I follow 3 forums on SXM. Some say the seaweed on Orient is horrible on the beach and in the water. Others say it's not bad and yet another doesn't mention it at all. Those of you who have been there recently, what's the real story here? We were in Barbados in June and people told us the southern beaches were not swimmable due to the seaweed. Sounds like it's an issue in many places. Worried this may ruin our trip to the island. I realize we can go to other beaches, but as we are older, we've been there done that and are happy just hanging at Orient.

Will not swim is sea weed ....end of story ....there are choices ..if you don't like sea weed ..lots of good clean beachs on Sxm ....

Seaweed is a vast Caribbean islands wide problem. I was just on several islands and all of them are getting slammed on the Atlantic side with the seaweed. However, the Caribbean sides are fine. They do not have the seaweed issue.
For example, Plum Bay, Mullet Bay was perfect last week.
So was Meads bay on Anguilla.
It's annoying but should not stop you from traveling.

Rob

The south end of Orient at Club O is not bothered by seaweed due to the reef blocking most of it and daily raking of what does make it through. No one can tell you what the conditions will be elsewhere when you arrive, so if the north end of Orient is full of seaweed walk down to the south end.

It is extremely difficult for any of us to tell you what the seaweed will be like when you're there (or on ANY given day, for that matter). It changes from day to day. When we were there in June, one day on Orient was bad for seaweed and within two days, it was minimal. Hard to say. Just go and enjoy. It should not ruin your vacation.

thanks all!

We're heading to Orient today, I'll try to check back with today's conditions.

Just got back from Orient about an hour ago. No seaweed problem from Kon Tiki through the stretch of remaining beach bars. It did look as though there was some all the way up around Mont Vernon. We went jet skiing and did see some patches out in the water. Late in the afternoon we noticed a small blob here and there washing up on the beach, although it was nothing that would diminish your swimming or beaching enjoyment. I'm sure that can change quickly, but those were today's conditions on Orient. In the fwiw category,we're staying in Oyster Pond, and Dawn has been a mess for the last 4 days......we knew that going in though. Hope this helps.

Thanks so much! I realize this is a fluid situation but I was curious just the same. Hope you have a great vacay. I'm jealous that you're there now! ::

Seaweed story.

Excerpt:

Incorporate Sargassum in Culinary Preparations: In some cases, Sargassum can be cooked in lemon juice or coconut milk, though the seaweed must be thoroughly rinsed and cleaned to make sure any foreign debris is removed. The most popular preparation is a quick fry, followed by simmering in water, soy sauce and other ingredients.

gary