Plage de Pompierre, Terre-de-Haut: sargassum today
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Plage de Pompierre opens on the north-eastern side of Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes, about twenty minutes on foot from the village. Ferries reach the island from Trois-Rivières, Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre.
This page follows sargassum at Pompierre day by day: a 0 to 5 rating that sums up what you will find on the sand and in the water, a map of the Saintes area, and neighbouring beaches on Terre-de-Haut should the bay be affected. A new reading goes out each morning, published well before the first boats reach the island quay.
Plage de Pompierre on the sargassum map
What to know about this beach
Pompierre faces north-east, straight into the archipelago's Atlantic opening. This is the windward side of Terre-de-Haut: trade winds drive whatever drifts offshore towards this bay, with no land upwind to intercept it. During an arrival episode, it belongs on the short list of spots to check first.
Shape then takes over. Rocks close most of the bay's mouth, which keeps the crescent of water calm. That threshold does not filter seaweed, but it does slow the exchange with the open sea, so a mat that gets inside clears more gradually and can stay visible for days after the episode itself has passed. The leeward side of the island holds better-protected coves.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Pompierre exposed to sargassum?
It occupies the north-eastern face of Terre-de-Haut, aimed at the Atlantic flow the trade winds carry. Nothing blocks that approach, so the bay receives drifting mats before the coves on the opposite side.
How do I check the bay before making the walk?
Look at this page on the morning itself. FanGass publishes the Pompierre rating from 0 to 5 and a map of Les Saintes, both updated daily, so you can decide before leaving the village.
Do the rocks at the entrance keep seaweed out?
No. They soften the swell and keep the water inside calm, yet mats still pass through. The trade-off is slower flushing, which can extend how long algae remain inside the crescent.
Where should I go if Pompierre is covered?
Head south or west on Terre-de-Haut, where the coves turn their back on the prevailing flow. Anse Crawen and the Pain de Sucre area are the first alternatives to compare on the map.