Sea Conditions
Marine forecasts, wave heights, beach calmness, and ferry crossing conditions for the Anguilla channel and surrounding waters.
What sea conditions mean for your crossing
The Anguilla Channel, the roughly 3-mile stretch between Blowing Point Terminal and Marigot, St. Martin, takes about 20 minutes to cross on the public ferry. Conditions vary by season, wind direction, and tropical activity in the northeastern Caribbean.
Winter and spring, from December through May, are typically calmer with 1-3 foot waves and light northeast trade winds. From August through October, swells can build to 4-6 feet or higher after tropical systems, and ferry operators may hold departures until conditions improve.
Passengers often ask what a rough crossing actually feels like. At 2-3 foot swells, the ride is comfortable and most passengers experience little to no discomfort. At 4-5 feet, the ferry pitches more noticeably and nausea is possible for sensitive passengers. Above 5 feet, operators typically reassess conditions and may delay departures until the sea settles.
If you are prone to motion sickness, sit on the lower deck toward the middle of the vessel, face forward, and keep your eyes on the horizon rather than a phone or book. Over-the-counter motion sickness remedies taken about an hour before boarding are effective for most passengers. Avoiding a heavy meal immediately before the crossing also helps significantly.
Calm seas
Best comfort level for most ferry passengers, families, and travelers with luggage.
Moderate seas
Most crossings can still run normally, but expect rolling motion in the Anguilla channel.
Choppy seas
Crossings may be uncomfortable and schedules can shift if operators need safer timing.
Rough seas
Ferry and charter service may be delayed, adjusted, or canceled for safety.
Current Sea State
Loading marine forecast data...
Moderate
2-3 ft swells · 8 sec period
Wave height
2-3 ft
8 sec period
Wind
13 mph
NE
Water temp
79°F
Comfortable
Hourly Marine Forecast
A quick look at wave height, wind speed, and swell period across the next few hours.
Loading latest marine forecast...
1 PM
Waves
2-3 ft
Wind
13 mph
Swell
8s
2 PM
Waves
2-3 ft
Wind
14 mph
Swell
8s
3 PM
Waves
3-4 ft
Wind
15 mph
Swell
9s
4 PM
Waves
3-4 ft
Wind
16 mph
Swell
9s
5 PM
Waves
2-3 ft
Wind
14 mph
Swell
8s
6 PM
Waves
2-3 ft
Wind
12 mph
Swell
7s
7 PM
Waves
1-2 ft
Wind
11 mph
Swell
7s
8 PM
Waves
1-2 ft
Wind
10 mph
Swell
6s
Marine Outlook
Plan ferry crossings, beach days, and boat trips with an extended view of expected sea conditions.
Loading seven-day marine outlook...
Today
Apr 21
Best
7:30 AM-10 AM
Roughest
2 PM-6 PM
Fri
Apr 22
Best
7:30 AM-6 PM
Roughest
None
Sat
Apr 23
Best
7:30 AM-6 PM
Roughest
None
Sun
Apr 24
Best
7:30 AM-10 AM
Roughest
3 PM-6 PM
Mon
Apr 25
Best
7:30 AM-10 AM
Roughest
2 PM-6 PM
Tue
Apr 26
Best
7:30 AM-9 AM
Roughest
11 AM-2 PM
Wed
Apr 27
Best
2 PM-5 PM
Roughest
7:30 AM-10 AM
Beach Conditions
Compare sea state and calmness at popular beaches across Anguilla.
Loading beach calmness estimates...
Best Ferry Windows Today
Suggested travel windows based on expected wave height, wind speed, and comfort level.
Loading forecast-based crossing windows...
1 PM
Generally workable for most ferry passengers, with some rolling motion possible in the channel.
2 PM
Generally workable for most ferry passengers, with some rolling motion possible in the channel.
3 PM
Generally workable for most ferry passengers, with some rolling motion possible in the channel.
4 PM
Generally workable for most ferry passengers, with some rolling motion possible in the channel.
5 PM
Generally workable for most ferry passengers, with some rolling motion possible in the channel.
6 PM
Generally workable for most ferry passengers, with some rolling motion possible in the channel.
What Different Sea States Mean
Use these guidelines to understand what passengers may experience during ferry crossings and boat transfers.
Calm seas
0-2 ft waves, lighter windFerry impact
Best comfort level for most ferry passengers, families, and travelers with luggage.
Beach impact
Good for swimming and snorkeling at protected beaches, but still follow local flags and lifeguard guidance.
What to do
A standard same-day confirmation with the operator is usually enough.
Moderate seas
2-4 ft waves or steady trade windsFerry impact
Most crossings can still run normally, but expect rolling motion in the Anguilla channel.
Beach impact
Choose sheltered bays for calmer water; exposed shorelines may feel bouncy.
What to do
If you get seasick, sit outside or near the center of the boat and prepare before boarding.
Choppy seas
4-6 ft waves, gusty wind, or short-period swellFerry impact
Crossings may be uncomfortable and schedules can shift if operators need safer timing.
Beach impact
Avoid rough surf, rocky entries, and unsupervised swimming; protected coves are safer picks.
What to do
Confirm your departure before leaving for the terminal and consider an earlier, calmer window.
Rough seas
6+ ft waves, squalls, poor visibility, or active marine alertsFerry impact
Ferry and charter service may be delayed, adjusted, or canceled for safety.
Beach impact
Stay out of heavy surf and avoid swimming near reefs, rocks, points, or channels.
What to do
Check directly with your ferry, charter, hotel, or port contact before traveling.
Typical Sea Conditions by Season
A simple planning guide for understanding how Anguilla sea conditions often shift throughout the year.
Dec-Feb
Calm to ModerateOften one of the best windows for calmer beach days and comfortable ferry crossings.
Mar-May
ModerateTrade winds can pick up, so mornings are often better for crossings and beach planning.
Jun-Aug
Calm to ModerateWarm water and calm days are common, but storm monitoring becomes more important.
Sep-Nov
VariableConditions can shift quickly during the peak hurricane-season window.
Use the marine outlook to choose your next step
Compare exposure, not just the score
A beach calmness score summarizes forecast inputs and the direction a coastline faces. It is not a measurement taken by someone standing at that beach. Compare the wind and swell direction with the beach’s exposure, then read its access and swimming notes. A sheltered bay can look different from an exposed shore on the same day, and conditions at a landing point can differ from those farther offshore.
Check the time behind the forecast
Look at the update time and the forecast period before using a result. Today’s outlook may not describe conditions for tomorrow’s excursion. If a reading is missing or the feed has not refreshed, treat it as unavailable rather than interpreting an empty value as calm water. Recheck before leaving and use current local observations to decide whether the plan still makes sense.
A beach score does not confirm a ferry departure
The Blowing Point–Marigot crossing includes open water. A calm-looking beach does not establish how the boat ride will feel, or whether an operator will sail. Check the ferry board separately for the departure and ask the operator about service changes. If you have an onward flight, leave a backup window rather than making the last possible crossing your only option.
Make the final decision at the shore
On arrival, check for breaking waves, difficult entry and exit points, posted warnings, and instructions from local staff. Forecast scores do not assess every current, underwater hazard, or swimmer’s ability. Keep children closely supervised and avoid entering water that looks beyond your experience. If the shore conditions disagree with the screen, use what you can observe and choose another activity or location.
For a boat excursion, confirm the meeting place, weather decision, and cancellation arrangements directly with the operator. Save their contact details before you travel. This outlook is most useful for comparing options and preparing questions; the person operating the boat and the conditions at your destination determine whether a particular trip can proceed.
Maintained by Jahmal Richard. Data sources and update process · Report a correction
Sea Conditions Questions
Quick answers for ferry passengers, beach visitors, and travelers planning water-based activities.
Usually, yes. Moderate conditions often mean ferries can operate normally, but there may be more noticeable motion during the crossing. Always confirm directly with the operator if conditions are changing.
Plan Around Conditions
Use these travel tools and guides to connect sea conditions with ferry timing, weather, beaches, and charters.
Ferry Schedule
Check departure times before planning your crossing.
OpenWeather
Review island weather before beach or ferry plans.
OpenBeaches
Find calm beaches, snorkeling spots, and beach guides.
OpenDelays & Alerts
Check ferry alerts and service notices.
OpenPorts
Learn about ferry terminals and arrival points.
OpenBest Time
Compare seasonal travel windows.
OpenTravel Tips
Helpful planning advice for first-time visitors.
OpenPrivate Charters
Explore private and shared boat transfer options.
OpenCheck sea conditions before choosing your ferry time.
Mornings and evenings are often smoother, while afternoon wind can make the channel feel more active. Check the schedule, build in buffer time, and confirm with operators if conditions change.