Sargassum invasion challenges Punta Cana tourism

Punta Cana.- The Dominican Republic is intensifying efforts to combat the growing invasion of sargassum seaweed along its most popular beaches, particularly in Punta Cana and Bávaro. The thick mats of brown algae have become a daily challenge for workers and a noticeable shift for tourists accustomed to pristine white sands.

Marlon, a 28-year-old local, spends his days pushing wheelbarrows full of sargassum away from the shore, helping small hoteliers maintain clean beaches. Larger resorts rely on tractors and machinery to collect and dispose of the seaweed more efficiently. Despite these efforts, the presence of sargassum has changed the landscape—and in some cases, the vacation experience.

Some tourists, like Fernanda from Spain, express surprise at the sight of beaches covered in algae, noting it’s her first time witnessing it after visiting previously during the Christmas season. Others find amusement in the situation—dancing bachata, playing volleyball, or even snapping photos beside the seaweed piles.

For tour guides like Pedro, however, the impact is more serious. Sargassum is deterring interest in activities like diving, as many assume the underwater experience is also affected. Still, the Dominican Republic continues to fight back against the persistent seaweed, balancing environmental cleanup with its tourism appeal.