Sargassum at Baie de Grand-Case: today's report
Clear
Pristine, dive in
Baie de Grand-Case fronts the village of the same name on the Caribbean side of Saint-Martin, between the island's northern tip and Marigot. The sand follows the village waterfront in one long, shallow curve, with boats on moorings just offshore.
Here you get the day's picture for sargassum at Grand-Case: a 0 to 5 rating, a short account of what has been seen on the sand, and a map showing the bay alongside the other beaches we watch across Saint-Martin. It is reviewed each morning, before the first swimmers walk down to the waterfront.
Baie de Grand-Case on the sargassum map
What to know about this beach
The bay opens to the north-west, on the leeward flank of Saint-Martin. Trade winds arrive from the east, meaning they cross the island and blow offshore here, pushing surface water away from the sand rather than driving weed onto it. Rafts moving through the open Atlantic only reach this coast after a long detour around the island.
What changes the picture is a northerly or north-westerly swell, which can carry weed already floating offshore into the bay and hold it at the back of the curve. Shallow water in front of the village and the enclosed shape of the anchorage then slow the flush down. Loaded days do happen here, so the daily rating stays the thing to check.
Frequently asked questions
Is Baie de Grand-Case exposed to sargassum?
Far less than the Atlantic coast. It faces north-west on the leeward side, with the trade winds blowing off the land. Landings still happen, mainly when a northerly swell pushes floating weed into the bay.
How do I check the beach before walking down to the village?
Look up the FanGass page for Baie de Grand-Case in the morning: it shows a 0 to 5 rating, a summary of what was observed, and a map of nearby beaches, updated at the start of each day.
What makes Grand-Case different from the east coast beaches?
The Caribbean flank takes the wind from behind, which limits landings and leaves calmer water inshore. The east coast meets the trades head on and absorbs most of the sargassum reaching the island.
Should I expect weed all year round here?
No. Pressure is higher from spring into autumn, when Atlantic transport peaks, and lighter in winter. On this side of the island many days pass with nothing significant on the sand at all.