Understanding Lowcountry Tides

Before you can understand Lowcountry tides, you first need to understand what tides and currents are. Tides are basically big waves that move through the ocean in response to the forces exerted by the moon and the sun. They start in the ocean and move in the direction of the coastline and appear as the rise and fall of the sea surface, but the water level of tides changes throughout the day depending on your location and the time. For more information on the nitty-gritty of tides and currents, we recommend visiting Ocean Service.

That’s why tides can vary throughout different areas in the Lowcountry. When you’re boating, you need to keep tides in mind and plan your day on the water in advance using tide charts. (Luckily, we’ve got this handy page that’s full of helpful information!)

In the Lowcountry, we have big tides that keep our waters clean and healthy, and it’s all due to the slope of our coastline and the effect that gravity has on the height of our tides. These big tides are great for fishing, crabbing, finding oysters and generally keeping our waters clean. For more information about Lowcountry tides specifically, we recommend this great article from The Island Packet.

When it comes to beaching or docking your boat, tides play a big role in timing. Make sure to check before you leave the house so you won’t get stuck high and dry. That’s the worst! (Actually, it would be just as bad to find your boat floating away in the outgoing tide!) Docking also takes maneuvering with the tide and current. You should approach the dock into the force of the water or the wind; just remember that current trumps wind. So if the current is stronger than the wind, approach the dock in that direction. Face into the force and you’ll be able to dock successfully. For more information on the best way to plan your day around tides and currents, check out this great article from Freedom Boat Club.

If you’re already planning your next day out on the water and have questions about how the tide might affect your schedule, reach out to our team of experts at (843) 556-2550!