5 Mistakes People Make When Planning Around Tide Times

Tide times are essential for safe and enjoyable trips to the coast — but they’re often misunderstood or overlooked. Whether you’re walking, swimming, fishing, or just heading to the beach, getting the tide wrong can ruin your plans or put you at risk.

Here are five common mistakes people make when planning around tide times — and how to avoid them.

Table of Contents

1. Assuming the Tide Is the Same Everywhere
2. Ignoring the Speed of the Incoming Tide
3. Using an Outdated Tide Table
4. Misunderstanding Spring and Neap Tides
5. Forgetting That Tide Times Shift Each Day
6. Conclusion

1. Assuming the Tide Is the Same Everywhere

Tide times can vary dramatically along the coast. Just because it's high tide in one location doesn’t mean it's high tide 10 miles away. Tide timing is influenced by geography, estuaries, and local coastal features.

Tip: Always check the tide times for the exact location you’re visiting — not just a nearby town.

2. Ignoring the Speed of the Incoming Tide

In many areas, especially around estuaries and flat beaches, the tide comes in extremely fast. People get caught out walking on sandbanks, cut off by water before they can return.

Tip: Plan your walk or activity so you’re off the beach or sandbar well before high tide approaches.

3. Using an Outdated Tide Table

Tide predictions change slightly every year. Using an old tide table, or guessing based on previous trips, can be dangerously inaccurate.

Tip: Use an up-to-date tide source like the Just Tides app for accurate, real-time information.

4. Misunderstanding Spring and Neap Tides

Spring tides have higher highs and lower lows, while neap tides are more moderate. Planning activities like rockpooling, boat launching, or beach visits without this knowledge can lead to disappointment or danger.

Tip: Check the moon phase and understand whether you're dealing with spring or neap tides before you go.

5. Forgetting That Tide Times Shift Each Day

Many people assume high tide happens at the same time every day — it doesn’t. Tide times shift by about 50 minutes each day due to the moon’s orbit.

Tip: Don’t rely on yesterday’s tide time. Always check again on the day of your trip.

Conclusion

Understanding tide times is key to enjoying the coast safely. By avoiding these five mistakes, you’ll protect yourself and others, and make the most of your time by the sea.

Check real-time, location-specific tide times with the Just Tides app.

Download Now

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FAQs

Q: Do tide times change throughout the year?
A: Yes — tide times shift daily, and long-term forecasts change slightly year to year due to lunar cycles.

Q: Why are spring tides more dangerous?
A: Spring tides create stronger currents and a bigger difference between high and low tide, making them more powerful and fast-moving.

Q: Where can I check the latest tide times?
A: Use the Just Tides app to get accurate tide times for your exact location.