Sargassum at Petit Cul-de-Sac: today's beach report
Light
Light presence
Petit Cul-de-Sac notches into the eastern coast of St Barthelemy, just south of its larger neighbour. The shore is low, scattered with rock and shallow pools, and the easterly wind blows across it almost without pause. The bay is small enough to take in at a glance from the shoreline.
The page carries today's 0 to 5 rating for sargassum at Petit Cul-de-Sac, a map to locate the bay and its shallows, and an update every morning. It reports what is there now, worth a look before planning a swim or a walk along the water.
Plage de Petit Cul-de-Sac on the sargassum map
What to know about this beach
Exposure here is head-on. The beach faces east, straight into the trade winds that carry sargassum across from the Atlantic. This is the windward side of the island, the one that receives arrivals first and usually in larger volume than the Caribbean shores of St Barth. Wind and drift work in the same direction, which raises the odds of a raft ending up inside the bay.
The seabed adds to it. Rocky flats and shallow water around the cove hold weed in place, where a deep open bottom would let it slide back out with the current. Once trapped, material can sit for several days and break down where it lies. That is the case for a daily reading: on this coast the gap between a quiet week and a strong episode is wide.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Petit Cul-de-Sac often affected?
It faces east on the windward side, directly in line with the trade winds that move sargassum. The shallow rocky flats inside the bay then hold whatever drifts in rather than letting it wash back out.
How do I find out whether the bay is loaded before driving over?
This page shows a 0 to 5 rating and a map refreshed every morning. A quick check saves the trip on days when a landing is sitting at the head of the cove.
Does the easterly wind matter here?
It is central. The wind blows across this coast almost constantly and pushes floating material towards the shore, so when it strengthens after an episode, build-up inside the bay increases quickly.
Should I switch to the west coast on a heavy day?
Often, yes. Shell Beach or Colombier, on the leeward side, are far less exposed. Still check their ratings, because a wide episode can wrap around the island and reach them too.