The Sahara dust is pretty bad right now. It does come across the Atlantic from the Sahara desert. People with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems are suffering. The only good thing about the stuff is that it helps keep hurricanes at bay.

What the sand does is makes everything very hazy and holds in the heat too. Not to worry, it is still beautiful here! This is common and happens every summer! Hard to believe sand can carry that far, huh? There have been articles about it in magazines like TIME and others. I never truly believed that this is what is was until I read actual documentation!

Another strange thing, we have deer and they actually swim between islands!!! Never believed that until I saw it also! 🙂

Didn't someone post a pic (I think it was in the STJ newspaper) of someone rescueing a deer out in the open water pretty far from an island. They tied it up somehow and took it to the nearest island and let it go. I may be a little off about this, someone can correct me if I'm wrong. It may have been in the BVI's.

Mountaineer: You are correct. It was off the shore of St Thomas.

I too am wondering about the dust/sand as I'll be in St. John at the end of June.
Does it last that long?
Does it effect the visibility in the water?
What about your eyes as far as extra protection etc.?
Thanks

It's not so bad as to require eye protection. Those visiting from urban locations may not even notice a difference. And the sand does make for beautiful sunsets.

Thanks for your reply.
I love to snorkel and am wondering if this phenomenon causes the water to get a bit murky, as well.
I figured out that I'll still probably be able to get a suntan. Ha!!

No Sahara Dust out there today, nice and clear! It will be back tho, that is for sure! It won't effect you in anyway, again, the view is simply hazey and that is it! 🙂