Jersey Shore Tide Charts
Plan your beach day with accurate NOAA tide predictions. Find high and low tide times for every NJ shore town, updated daily.
About Jersey Shore Tides
The Jersey Shore experiences semi-diurnal tides, meaning two high tides and two low tides approximately every 24 hours. The average tidal range is 4-5 feet, with larger swings during spring tides (full and new moons).
Best for Swimming
Mid-tide, rising water
Best for Shelling
Low tide
Best for Fishing
Rising tide to high
Monmouth County
Sandy Hook to Manasquan
Sandy Hook
monmouth County
Manasquan Inlet (USCG Station)
monmouth County
Ocean County
Point Pleasant to Long Beach Island
Point Pleasant
ocean County
Barnegat Inlet
ocean County
Beach Haven
ocean County
Atlantic County
Brigantine to Longport
Atlantic City
atlantic County
Cape May County
Ocean City to Cape May Point
Ocean City
cape may County
Stone Harbor
cape may County
Cape May
cape may County
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Best Activities by Tide
Shell Hunting
Low tide exposes more beach and tidal pools
Best: low tide
Swimming
Calmer currents on rising mid-tide
Best: rising tide
Surfing
Moving water creates better wave shape
Best: rising or falling tide
Surf Fishing
Fish feed actively as tide pushes baitfish
Best: rising or high tide
Clamming
Access to exposed bay flats
Best: low tide
Kayaking
More water in back bays and marshes
Best: high tide
Beach Walking
Wider beach and firmer sand
Best: low tide
Sandcastle Building
Wet sand from receding water
Best: falling tide
🌊 Understanding Tides
Tides seem simple—water goes up, water goes down—but understanding the details transforms your beach experience.
High Tide
Water level at its peak. Beach is narrowest, waves break closer to shore.
Timing: Occurs roughly every 12 hours and 25 minutes (twice daily).
Best for: Swimming (deeper water), fishing from shore (fish come closer), boat launching.
Low Tide
Water level at its lowest. Beach is widest, sandbars and tide pools exposed.
Timing: Occurs roughly 6 hours after high tide.
Best for: Shelling, tide pooling, beach walks, sand castle building, clamming.
Rising Tide (Flood)
Water moving from low to high. Current flows toward shore.
Timing: About 6 hours between low and high.
Best for: Best fishing period, surfing improves, swimming gets better as water deepens.
Falling Tide (Ebb)
Water moving from high to low. Current flows away from shore.
Timing: About 6 hours between high and low.
Best for: Kayaking out easier, reveals shelling spots, fishing slows.
Spring Tides
During full moon and new moon (every ~2 weeks)
Sun and moon align, creating stronger gravitational pull. Highest highs, lowest lows.
Range: Tidal range can reach 5-6 feet at Jersey Shore.
What this means:
- •Best low tides for shelling and tide pools
- •Highest high tides can flood beach access points
- •Stronger currents—be cautious swimming
- •Best fishing as more water movement stirs up bait
Neap Tides
During first and third quarter moons (every ~2 weeks)
Sun and moon at right angles, partially canceling each other. Moderate tides.
Range: Tidal range typically 3-4 feet at Jersey Shore.
What this means:
- •Less dramatic beach changes throughout day
- •Calmer conditions for swimming
- •Weaker currents, easier kayaking
- •Fishing can be slower
🎯 Activity Tide Guides
Each activity has an optimal tide window. Plan around these for the best experience.
Surf Fishing
Bait fish get pushed toward shore by incoming water. Game fish follow. More water means more fish territory within casting distance.
Avoid: Dead low tide—fish are far out, beyond casting range.
Pro Tips
- • Start fishing 2 hours before high tide for the feeding frenzy
- • Spring tides bring more fish activity but stronger currents
- • Watch for birds diving—they show where bait fish are
- • The hour after high tide is often the best single hour
Best Spots
Jetties and inlets are especially productive on rising tides.
Shelling
Water recedes to expose shells that normally stay underwater. Spring lows expose areas that are submerged 90% of the time.
Avoid: High tide—shells are underwater and waves constantly churn the beach.
Pro Tips
- • Arrive 30 minutes before predicted low tide
- • Walk the wrack line (debris line from last high tide)
- • Check areas near jetties where shells accumulate
- • After storms, check immediately at next low tide
- • Full moon spring lows expose the best areas
Best Spots
Cape May Point and Sunset Beach are famous for their shells and Cape May diamonds.
Swimming
Water is deep enough to swim comfortably. Rising tide brings cleaner ocean water in. Sandbars are covered but not creating strong currents.
Avoid: Dead low tide (too shallow, sandbars exposed) and peak high on spring tides (strongest currents).
Pro Tips
- • Check if lifeguards are on duty—they know conditions
- • Rising tide is cleaner than falling tide
- • Avoid swimming near inlets regardless of tide (strong currents)
- • If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore
Best Spots
Guarded beaches between the flags. Avoid jetties and unguarded areas.
Kayaking/SUP
Slack water means minimal current to fight. You can paddle where you want without the tide pushing you.
Avoid: Mid-flood or mid-ebb in bays and inlets—currents can exceed 3 knots, exhausting even strong paddlers.
Pro Tips
- • Plan to return WITH the tide, not against it
- • Bay paddling: flood tide takes you inland, ebb brings you back
- • Ocean launching: go out on falling tide, return on rising (safer landing)
- • Inlet passages only at slack tide—currents are dangerous
Best Spots
Barnegat Bay, Great Bay, and back bays are easier than ocean paddling.
Surfing
Most Jersey Shore breaks work best with some water over the sandbars. Too low exposes bars, too high drowns them.
Avoid: Dead low (closeouts on exposed bars) and very high spring tides (mushy waves).
Pro Tips
- • Each break has its own ideal tide—ask local surfers
- • Manasquan Inlet works better at lower tides
- • Ocean City and Wildwood need more water (higher tides)
- • Check multiple tide charts—timing varies by location
Best Spots
Manasquan Inlet, Long Branch, Belmar, and Ocean City all have consistent breaks.
Clamming/Crabbing
Clamming: water recedes to expose productive flats. Crabbing: crabs move with incoming water, feeding more actively.
Avoid: Clamming at high tide (flats underwater). Crabbing at slack low (crabs inactive).
Pro Tips
- • Need a license for clamming—check NJ DEP regulations
- • Rake for clams in muddy areas exposed at low tide
- • Crab pots work best set on a rising tide
- • Blue crabs are most active in warmer months (June-October)
Best Spots
Barnegat Bay, Great Bay, and Delaware Bay (for blue crabs).
📅 Planning Your Day Around Tides
A little tide planning makes a big difference in your beach day quality.
Beach Day with Kids
Arrive at low tide, stay through rising tide into mid-tide.
Why: Low tide = wide beach for sandcastles and safe tide pools. As tide rises, water warms and deepens for splashing.
Timing: Check tide chart and arrive 1 hour before low tide.
Avoid: Arriving at high tide—narrow beach, stronger waves, less play space.
Photography Session
Low tide for beach landscapes, high tide for dramatic wave shots.
Why: Low tide exposes interesting textures, tide pools, and reflective wet sand. High tide brings waves crashing on rocks and jetties.
Timing: Combine with golden hour—low tide at sunrise/sunset is ideal.
Avoid: Mid-tide usually looks unremarkable in photos.
Fishing Trip
Arrive 2-3 hours before high tide, fish through high tide.
Why: Rising water brings bait fish shoreward, game fish follow. Best action from 2 hours before to 1 hour after high.
Timing: If high tide is at 2pm, arrive at 11am with gear ready.
Avoid: Dead low tide—fish are too far out to reach from shore.
Romantic Walk
Time your walk for the hour before sunset at low tide.
Why: Wide empty beach at low tide, golden light, tide pools to explore together, sunset finale.
Timing: Check both tide and sunset times. Low tide 1-2 hours before sunset is perfect.
Avoid: High tide at sunset means narrow beach and crowded conditions.
Hardcore Shelling
Target spring low tides, especially after storms.
Why: Spring tides expose rarely-seen areas. Storms churn up shells from deeper water.
Timing: Check moon phase for full/new moon periods. Arrive 30 minutes before predicted low.
Avoid: Neap tide low tides—water doesn't recede enough to expose good shelling areas.
Quick Planning Tips
Save tide charts to your phone
Screenshots work offline. Cellular service is spotty at some beaches.
Times shift ~50 minutes daily
High tide today at 2pm means ~2:50pm tomorrow. Plan ahead.
Weather affects actual water levels
Onshore winds push water higher than predicted. Offshore winds expose more beach.
Bay tides lag ocean tides
If you're in a back bay, add 30-60 minutes to ocean predictions.
⚠️ Tide Safety
Tides create both opportunities and hazards. Understanding the risks keeps you safe.
Rip Currents
Tide connection: Strongest during outgoing (ebb) tide and around sandbars.
Warning signs: Churning, discolored water; a line of foam heading seaward; a gap in the wave pattern.
Don't fight it—swim parallel to shore until free, then swim toward beach. Float and signal if tired.
Swim near lifeguards, avoid areas with visible rip channels, don't swim alone.
Getting Stranded
Tide connection: Rising tide can trap you on sandbars, jetties, or at cliff bases.
Warning signs: Water visibly rising around your position, waves reaching higher on rocks.
Don't panic. If sandbar, wade calmly to shore (water rarely deeper than chest). If on rocks, stay put and call for help if needed.
Know the tide schedule before going out. Never explore jetties or sandbars on a rising tide.
Inlet Currents
Tide connection: Strongest at mid-tide (flood and ebb). All that bay water funneling through a narrow opening.
Warning signs: Visible current lines, swirling water, boats struggling against flow.
If swimming, don't fight it—let it carry you and angle toward shore once past the inlet. Kayakers: paddle hard perpendicular to current.
Never swim near inlets. Boat and kayak inlets only at slack tide.
Sneaker Waves
Tide connection: More common at high tide, especially during spring tides with swells.
Warning signs: Periodic larger waves that reach much farther up the beach than normal waves.
Grab children immediately. Secure belongings. Move toward high ground.
Never turn your back on the ocean. Set up well above the wet sand line at high tide.
General Safety Rules
- •Check tide times before every beach visit—don't assume
- •Swimming is safest 1-2 hours either side of high tide in guarded areas
- •If caught in any current, stay calm and conserve energy
- •Teach children that the ocean is powerful and deserves respect
- •When in doubt, ask a lifeguard—they know local conditions
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Find Tides by Town
Each shore town has a dedicated tide page with predictions adjusted for that specific location. Browse all towns to find your beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tide for beach activities in New Jersey?
Low tide is ideal for shell hunting, exploring tidal pools, and maximizing beach space. Mid-tide rising is best for swimming as currents are calmer. High tide is often best for fishing from shore and surfing at certain breaks.
How often do tides change at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore experiences semi-diurnal tides, meaning two high tides and two low tides approximately every 24 hours and 50 minutes. Each tide cycle takes about 6 hours and 12 minutes.
Where can I find accurate tide predictions for NJ beaches?
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) provides official tide predictions for multiple stations along the Jersey Shore. Our tide charts use official NOAA CO-OPS data for accuracy.
What does MLLW mean in tide charts?
MLLW stands for Mean Lower Low Water, which is the average height of the lower of the two daily low tides. It is the standard reference datum for tide predictions in the United States.
Why are tide times different at nearby beaches?
Tides propagate along the coast and through inlets at different speeds based on water depth, coastline shape, and other factors. A tide may arrive 10-30 minutes earlier or later at nearby locations.
What is the tidal range at the Jersey Shore?
The average tidal range along the Jersey Shore is approximately 4 to 5 feet, though it varies by location. Spring tides (during full and new moons) can have ranges of 5-6 feet, while neap tides are smaller.
When is the best time to go clamming or crabbing?
Low tide is generally the best time for clamming as more of the bay bottom is exposed. For crabbing, the hour before and after slack tide (when the tide changes direction) is often most productive.
Do I need to worry about tides for swimming safety?
Yes. Incoming (rising) tides can create rip currents, especially near jetties and inlets. Outgoing (falling) tides can pull swimmers away from shore. Always swim near lifeguards and be aware of current conditions.
Tide predictions provided by NOAA CO-OPS (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Predictions are based on astronomical tides. Actual water levels may vary due to weather conditions.