Simple Tides / Guides / Jacksonville Tides

Jacksonville Tide Chart

Jacksonville’s tides are ruled by the St. Johns River — a semidiurnal tide near five feet at the Mayport jetties that pushes salt water, shrimp, and gamefish miles upriver twice a day.

The pattern

Expect two highs and two lows daily, around five feet at the river mouth and less as you head upstream — the tide’s reach extends far up the St. Johns. The jetties at Mayport see the full ocean range, while the Intracoastal creeks behind the beaches run slightly later.

Redfish, flounder, and shrimp

Mayport is synonymous with shrimp — the local fleet and recreational cast-netters work the river on the moving tides. Inshore, redfish tail the flooded marsh grass on high water while flounder hug the creek mouths on the fall. The top of the incoming tide is the premium window across the board.

Boating the river

The St. Johns runs real current on the tide change, and the Mayport ferry crossing plus ship traffic demand attention near the jetties. Small boats should mind the ebb against an easterly wind at the inlet. For the wider coast, see our Southeast Atlantic tide guide.