Question 1

What time is high tide at El Capitan today?

Accepted Answer

Today's high and low tide times for El Capitan are shown on our interactive tide chart, updated every 3 hours with precise hourly predictions. The chart also highlights the optimal surf windows around each tide extreme.

Question 2

What's the best tide for surfing at El Capitan?

Accepted Answer

The best tide for surfing at El Capitan depends on the break type. Our tide chart includes surf window analysis that identifies the 2–3 hour windows each day when tide direction and height combine for the best conditions. Check the 7-day outlook before you paddle out.

Question 3

How accurate are the tide predictions for El Capitan?

Accepted Answer

Tide predictions for El Capitan are sourced from NOAA harmonic tide tables and are highly accurate (typically within a few minutes). Our forecast also factors in local conditions like swell, wind, and how the tide interacts with the specific break.

Question 4

What wetsuit do I need for El Capitan?

Accepted Answer

Wetsuit recommendations for El Capitan are based on real-time water temperature from the nearest CDIP or NDBC buoy. Check the water temperature page for El Capitan to get today's reading and a gear recommendation.

El Capitan Tide Chart & Surf Windows

El Capitan

Keep planning El Capitan

Nearby Surf Spots

Refugio State Beach

Devereux / Sands (Coal Oil Point)

Campus Point (UCSB)

Jalama Beach