Why This Island Is The Best Caribbean Destination This Summer

If you're heading to the Caribbean this season, chances are you're already aware sargassum levels are at an all-time high, from Cancun to Punta Cana.

The pesky seaweed, which often tarnishes the typically-unspoiled look of the region's white-sand beaches, keeps washing ashore in record quantities. The situation's so dramatic even residents are sounding the alarm and calling it an ‘enemy that surrounds us all‘.

Now, it’s not like the seaweed is particularly dangerous—unless you get trapped in a sargassum mat carried by an undercurrent—but it can be smelly.

And of course, you didn’t sign up for a Caribbean getaway just to find beaches looking like this:

Luckily, there is a silver lining here, especially for tourists heading to the Mexican Caribbean.

Isla Mujeres Is The Best Caribbean Destination This Season

A short 20-30 minute ferry ride away from Cancun's buzzing Hotel Zone, Isla Mujeres is a small island packed full of natural wonders, sandy bays lapped by turquoise seas, lush jungles, and everything in between.

It's highly sought-after for Americans keen on beating the Cancun crowds, as it has, at least historically, had a reputation for being quieter and more offbeat.

After all, it is a small landmass, approximately 4.3 square miles in size, with a population of only 13,174. Add to that the non-existent traffic congestion, in stark contrast with the mainland, and the limited presence of criminals, and you get literal paradise.

With Isla Mujeres' rising popularity, it's a lot busier now in 2025, but the ‘island allure' is still very much there, and you can't deny that, to a certain degree, it is indeed more peaceful.

Brushing that aside for a moment, there's another reason why Isla Mujeres is garnering so much traction lately: in what's possibly the worst year for seaweed proliferation yet, it is a safe haven offering less sargassum-littered beaches.

Less Sargassum On Local Beaches

As we have reported previously, several of Isla Mujeres' beaches, particularly those facing the north coast, either have limited sargassum, or are completely sargassum-free.

The unusual phenomenon is due to the island's geography, and the nature of the currents that surround it: sargassum tends to get drawn as farther east as possible, and normally, beaches facing west in Isla Mujeres aren't usually affected.

This includes Playa Norte, often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and a stretch of virgin-white sand hugged by crystal-clear waters, backed by beach bars and laid-back cantinas, and offering a wide range of water-based activities.

Other popular spots for avoiding sargassum include Playa Centro, or Downtown Beach, which also boasts Blue Flag status, signalling it's as clean as can be for swimming, and the rocky coves down in Punta Sur.

Now, it is important to note that less sargassum does not mean no sargassum at all times: while it's true that, at any given time, your chances of experiencing an influx of seaweed on a local beach is significantly lower than in Cancun, it may still happen.

In those cases, however, the volume will be lower, and considering the island's small size, and the fact it has only 4 sandy beaches, cleaning efforts are usually quick and efficient.

This means that, even if sargassum does end up on a beach, it will be out of sight before you even register it happened.

Better Hotel Deals & Smaller Crowds

Additionally, our Mexican Caribbean expert friends over at The Cancun Sun have stated that, despite the risk of sargassum, the shoulder season is the best period if you're looking for less-crowded beaches and better hotel deals.

For instance, there are a number of cozy B&B and boutique stays on the island, such as Hotel Secreto, where an overnight stay will set you back a reasonable $190–289 per night, for 2 adults.

If it's a luxury retreat you're dreaming of, Mia Reef Islands is an Eden well-known for its excellent service and world-class amenities: in the low season, prices start from $437-a-night.

Many of the hotels also have their own small, private beaches, and you're even less likely to share the sandbar with the foul-smelling algae in those, as these properties always strive to deliver the best guest experience possible.

Finally, Isla Mujeres may be a small island, but it is certainly not lacking in nature or cultural attractions:

• Snorkel and scuba-dive around the vibrant-colored reefs of the Garrafon Natural Reef Park
• Swim around the underwater sculptures of the Cancún Underwater Museum (MUSA)
• Explore Punta Sur by golf cart, discovering secret beaches and ancient Mayan temples
• Visit the Tortugranja Turtle Sanctuary, and help safely release hatchlings into the Caribbean
• Relax in one of the island's scenic public beaches, like Playa Norte or Playa Centro
• Take a day trip out to the neighboring Isla Contoy, where you can spot flamingos and pelicans

Just a quick hop across the channel from Cancun, Isla Mujeres combines postcard-perfect beaches, clear waters, and friendly local vibes—plus, it consistently boasts far less sargassum than other Riviera Maya shores, so your beach days stay pristine.