Tidal Stream

A tidal stream is the horizontal flow of seawater produced by the rise and fall of the tide. In navigation it is described by its set (direction) and rate (speed), and is most significant around headlands, harbour entrances, estuaries, channels, and tidal gates where water is constricted.

For boaters, tidal streams directly affect course over ground, speed over ground, fuel use, sail trim, and safe manoeuvring. Planning to carry a fair stream can shorten a passage, while an adverse stream can stop progress or make a bar or channel unsafe. It is closely related to Tidal Current, Tidal Atlas, and Wind against Current.

PredictWind tidal and current tools help you compare stream direction and strength with forecast wind and waves when choosing departure times or routing through narrow water. Used alongside Weather Routing, tidal stream data helps optimise coastal passages and avoid rough, slow, or hazardous timing.