Tide pooling in Virginia: best low tides
The best tide pool days are low tides that are among a spot's lowest of the year and fall in daylight. In Virginia they come mostly in December to February. The next stretch of tide pool lows across the state is Dec 22–28. Dates, times and heights below come from NOAA predictions for 131 spots, worked out for the next 12 months.
Tide pools in every state · Virginia king tides
Tide pool season in Virginia
Average number of good tide pool days per spot, month by month:
Best tide pool days statewide
| Dates | Best day | Spots with a good low that day |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 22–28 | Wed Dec 23 | 79 of 131 spots |
| Jan 20–27 | Thu Jan 21 | 90 of 131 spots |
| Feb 6–9 | Mon Feb 8 | 58 of 131 spots |
| Feb 18–24 | Sun Feb 21 | 106 of 131 spots |
| Mar 21–24 | Mon Mar 22 | 114 of 131 spots |
| Jun 6 | Sun Jun 6 | 34 of 131 spots |
| Jul 4–6 | Mon Jul 5 | 91 of 131 spots |
| Aug 2–4 | Tue Aug 3 | 63 of 131 spots |
Tide pool lows for your spot
Next good low
Showing all 131 spots
| Spot | Next tide pool lows | Lowest |
|---|---|---|
| Willcox Wharf, Charles City | Oct 27–28 mornings then Nov 25–26, Dec 25–26 | 0.0 ft Tue Oct 27, 9:33 AM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Lafayette River | Nov 24–25 afternoons then Dec 22–25, Jan 20–24 | -0.2 ft Tue Nov 24, 2:58 PM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Western Branch | Nov 24–26 afternoons then Dec 22–25, Jan 20–24 | -0.2 ft Wed Nov 25, 3:57 PM 7 good days in the next 3 months |
| Cbbt, Chesapeake Channel | Nov 25 afternoon then Dec 22–26, Jan 20–26 | -0.2 ft Wed Nov 25, 2:44 PM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Colonial Beach, Va. | Nov 25–27 mornings then Dec 25–30, Jan 8–11 | -0.3 ft Thu Nov 26, 9:28 AM 10 good days in the next 3 months |
| Jordan Point | Nov 25–27 mornings then Dec 24–28, Jan 8–9 | -0.2 ft Thu Nov 26, 10:07 AM 9 good days in the next 3 months |
| Northbury | Nov 25–27 mornings then Dec 24–28, Jan 8 | -0.5 ft Thu Nov 26, 9:46 AM 9 good days in the next 3 months |
| Portsmouth, Naval Shipyard | Nov 25 afternoon then Dec 23–25, Jan 20–24 | -0.2 ft Wed Nov 25, 3:54 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Rudee Inlet, interior channel | Nov 25 afternoon then Dec 23–27, Jan 21–26 | -0.3 ft Wed Nov 25, 2:08 PM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Sunnybank, Little Wicomico River | Nov 25–27 mornings then Dec 25–28, Jan 23–27 | -0.1 ft Thu Nov 26, 9:16 AM 7 good days in the next 3 months |
| Dahlgren, Upper Machodoc Creek, Va. | Nov 26 morning then Dec 24–29, Jan 7–9 | -0.2 ft Thu Nov 26, 9:46 AM 9 good days in the next 3 months |
| Lanexa, Chicahomny River | Nov 26–28 mornings then Dec 26–28, Jan 24–26 | -0.2 ft Thu Nov 26, 8:07 AM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Sturgeon Point | Nov 26–27 mornings then Dec 25–28, Jan 9 | -0.2 ft Thu Nov 26, 8:37 AM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Tappahannock | Nov 26–27 mornings then Dec 25–28, Jan 9 | -0.2 ft Thu Nov 26, 8:46 AM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Wright Island Landing | Nov 26–27 mornings then Dec 25–28, Jan 9 | -0.2 ft Thu Nov 26, 8:31 AM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Bayport | Nov 27 morning then Dec 27–28, Jan 20 | -0.2 ft Fri Nov 27, 8:11 AM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Claremont | Nov 27 morning then Dec 26–28, Jan 24–27 | -0.3 ft Fri Nov 27, 8:45 AM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Ferry Point (bridge) | Nov 27 morning then Dec 26–28, Jan 24–27 | -0.2 ft Fri Nov 27, 8:46 AM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Glebe Point, Great Wicomico River | Nov 27 morning then Dec 27–28, Jan 20 | -0.2 ft Fri Nov 27, 8:00 AM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Guard Shore | Nov 27 morning then Dec 27–28, Jan 25–27 | -0.2 ft Fri Nov 27, 8:10 AM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Muddy Creek Entrance | Nov 27 morning then Dec 27–28, Jan 25–27 | -0.2 ft Fri Nov 27, 8:14 AM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Tettington, James River | Nov 27 morning then Dec 26–28, Jan 25–27 | -0.1 ft Fri Nov 27, 8:32 AM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Wakema (Fraziers Ferry), Mattaponi River | Nov 27 morning then Dec 27–28, Jan 25–27 | -0.4 ft Fri Nov 27, 8:17 AM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Saxis, Starling Creek | Dec 21 afternoon then Dec 27–28, Jan 4 | -0.2 ft Mon Dec 21, 4:17 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Bayville | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Jan 20–22, Jan 27 | -0.3 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:25 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Belleville | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:18 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Broad Bay Canal | Dec 22–24 afternoons then Jan 20–23, Feb 8 | -0.5 ft Thu Dec 24, 4:28 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Brown Cove | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Jan 20–22, Jan 27 | -0.3 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:20 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Buchanan Creek entrance | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Jan 20–22, Jan 27 | -0.3 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:33 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Burwell Bay | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Jan 20–22, Jan 27 | -0.4 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:16 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Cape Charles Harbor | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 8–10 | -0.5 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:21 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Cheatham Annex | Dec 22–24 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Thu Dec 24, 4:08 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel | Dec 22–26 afternoons then Jan 20–26, Feb 8–11 | -0.5 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:18 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Chesconessex Creek, Schooner Bay | Dec 22 afternoon then Dec 28, Jan 20 | -0.4 ft Tue Dec 22, 4:42 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Craney Island Light | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:22 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Deep Creek Entrance | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.6 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:36 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Dixie | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Dec 28, Jan 20–21 | -0.3 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:51 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Fishermans Island | Dec 22–26 afternoons then Jan 20–25, Feb 7–11 | -0.7 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:29 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Gloucester Point | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 7–10 | -0.5 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:30 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Hampton Roads (Sewells Point) | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.5 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:18 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Harborton, Pungoteague Creek | Dec 22 afternoon then Dec 28, Jan 20–21 | -0.2 ft Tue Dec 22, 4:16 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Hollidays Point (Kings Highway bridge) | Dec 22–24 afternoons then Jan 20–23, Feb 6–8 | -0.7 ft Thu Dec 24, 4:31 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Huntington Park | Dec 22–24 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–9 | -0.4 ft Thu Dec 24, 4:07 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Jackson Creek, Deltaville | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Jan 20–22, Jan 27 | -0.3 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:41 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Kingsmill | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Dec 28, Jan 20–22 | -0.2 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:50 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Little Creek, Nab | Dec 22–26 afternoons then Jan 20–26, Feb 8–11 | -0.6 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:27 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Long Creek | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 8–10 | -0.6 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:33 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Lynnhaven Inlet, Virginia Pilots Dock | Dec 22–26 afternoons then Jan 20–25, Feb 8–11 | -0.6 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:56 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Menchville | Dec 22–24 afternoons then Jan 20–23, Feb 6–8 | -0.3 ft Thu Dec 24, 4:47 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Mill Creek (Grey Point) | Dec 22 afternoon then Dec 28, Jan 20–21 | -0.2 ft Tue Dec 22, 4:24 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Millenbeck, Corrotoman River | Dec 22 afternoon then Dec 28, Jan 20 | -0.2 ft Tue Dec 22, 4:47 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Mobjack, East River | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:20 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Money Point | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 7–10 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:31 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Newport News | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–9 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:46 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Norfolk | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:38 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Old Plantation Light | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–25, Feb 7–10 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:10 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Old Point Comfort | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:27 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Park Turn | Dec 22–29 middays then Jan 19–28, Feb 6–8 | -0.2 ft Sat Dec 26, 1:54 PM 8 good days in the next 3 months |
| Pig Point | Dec 22–24 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Thu Dec 24, 4:08 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Roane Point | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Jan 20–22, Jan 27 | -0.3 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:27 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Smithfield, Pagan River | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Jan 20–22, Jan 27 | -0.3 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:15 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Town Point | Dec 22–24 afternoons then Jan 20–23, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Thu Dec 24, 4:12 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Tue Marshes Light | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:21 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Urbanna | Dec 22 afternoon then Dec 28, Jan 20 | -0.2 ft Tue Dec 22, 4:51 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| West Point | Dec 22 afternoon then Dec 28, Jan 20–21 | -0.2 ft Tue Dec 22, 4:20 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Windmill Point | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Dec 28–29, Jan 6 | -0.4 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:43 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Windmill Point Light | Dec 22–23 afternoons then Dec 28, Jan 20–21 | -0.2 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:49 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Wolf Trap Light | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–9 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:50 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Yorktown, Goodwin Neck | Dec 22–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:33 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Alexandria, Va. | Dec 23–26 afternoons then Jan 19–25, Feb 6–9 | -0.6 ft Sat Dec 26, 4:17 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Aquia Creek, Va. | Dec 23–29 middays then Jan 20–28, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 1:56 PM 7 good days in the next 3 months |
| Assateague Beach, Toms Cove | Dec 23–26 afternoons then Jan 21–25, Feb 19–24 | -0.7 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:26 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Browns Bay | Dec 23–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.7 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:15 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Cape Henry | Dec 23–27 afternoons then Jan 20–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.6 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:04 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Chester | Dec 23–29 middays then Jan 21–28, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 12:29 PM 7 good days in the next 3 months |
| Chincoteague Island, Lewis Creek | Dec 23–25 afternoons then Jan 21–24, Feb 19–24 | -0.3 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:16 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Folly Creek, Metompkin Inlet | Dec 23–26 afternoons then Jan 21–25, Feb 19–24 | -0.3 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:50 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Fort Eustis (Marad) | Dec 23 afternoon then Jan 21–22, Feb 19–22 | -0.1 ft Wed Dec 23, 4:15 PM 1 good day in the next 3 months |
| Franklin City | Dec 23–24 afternoons then Jan 21–22, Feb 19–22 | -0.3 ft Thu Dec 24, 4:46 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Gargathy Neck | Dec 23–25 afternoons then Jan 21–25, Feb 19–24 | -0.3 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:05 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Great Machipongo Inlet (inside) | Dec 23–26 afternoons then Jan 21–25, Feb 19–24 | -0.7 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:34 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Haxall | Dec 23–29 middays then Jan 21–28, Feb 6–9 | -0.6 ft Sat Dec 26, 11:35 AM 7 good days in the next 3 months |
| Hopyard Landing | Dec 23–28 afternoons then Jan 20–27, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 2:31 PM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Kiptopeke Beach | Dec 23–26 afternoons then Jan 20–25, Feb 8–11 | -0.5 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:49 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Lake Rudee, south end | Dec 23–27 afternoons then Jan 20–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.6 ft Fri Dec 25, 2:47 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Massaponax | Dec 23–27 afternoons then Jan 19–26, Feb 6–9 | -0.6 ft Sat Dec 26, 3:47 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Mathias Point, Va. | Dec 23–29 middays then Jan 21–28, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 11:32 AM 7 good days in the next 3 months |
| Meadowville | Dec 23–29 middays then Jan 21–28, Feb 6–9 | -0.6 ft Sat Dec 26, 12:11 PM 7 good days in the next 3 months |
| Messick Point, Back River | Dec 23–25 afternoons then Jan 20–24, Feb 6–10 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:20 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Metompkin Inlet | Dec 23–26 afternoons then Jan 21–25, Feb 19–24 | -0.7 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:22 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Port Royal | Dec 23–29 middays then Jan 20–28, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 1:26 PM 7 good days in the next 3 months |
| Puddledock, Appomattox River | Dec 23–27 mornings then Jan 21–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.3 ft Thu Dec 24, 9:49 AM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Quantico, Va. | Dec 23–28 afternoons then Jan 20–27, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 2:24 PM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Rudee Heights, Lake Wesley | Dec 23–27 afternoons then Jan 20–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.6 ft Fri Dec 25, 2:44 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Rudee Inlet entrance | Dec 23–27 afternoons then Jan 20–27, Feb 19–24 | -0.5 ft Fri Dec 25, 2:30 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Sandbridge | Dec 23–27 afternoons then Jan 20–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.6 ft Fri Dec 25, 2:35 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Saunders Wharf | Dec 23–30 middays then Jan 21–28, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 11:47 AM 8 good days in the next 3 months |
| Smith Island (Coast Guard Station) | Dec 23–25 afternoons then Jan 21–25, Feb 19–24 | -0.7 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:07 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Upshur Neck, south end | Dec 23–26 afternoons then Jan 21–25, Feb 19–24 | -0.7 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:52 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Virginia Beach | Dec 23–27 afternoons then Jan 20–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.6 ft Fri Dec 25, 2:44 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Wachapreague, Wachapreague Channel | Dec 23–26 afternoons then Jan 21–25, Feb 19–24 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:32 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Wallops Island | Dec 23–27 afternoons then Jan 21–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.2 ft Fri Dec 25, 2:34 PM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Wishart Point, Bogues Bay | Dec 23–26 afternoons then Jan 21–25, Feb 19–24 | -0.3 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:51 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Yorktown, USCG Training Center | Dec 23–25 afternoons then Jan 9–10, Jan 20–24 | -0.4 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:33 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Chincoteague Island, Blake Cove | Dec 24 afternoon then Jan 21–23, Feb 19–23 | -0.3 ft Thu Dec 24, 4:18 PM 1 good day in the next 3 months |
| Chincoteague Island, Oyster Bay | Dec 24–25 afternoons then Jan 21–24, Feb 19–23 | -0.3 ft Fri Dec 25, 4:43 PM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| City Point, Hopewell | Dec 24–29 mornings then Jan 22–28, Feb 20–24 | -0.2 ft Fri Dec 25, 9:54 AM 6 good days in the next 3 months |
| Oyster Harbor | Dec 24–26 afternoons then Jan 21–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.6 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:14 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Revel Creek, Revel Island | Dec 24–27 afternoons then Jan 21–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.5 ft Fri Dec 25, 3:05 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Sand Shoal Inlet (Coast Guard Station) | Dec 24–27 afternoons then Jan 21–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.5 ft Fri Dec 25, 2:55 PM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Southern Chincoteague Island | Dec 24–26 afternoons then Jan 21–26, Feb 19–24 | -0.2 ft Thu Dec 24, 2:04 PM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Kinsale, Yeocomico River, Va. | Dec 25–29 mornings then Jan 23–28, Feb 7–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 9:35 AM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Mount Holly, Nomini Creek, Va. | Dec 25–29 mornings then Jan 23–28, Feb 6–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 10:14 AM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Ragged Point, Coles Neck, Va. | Dec 25–29 mornings then Jan 24–28, Feb 7–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 9:25 AM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Travis Point, Coan River, Va. | Dec 25–29 mornings then Jan 24–28, Feb 7–9 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 9:23 AM 5 good days in the next 3 months |
| Lewisetta, Va. | Dec 26–29 mornings then Jan 10–11, Jan 19 | -0.5 ft Sat Dec 26, 8:52 AM 4 good days in the next 3 months |
| Wares Wharf | Dec 26–28 mornings then Jan 19, Jan 24–27 | -0.3 ft Sat Dec 26, 8:41 AM 3 good days in the next 3 months |
| Fleeton Point | Dec 27–28 mornings then Jan 20, Jan 26–27 | -0.2 ft Sun Dec 27, 8:23 AM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Onancock, Onancock Creek | Dec 27–28 mornings then Jan 20, Jan 25–27 | -0.5 ft Sun Dec 27, 8:28 AM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Watts Island | Dec 27–28 mornings then Jan 20, Jan 26–27 | -0.5 ft Sun Dec 27, 8:21 AM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Great Wicomico River Light | Dec 28 morning then Jan 20, Jan 26–27 | -0.2 ft Mon Dec 28, 9:21 AM 1 good day in the next 3 months |
| Jesters Island | Dec 29–30 mornings then Jan 22–23, Jan 27–29 | -0.2 ft Tue Dec 29, 8:40 AM 2 good days in the next 3 months |
| Scotland | Jan 20–21 afternoons then Jan 26, Feb 19–20 | -0.2 ft Thu Jan 21, 5:18 PM 0 good days in the next 3 months |
| Chincoteague Island, USCG Station | Jan 21–25 afternoons then Feb 6–11, Feb 19–24 | -0.4 ft Sat Jan 23, 3:19 PM 0 good days in the next 3 months |
| Rappahannock Light | Jan 22 afternoon then Feb 20–22, Mar 21–23 | 0.0 ft Fri Jan 22, 4:33 PM 0 good days in the next 3 months |
| Chincoteague Channel (south end) | Jan 23–25 afternoons then Feb 21–23, Mar 22–23 | -0.2 ft Sun Jan 24, 3:39 PM 0 good days in the next 3 months |
| Richmond Deepwater Terminal, James River | Jan 23–25 middays then Feb 20–24, Mar 21–25 | -0.1 ft Sun Jan 24, 12:02 PM 0 good days in the next 3 months |
| Lester Manor | Jan 24 morning then Feb 22–23, May 7–10 | 0.0 ft Sun Jan 24, 9:09 AM 0 good days in the next 3 months |
| Gaskins Point, Occohannock Creek | Feb 20–21 afternoons then Mar 21–23, Jun 5–7 | -0.1 ft Sun Feb 21, 5:13 PM 0 good days in the next 3 months |
| Tangier Island | Mar 21–22 afternoons then Jun 5–6, Jul 3–9 | -0.1 ft Sun Mar 21, 6:23 PM 0 good days in the next 3 months |
| Richmond (river locks) | Jun 20–26 afternoons then Jul 4–11, Jul 15–27 | -0.3 ft Tue Jun 22, 2:09 PM 0 good days in the next 3 months |
Tide pool tips
Go before the low
Arrive about an hour before low tide and head back as soon as the water turns.
Watch the waves
Sneaker waves run far up rocky shores, especially on the Pacific. Never turn your back on the ocean.
Step on bare rock
Seaweed and barnacles are slippery and alive. Wear shoes with grip and step on bare rock or sand.
Look, don't take
Touch gently with a wet finger, put rocks back as you found them, and leave animals and shells. Many tide pools are protected.
How these dates are worked out
For every spot we take NOAA's low tide predictions for the next 12 months. A low counts as a tide pool low when it's in that spot's lowest 10% and comes between an hour after sunrise and sunset, so there's light for the hour before it. Heights are feet above mean lower low water (MLLW), the zero on tide charts; below zero is a minus tide. Wind and swell can keep the water higher than predicted. Not for navigation.