TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Anegada north swell

I may sail up to Anegada next weekend. Right now the Windy app shows NE to N swells of 5-6’ with winds of 10-15 knots. That doesn’t seem super uncommon this time of year but not sure. Don’t know the tipping point for when it becomes unsafe with the current? Does anyone have thoughts of what we should look for it terms of conditions and being able enjoy snorkeling at the north beaches? Thanks as this will help us decide to make the sail or not.

I checked WindGuru for the BVI and the north swell will have 13-second interval; that gives it a LOT of power. I think that a north swell of 5-6 feet will prevent snorkeling on the northern beaches of Anegada. Even if the reefs contain the waves, the water will be roiled up and visibility will be sub-optimal. I haven't been in the anchorage at Anegada during a north swell but if conditions get bad you won't be able to leave through the narrow channel. Fortunately, it is just a short hop to and from the North Sound - the only best refuge from a north swell in the BVI.

I was at Setting Point Anegada in November with 5-6' swells and no issues...no wrap around. Note when we were there the Western most red day nun was missing...

With 5-6' swells from the N to NE, the water on the north side will be too cloudy for decent snorkeling. The only clear water will be on the south side, which offers no snorkeling except in the shallows behind Horseshoe Reef on the east end, which is only reachable by boat (and NOT a dinghy!). Book a trip with Sherwin Walcott to get decent snorkeling. His phone number is (284) 440-3243.

Lots of things to do in Anegada besides snorkeling!!

Yes I have been there - always in May and much different conditions. Have another couple with us who have never been and they want to snorkel. Have Sherwin booked one day and have jeeps rented for the 13th so was hoping conditions would be good. Looks like the14th might be better so we may postpone for a day.

Fwiw-not a boater but on VG now and it's been windy and swells are up. Red flag days at Baths. Spoke to friends who were on Anegada last week and said it was just too rough for swimming and wind made even beaching it somewhat unpleasant because it was just whipping sand around. We've stopped going this time of year for that reason but that's just us and we are land based so take it as you wish.

Swells up to 2 meters and winds under 20 knots things will be fine in the main anchorage. It’s well protected from N swells. The snorkeling on the North side will however be terrible with very limited visibility.
As the wind gets up toward 20 knots or over I would however be concerned about the Moorings and move to a spot to anchor.