Fripp Island Tides

Stay in Sync with the Ebb and Flow

Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a kayaking adventure or fishing your favorite spot, knowing the tides will help you have a wonderful day on Fripp Island.

 

Check this week's forecast as you plan your Fripp Island vacation.

Fripp Beaches

Fripp Island has beautiful, gently-sloping beaches that change with the tides.  As the water rises, tidal pools are formed and as the sea breeze rolls in, the sand dunes are constantly evolving.  Enjoy a stroll, build a sandcastle or hunt for the perfect shell.  

Our coastal ecosystem is protected from flooding and erosion by the dunes with sea oats and spartina grass.  As you head to the beach use the access points and do your part by not walking on the dunes.

Enjoy the wildlife; deer often like to get close to the ocean.  And stay clear of the tidal pools; occasionally an alligator will be taking a dip.  

Fishing

Check the tides and head out on the water! Fripp and the surrounding Sea Islands are an angler's paradise.  From backwater inlets to deep blue-water spots, there are many great places to bring in the perfect catch.

Inshore fishing offers Sea Trout, Redfish, Sharks, Sheepshead and more.  Just past Fripp Inlet, and out into the Atlantic, you can chase after Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi), Marlin and King Mackerel.

Kayaking

Kayaking through the expansive salt marshes of Fripp Island provide a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of the area and see amazing wildlife.  The Resort offers guided tours or you can set out on your own for a day of adventure.

If going self-guided, be sure and check the tides before planning your trip.  The inlet can pose a challenge with fast moving currents.  The folks at Island Excursions can provide a rental and additional information.

Crabbing

The best time to go crabbing is during slack tide.  Slack tide is when there is an incoming or outgoing tide and the water is moving.  There are a few great crabbing spots on Fripp Island - enjoy your day!

King Tide

What is King Tide? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), "a King Tide is a popular, non-scientific term people often use to describe exceptionally high tides. Tides are long-period waves that roll around the planet as the ocean is "pulled" back and forth by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun as these bodies interact with the Earth in their monthly and yearly orbits." King Tides are natural and occur regularly throughout the year during a new or full moon.

2023 Predicted King Tides

Based on NOAA Astronomical Tide Predictions for the Charleston Harbor Tide Station

  • August 1-2

  • August 29 – September 1

  • September 26 – October 2

  • October 27-31

  • November 26-27

For details, see DHEC’s Tide Tables page.

Source: mycoast.org

The effects of individual King Tides may vary considerably. Typically, King Tides are up to two feet higher than the average daily high tide.  It is important to check the tides before heading out on the water.

When it comes to fishing, extremely high tides present a challenge for anglers.  This is due to the current flow and the ability for fish to see new grounds.  Offshore fishing is unaffected but inland waters will find the saltwater flowing rapidly between high and low tide.  Drift rates are increased, along with the trick of holding bottom with lead.  With the deeper water, fish are also apt to “push deeper into the grass and therefore are more challenging to reach.  Anglers must fish eddies and pockets during extreme tides. These areas allow the best shot at catching inshore fish, including flounder, sea trout, redfish, black drum, and sheepshead.” (Source: anchorsupcaolina.com)

King Tides also may result in coastal erosion, flooding of low-lying areas, and road closures which may disrupt normal daily routines. This is particularly true when a King Tide coincides with significant precipitation because water drainage and runoff is impeded.  If you come upon water in the walkway or roadway, use caution as depth and current may be deceiving.