Santa Barbara Tide Times & Tide Chart

High and low tide predictions for Santa Barbara, California (NOAA station 9411340). Heights are in feet relative to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) — negative values are minus tides, the best for tidepooling.

Plan a visit — find your tide window →

Upcoming tides

Sunday, September 27

4:08 AMLow tide0.96 ft
10:20 AMHigh tide5.72 ft
4:48 PMLow tide0.35 ft
10:57 PMHigh tide4.68 ft

Monday, September 28

4:34 AMLow tide1.38 ft
10:48 AMHigh tide5.96 ft
5:35 PMLow tide0.17 ft
11:48 PMHigh tide4.22 ft

Tuesday, September 29

5:02 AMLow tide1.84 ft
11:21 AMHigh tide6.08 ft
6:29 PMLow tide0.11 ft

Wednesday, September 30

12:51 AMHigh tide3.74 ft
5:31 AMLow tide2.30 ft
12:01 PMHigh tide6.04 ft
7:33 PMLow tide0.17 ft

Thursday, October 1

2:14 AMHigh tide3.35 ft
6:03 AMLow tide2.74 ft
12:51 PMHigh tide5.87 ft
8:50 PMLow tide0.24 ft

Astronomical predictions from NOAA CO-OPS; actual levels vary with weather and swell.

Tidepooling near Santa Barbara

  • Coal Oil Point, Isla Vista — Reef flats west of the point open up on lows under about 1 foot.
  • Carpinteria State Beach — Tar-seep reef at the south end of the beach, with a seasonal harbor-seal rookery next door.
  • Mesa Lane / Thousand Steps — Sandstone ledges below the stairs hold pools at minus tides.

What to look for

aggregating anemones, striped shore crabs, California sea hares, brittle stars, owl limpets, tidepool sculpins.

Best time of year

The lowest daytime tides cluster around new and full moons — early mornings in late spring and summer (May–July), and mid-to-late afternoon during the late-fall and winter king-tide cycles (November–January).

Conditions and access change — check the park's official page and local hazard advisories before you go, and confirm the tide on the day. New to tidepools? Read how to go tidepooling safely.

Planning around the tide

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