Simple Tides / Guides / Atlantic City Tides

Atlantic City Tide Chart

Atlantic City runs on a straightforward semidiurnal tide — two highs, two lows, roughly four feet of range — and it governs everything from the surf bite to the back-bay channels behind the island.

The pattern

The oceanfront sees about four feet of range on a typical semidiurnal cycle. Tides in the back bays — behind Absecon Island and up the Intracoastal — run a little later and a little smaller than the ocean, so use a bay station if you are fishing back there. Spring tides near full and new moons add extra push.

Surf fishing

The fall striped bass run is the main event, and the surf bite keys on moving water — the top of the incoming tide and the first of the outgoing are the classic windows. Summer brings fluke and blues to the same beaches. Fish the cuts and bars where tide-driven current funnels bait.

Boating and inlets

Absecon Inlet can run hard on the ebb — time your inlet crossings for slack or a favorable tide, especially in a small boat. The Intracoastal Waterway behind the island is the sheltered route when the ocean is up. For the region, see our Mid-Atlantic tide guide.