While you may be concerned about tides for drowning purposes or having the beach washed out, they also play an important role in determining what your experience snorkeling is like. At high tide, the water rushes into an area and fills it with water.
This can make snorkeling difficult for a few different reasons. High tide requires deeper dives to explore the reefs which is harder. More people tend to swim during high tide which can scare fish away. High tides can also be dangerous and prevent safe access to small coves. Low tides make it easier to dive deep and see more aquatic life plus less people swimming to scare things away.
The first is that high tide means that there are also waves. Depending on the wind strength and a few other factors, the swells may upset the fish and other sea life in the reefs. They may seek protection within the reef which blocks them from your view. You won’t be able to see very much when you’re snorkeling then.
The second way high-tide affects snorkeling is that it can cover the reefs in deep depth of water. Since snorkeling is primarily down on the surface of the water or just a few inches below it, you won’t be able to see very far down into the water. Add this with water pollution or noisy sand, and you won’t be able to see much of anything.
High tide is also when there’s a lot of people out in the water. It’s the best time to swim and surf. A big population of people swimming can scare fish away. It can also make finding available snorkeling spots difficult.
Low tide also has an impact on snorkeling. It’s typically the best time to see sea life because the water is reduced where the reefs are located. It’s easier to skim the water and look down and see the lively fish swimming around.
It also means there are fewer people swimming in your area. Low tide is the time for snorkelers.
Is Snorkeling Better At High Or Low Tide?
Unless you have a snorkeling device that allows you to dive deeper into the water, then snorkeling at low tide is your best option. This is when the water is low enough to reveal pools of fish and reefs. You’re able to get closer to the sea life than you would be if you were snorkeling at high tide.
You may also find that the water is a little warmer. Because the water is closer to the surface, the sun is able to warm it more effectively. This can make snorkeling a bit more enjoyable since you won’t feel chilly.
What Makes Good Snorkeling Conditions?
The best snorkeling conditions are when the water is clear and low to the reef. A few factors may influence what kind of conditions you find in the local snorkeling area. The first is wind speed. High winds can kick up the waves and anything in the water. If the beach is located to some sand dunes, then you can expect the sand to be taken within the water and scattered.
High winds also disturb sea life in the water. To avoid being pushed around, they may hide within branches of the coral reef or avoid the area altogether.
Even if you plan on snorkeling during a low tide, if you have high winds, then your snorkeling experience may be impacted negatively.
Another important condition is the time of day. Depending on where you snorkel, the time of day will affect when the tide is high or low. It can also impact wind speed. You may find that the wind is stronger in the morning than it is in the evening. Yet when the sun starts to go down, it becomes almost impossible to see the sea life in the water.
If you want to have a great snorkeling experience, then you’ll want to snorkel when the sun is at its highest. This means around noon hours. With the sun directly above you, the water will be lit up and illuminating your vision just that much more.
Having strong sunlight is another factor that makes good conditions for snorkeling. You don’t want to snorkel in the rain. While more fish may come out in the rain, you won’t see them. Rain obscures the water and can stir up mud or sand. Yet it’s the light, more than anything, that you’ll have difficulty with.
To have the best possible experience when snorkeling, you need conditions like low tide, bright sun, and low wind speed. A warmer day is a bonus condition to make the water temperature a bit more comfortable for you.
Is It Safe To Swim During High Tide?
When it comes to changing tides, you may hear about the dangers of a riptide. This is when the water is pulled through an inlet. If you’re caught in a riptide, then it can be difficult to break free from it. Most swimmers may wonder when the safest tide to swim in is, especially if they want to avoid riptides.
The safest time to swim is in the hour before and after the changing of the tides. This is when the tide is actually at its most calm. You won’t experience too many waves and the current is usually quite calm.
However, if swimming against large waves is more your thing, then you’ll want to swim during high tide.
Swimming during low tide might lead to injury. You might scrape your knees and skin against reefs or the shallows that are exposed during low tide.
To determine if you’re prepared to swim during high tide, you should first consider your fitness. If you’re able to swim against a current for a good deal of time, then you may be able to safely swim during high tide. Others may want to stick close to shore.
Otherwise, aim for the hour before and after high tide to have the safest swimming conditions possible.
What Is The Best Time To Go Snorkeling?
Relatively speaking, the best time to go snorkeling is in the morning if the area has direct sunlight. Otherwise, you’re better of snorkeling in the afternoon when the sun is at its strongest.
If the area you’re snorkeling in experiences tides, then you’ll want to snorkel during low-tide as well.