Spring Tide

A spring tide is the part of the tidal cycle when the range between high water and low water is greatest. In boating terms, it means higher high tides, lower low tides, and often faster tidal streams, caused when the gravitational pull of the moon and sun combine around new and full moon phases.

Spring tides matter for harbour entry, bar crossings, drying berths, anchoring depth, and bridge clearance. They can expose hazards below Chart Datum, increase a Tidal Current, and make wind-over-tide conditions steeper when Wind against Current develops.

Use local tide tables, tidal charts, and stream forecasts to time departures and arrivals for sufficient depth and favourable flow. PredictWind tide charts and tidal stream maps help identify spring-tide windows alongside wind and wave forecasts, supporting safer coastal passages, routing decisions, and marina approaches.