Tide Times
What are Tide Times?
Tide times show the predicted times of high and low tides for coastal locations. Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun. Understanding tide times is essential for various coastal activities.
How It Works
- Enter a coastal location or select from popular tide stations.
- The tool fetches tide predictions from NOAA's tide database.
- Calculates the next high and low tide times based on your location.
- Provides a real-time countdown to the next tide change.
- Shows tide heights in feet for accurate planning.
Use Cases
1. Fishing
- Plan fishing trips during optimal tide conditions.
- Know when fish are most active based on tide movements.
2. Surfing
- Find the best surfing conditions based on tide height.
- Plan sessions during incoming or outgoing tides.
3. Boating & Navigation
- Ensure safe passage through shallow waters.
- Plan dockings and departures during high tide.
4. Beach Activities
- Plan beach walks during low tide for better access.
- Know when to avoid dangerous high tide conditions.
Why is This Useful?
Understanding tide times is crucial for coastal activities:
- Safety – Avoid dangerous conditions during extreme tides.
- Recreation – Plan activities during optimal tide conditions.
- Navigation – Ensure safe boating and water activities.
- Fishing – Maximize catch rates during peak tide periods.
How to Use This Tool
- Enter a coastal city name or select from quick options.
- Choose from popular tide stations for accurate data.
- View the countdown to the next high or low tide.
- Check tide heights for planning your activities.
- Customize the appearance with different colors.
- Use fullscreen mode for a larger display.
FAQs
How accurate are the tide predictions?
Tide predictions are based on NOAA's comprehensive tide models and historical data. They are generally very accurate but may vary slightly due to weather conditions and local factors.
What does the countdown show?
The countdown shows the time remaining until the next high or low tide, depending on which is coming next based on the current time.
Can I use this for any coastal location?
Currently, this tool works best for US coastal locations using NOAA tide stations. We're working to expand coverage to other regions.
What API is used?
This tool uses the free NOAA Tides & Currents API for tide data and OpenStreetMap Nominatim for location lookup.
How do I interpret tide heights?
Tide heights are shown in feet above the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) datum. Higher numbers indicate higher water levels during high tide.