Royal Sands beach

We're going to the Sands week 4. What's the status of the beach? Is the beach volleyball net up? Thanks.

As of Week 48... the volleyball net was nowhere to be seen. The beach erosion left some of the beach ramps closed due to a ~5' drop at end of ramp. The north steps (PH II) were fine, but beach entry was narrow and roped for safety. Swimming was limited due to heavy surf. Two areas were open, one in front of PH I and another on the north end of PH II. Generally, the beach was fine for swimming and sunbathing, but not enough room for volleyball. Two rows of umbrellas, plenty of room for beach-walking.

I was amazed how the beach changed over the course of a week. You could see some areas growing as sand redeposited overnight with lower surf. Unfortunately, the heavy day-surf took it away again. per local...it just comes and goes. Still very enjoyable, just not a lot of room right now (last month).

I just got back from the Sands on Saturday. There were swimming areas in front of both phases all week, until Friday when all of a sudden the rocks reappeared in both swimming areas. Red flags all in front of the Sands.
We had to go down to the public beach? a short distance. (Not sure if it is a public beach or not) to swim. Like the previous poster said, it seems to change daily.

Still no volleyball net either. They would have to remove quite a few Palapas to put the net back up.
Steve

I thought the beaches were back to normal after they brought in all the sand after the big hurricane. Has the erosion been an going problem? We own week 7 and the beaches last February looked much better than the year before. Are they doing anything to rectify this problem?

They have another restoration attempt planned but not sure when it is going to start. I had heard it was going to start in mid January but maybe it's delayed.

Here is an interesting article about the possible new restoration.

http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/travel/beaches/stories/2007/03/01/0304springcancun.html

Samana

Although the beach is damage one advantage your kids may find is the amount of sharks teeth that you can find, you can let them loose for hr's once they have found there first one they'll be hooked.

Beach Restoration

The article "Joe L" referred to is a must-read for anyone that hasn't followed the issue for long. The key for all to remember is that it is up to the Mexican federal government to fix the problem. The beaches are federal land. They may move faster than the US feds, but it is still a government issue. SO hang on while they discuss what to do. As I understand it, from more locals, the government wants to do it right (or at least better) the next time they repair the beaches. They understand it is a hot issue, but cannot be expected to just keep dumping sand "down the hole" so to speak. There are things being planned and done (as I hear it)........

Good point. I think they are on the right track by putting some kind of artificial barrier off shore to hold sand that might wash back out to sea. Mother nature is a powerful thing and it shows when the sand moves in and out on a daily basis.

This website has information about the beaches in Cancun, but the latest photos were taken in November 2007.

http://www.cancunbeachconditions.com/index.htm

Tri-Royals

OK, so I can't play beach volleyball at the Sands. What about at the Royal Mayan?

The volleyball net is up and people are playing at the Royal Mayan. Beaches are much better this week than last, it seems to change daily.

I'm using wifi at the Royal Islander pool. This is great! (It's a little too sunny to see, though, but I can live with that)

Val, how far does it reach at the RC? Any MBPS estimate?