Neap Tide
June 9, 2025
A neap tide is the part of the tidal cycle when the Sun and Moon pull at roughly right angles, producing the smallest range between high and low water. For boaters, this means high water is generally lower than during springs, low water is generally higher, and tidal streams are usually weaker.
Neaps can be favourable for entering exposed harbours, crossing tidal bars, or anchoring where strong flow would make handling difficult. However, reduced height at high water may limit under-keel clearance compared with a Spring Tide, and weaker Tidal Current may slow progress through tidal gates. Always compare predicted depths with Chart Datum before committing to a shallow channel or drying berth.
PredictWind tidal charts and tidal stream maps help you see neap conditions alongside wind and wave forecasts, supporting safer Departure Planning and smoother coastal navigation. Checking neaps against local tide tables is especially useful for marina access, canal transits, fishing grounds, and anchorages with limited depth.
