Georgia Islands Tide Chart

You don’t have to spend more than an afternoon at the beach or on the rivers to become aware of the enormous effect that tides have on the coastal landscape. That's why tide charts for St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Brunswick are so important to us all here in the Golden Isles. 

There are four tides per 24-hour period, two low tides alternating with two high tides, each approximately six hours apart. The typical difference between high and low tide in water depth at a given point is approximately seven feet (7 ft). This means that at low tide, beaches are significantly wider (better for shelling), while rivers are significantly narrower and shallower. River fishing is generally thought to be at its best several hours immediately before and after the crest (high point) or ebb (low point) of a tide. Also, tides normally run higher in the Spring and Fall and at times of a full moon. Find more information on how to read a tide chart.

Tide tables are readily available at no charge from marinas, hardware stores, and many other retailers throughout the Golden Isles. For the most up-to-date tide information, visit the National Weather Service website. 

How to Read a Tide Chart 

At high tide, you can expect minimal beach and sand for walking, playing or sunbathing. At some beaches, there may be no beach access during peak high tide, such as the beaches along the St. Simons Island Pier Village. Visitors who hope to make the most of their day at the beach should plan to arrive at the beach during an outgoing tide, meaning after high tide and heading into low tide. This will provide hours of time along the sand for sunbathing, building sandcastles, looking for shells, playing, and other beach activities.