursion promoter working on Esmeralda beach, noted that public beach sections often go uncleaned. "Here, whoever doesn't have the money to clean their beach doesn't clean it," he said.

Joseph observed that the sargassum problem, which began before the COVID-19 pandemic, has intensified. Previously a seasonal issue lasting a month, it now arrives more consecutively, impacting the ambiance and deterring tourists who expect a Caribbean paradise. "The tourist comes here with an illusion of seeing the Caribbean and finds this, and sees that 'wow,' it's a catastrophe," he lamented.

Braulio Pelmito, who offers boat trips on Jellyfish beach, also struggles daily with the seaweed, often burying it as they lack trucks to transport it. While tourists still come, they comment on the water's appearance, expressing concern about its cleanliness due to the pervasive algae.

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Es algo que no te anuncian, que no te dicen. Esto te lo llevas de sorpresa