San Diego to Santa Barbara · 37 Stations · Real-Time NOAA Data

Southern California tide charts,
beautifully visualized

Watch tides across 37 stations from San Diego to Santa Barbara — layered over nautical depth charts for the full SoCal coast.

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37
Tide Stations
5 ft
Typical Range
Real-Time
NOAA Data
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About SoCal Tides

Mixed tides, minus tides, and the best tide pools on the coast

Southern California has mixed semi-diurnal tides — two highs and two lows per day, but with noticeably unequal heights. The higher high and lower low are the ones that matter most. Tidal ranges run 4–6 feet, and the lowest tides of the year — sometimes dropping below zero MLLW — tend to fall during daylight hours in summer and winter, creating exceptional conditions for tide pooling, diving, and exploring exposed reefs.

TideSwell maps all 37 stations across the region, layered over nautical depth charts, so you can see the full picture from San Diego Bay to the Channel Islands to Santa Barbara in a single view.

⚓
Boaters & Sailors
Navigate San Diego Bay, LA Harbor, and the Channel Islands with real-time tidal state and nautical depth at every station.
🤿
Divers & Snorkelers
Plan kelp forest dives and reef snorkels around tidal flow. Minus tides expose reefs that are submerged most of the year.
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Surfers
Many SoCal breaks change character significantly with the tide. See current tidal stage and direction across the whole coast at once.
🦀
Tide Poolers
Find minus-tide windows across multiple SoCal locations at once — layered over charts showing exactly where the pools are.

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FAQ

Southern California tide questions

What are the tides like in Southern California?
Southern California has mixed semi-diurnal tides — two highs and two lows per day with unequal heights. The tidal range is typically 4–6 feet. The lowest tides of the year often fall during daylight hours, making summer and winter excellent for tide pooling and diving on exposed reefs.
Does TideSwell cover San Diego and Los Angeles tides?
Yes. San Diego, Los Angeles Harbor, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Santa Barbara are all included in the Southern California region. You can click any station to see a live tide curve with current level, direction, and upcoming highs and lows.
How many tide stations does TideSwell cover in Southern California?
TideSwell covers 37 NOAA tide stations across Southern California, from San Diego in the south to Santa Barbara in the north, including Los Angeles Harbor, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and stations around the Channel Islands.