Sargassum at Ten Bay Beach (Eleuthera): today's conditions
Clear
Clean, dive in
Ten Bay Beach curves along the western coast of Eleuthera, near Double Bay, a cove of pale sand lapped by calm, shallow water. Local families and passing boats favour it precisely for that gentleness, the opposite of the rollers on the Atlantic flank.
Its rating, from 0 to 5, is set at dawn and pinned on the Eleuthera sector map: a quick look here in the morning tells you whether the cove is limpid, whether some weed is wandering off the beach or whether the day calls for another choice.
Ten Bay Beach on the sargassum map
What to know about this beach
Opening westward, Ten Bay enjoys a double shield: it turns away from the Atlantic, and the full width of Eleuthera stands between it and the open swell. The sargassum flow, which travels on the ocean side, strikes Pink Sands, French Leave and Lighthouse on the east facade first; to reach this cove it would have to wrap around the island, which seldom happens.
That sheltered status makes Ten Bay the sector's safe bet. On days when the Atlantic shore loads up, this is where regulars from Governor's Harbour tend to lay their towels. The still water close to shore has one trade-off: if a patch does find its way in, it can linger in the cove for a while before moving on.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ten Bay Beach considered sheltered?
Because it looks west, away from the flow: the entire width of Eleuthera separates it from the Atlantic, where arrivals come from. East-facade beaches such as French Leave take the hit long before this cove does.
Can sargassum still reach it?
Yes, on rare occasions, when a patch wraps around the island or a stubborn westerly pushes weed into the cove. The calm inshore water can then hold it for a few days, and the morning rating is how you spot those uncommon episodes.
Is it the smart choice when Eleuthera's east coast is affected?
That is what regulars do: when Pink Sands or French Leave show a high rating, the western flank usually stays clean. Compare both shores on the sector map before picking your beach for the day.
Is the cove good for children on a low-rating day?
It is one of its main strengths: shallow water, barely any waves and a gently sloping bottom. With a low score on the morning bulletin, your chances of a clear swim are excellent.