Sargassum

[saidrs]

Ooh that dreaded word. I know it’s early and well before our April soirée but wondering if there are any hints of the sargasso weed yet? Wondering if this year might be different than the last few? Anyone’s guess?

Kind regards all.

 

[le_reve]

It has already reared it's ugly head as of a few weeks ago. This is the earliest that I recall seeing it. I also read that this year is going to be much worse than last year. Bad news all around, I'm afraid.

 

[MDC]

During our recent visit earlier this month, it was present on St Jean some days more than others (we had some rainy windy weather for a few days
which likely contributed). The water was clear enough to swim easily - only an occasional swish with your hand was required to avoid stray pieces. The beach clean up crew kept the beach quite clear. We were not bothered or deterred by it. Saline and Gouverneur had more of it present. It did not stop us from walking those beaches but we opted to swim at St Jean.

 

[saidrs]

It has already reared it's ugly head as of a few weeks ago. This is the earliest that I recall seeing it. I also read that this year is going to be much worse than last year. Bad news all around, I'm afraid.

Thanks but what’s a little weed right?!

 

[MichaelG]

Gouverneur was tragic today, water full of mats, beach littered with the stuff. But there are always alternatives.

 

[le_reve]

Thanks but what’s a little weed right?!

Have you seen what this "little weed" can do? I bet not.

 

[Dennis]

Thanks but what’s a little weed right?!

I read you loud and clear!

 

[shihadehs]

Guess we will hunker down in our villa when we get there in a few weeks… which isn’t a bad alternative…no sand!!!

 

[Cwater]

Gouverneur was tragic today, water full of mats, beach littered with the stuff. But there are always alternatives.

You are so right. When we visit our happy place we never notice the “weeds.”

 

[jbonine]

Is the sargassum bad still? If so, which beaches. We are arriving Sunday, if the Lord sees fit.

 

[amyb]

Is the sargassum bad still? If so, which beaches. We are arriving Sunday, if the Lord sees fit.

It changes daily…with the tides. If you get to your chosen beach and it is covered,reload the car and pick another. If clear, settle in and enjoy.

 

[cec1]

Is the sargassum bad still? If so, which beaches. We are arriving Sunday, if the Lord sees fit.

I don’t know conditions at many beaches, John . . . but Grand Cul de Sac is looking pretty nice for my luncheon venue!

 

[jbonine]

It changes daily…with the tides. If you get to your chosen beach and it is covered,reload the car and pick another. If clear, settle in and enjoy.

I don’t know conditions at many beaches, John . . . but Grand Cul de Sac is looking pretty nice for my luncheon venue!

Thank you, Amy and Dennis.

 

[MichaelG]

Incoming on Flamands this afternoon.

 

[Cwater]

I don’t know conditions at many beaches, John . . . but Grand Cul de Sac is looking pretty nice for my luncheon venue!View attachment 72591

One of our favorite tables. Enjoy!

 

[Jim&Cath]

Sadly we had to abandon Gouverneur due to inundation last week. But others were clear.

 

[marybeth]

We were on St. Jean yesterday and the water was clear of the weed. There were a few bunches of it floating farther out but the swimming area was perfect. Will report on others as we venture out. Thinking Gouverneur or Saline today.

 

[stephchristian]

When the Sargassum comes in, how long does it generally stay at beach area? Does it shift quickly or stay for days or weeks? And when the Island is effected, are there usually some beaches that remain clear? I would love to come in June, but I am considering changing dates after reading that the Sargassum could be record breaking this year. I just came off a ski season with record low snowfall in the West so I'd rather not experience more disappointing "records."

 

[Beachcomber]

When the Sargassum comes in, how long does it generally stay at beach area? Does it shift quickly or stay for days or weeks? And when the Island is effected, are there usually some beaches that remain clear? I would love to come in June, but I am considering changing dates after reading that the Sargassum could be record breaking this year. I just came off a ski season with record low snowfall in the West so I'd rather not experience more disappointing "records."

Baie Rouge in St Martin (Terre Basses) almost never gets Sargassum and it’s gorgeous.

 

[marybeth]

BEACH UPDATE - March 9, 2026

Gouverneur- We basically knew when we got to the parking lot that is wasn’t going to be ideal. Sargassum was on the beach and in the water.

Saline- While the parking lot here was far from full, the beach was much better. There was less sargassum on the beach and none in the water. There was a big blob of it floating on the right side as face the water but it did not impact our visit. The wind was kicking while I took this photo but it calmed down after about an hour.

The newbies loved Saline (naturally, they have great taste .) We’re going to try the other side of the island tomorrow. Stay tuned…