I'm planning a much awaited return trip to my home-away-from-home of 30+ years and I'm hoping to include 3 or 4 days in Anegada. The last time I was there was at least 8 years ago while we were sailing and the sargassum hadn't really become an issue in the BVI yet. I've heard it's been getting worse this past few years (like many areas of the Caribbean) so I'm looking for the local experts to chime in here re the current situation.
One of the biggest reasons to hang out on Anegada is, of course, their stunning beaches on the north side ... unfortunately where the issue is the most common :-( . Looking at Loblolly Cottages or perhaps a special treat at one of the palapas at the ABeach Club (or other suggestions on the beach?).
I have a very unscientific way to answer that question. Normally I would ask Walker but he's in Houston right now. My other trick is to look at Kenny Francis FB posts (Francis Family Farm) - almost every week he posts a video of guests riding along the beach at Cow Wreck - you can see if it is a problem. I will ask Ann - she's on the island right now.
From my experience, sargassum can come in quite quickly so I don't know how much you will be able to plan around it.
The ABC "Tent Glamping" is pretty amazing.
Addition: Sent e-mail to Ann. Checked photos - most recent was two weeks ago. Some up on the beach but it appeared pretty light to me.
We were there in December and I don't remember it being an issue anywhere. Not that its not there. Just not a big deal and no different from what we've been seeing for the last 5 or so years.
Noticably more sargassum in 2nd half of March than in Jan and Feb. I usually troll several lures when underway and they had to be cleaned every few minutes - finally gave up.
Thanks so much everyone! Definitely a tough one to gauge without a crystal ball direct to Mother Nature ;-).
Based on the homework I've been doing it seems the worst time of the year are the warmer months i.e. now through the summer. Fingers crossed that our January timing will bring those amazing white sands to us!
If it is a January trip, worry not. There was a bit of sargassum on the north shore of Anegada this past January, but not much. Not enough to be any kind of problem.
Quick update. We are now on Anegada and were able to go to the beach yesterday. There is a good bit of sargassum washed up on the beach but it appeared to be a couple of days old. The wind shifted around to NW on Wednesday and blew hard most of the day - I think that blew it in. I didn't see any more coming in and the wind is back to the east now. Just a good illustration of how quickly it can change.
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