Sargassum at Shell Beach (South Bimini): today's conditions
Clear
Pristine, dive in
Shell Beach lines the western shore of South Bimini, the quieter half of the district. The name comes from the shells the sea keeps dropping on the sand, and it draws people looking for a calmer spot than the beaches by the town across the water.
Each morning FanGass boils the situation down: a 0 to 5 rating for the sector, the Bimini map, and the gist of the satellite readings, from spotless sand to filaments spotted offshore.
Shell Beach on the sargassum map
What to know about this beach
Pointing due west, Shell Beach fronts the Gulf Stream, the exact opposite side from the easterly flow that herds sargassum across the Bahamas. Across the channel, Radio Beach enjoys the same protection on North Bimini: together they form the most sheltered face of the district.
For a raft to land here it must first round the islands, then push against the logic of the dominant current, a route that filters out most arrivals. The morning rating mostly confirms a clear day and flags the rare exception worth knowing about.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shell Beach at risk from sargassum?
Not much: pointing due west at the Gulf Stream, it holds the most sheltered face of the Bimini district. A raft would have to round the islands and then beat the dominant current to strand here.
Shell Beach or Radio Beach: which one should I check?
Both enjoy the same cover, each on its own island. Staying in Alice Town puts Radio Beach within walking distance, while Shell Beach rewards a trip over to South Bimini. Their ratings track each other closely.
What does a high morning rating mean at Shell Beach?
That an unusual episode is touching the western face, generally after rafts have worked their way around the islands. It is rare: most mornings the rating simply confirms a clear day.