Simple Tides / Guides / Santa Barbara Tides
Santa Barbara Tide Chart
Santa Barbara looks south across the Channel Islands on the classic Southern California mixed semidiurnal tide — two unequal highs and lows a day that quietly set the schedule for island boats, surfers, and anglers.
Upcoming tides in Santa Barbara
Live NOAA predictions for station 9411340 (Santa Barbara).
| Day | Time | Tide | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading live tide predictions… | |||
Heights in feet above MLLW, station local time. See the full interactive tide map.
The pattern
Plan on five to six feet of range, with the mixed pattern making one daily high clearly taller than the other. Spring tides near full and new moons bring the month’s biggest swings — and the year’s lowest minus tides open superb tide pooling along the mesa reefs.
Channel Islands
The harbor is the jumping-off point for the Channel Islands — kayaking the sea caves, diving the kelp forests, island hiking. Boat captains watch the tide for the harbor entrance and the island landings alike. The islands’ own tidal currents add another layer for divers and paddlers.
Surf and fishing
Rincon — the Queen of the Coast — sits just down the road, and like every point break it has its preferred tide stage. Inshore, halibut and calico bass bite best on moving water, and the wharf is easy shore access. For the region, see our Southern California tide guide.