What's the best tide for surfing in Del Mar?

Tide preferences vary by spot in Del Mar. Generally, incoming mid-tides work well for most beaches, offering a good balance of wave shape and power. Check individual spot guides for specific tide recommendations.

How do tides affect surfing conditions in Del Mar?

Tides significantly impact surf conditions in Del Mar. Low tide can expose reefs and sandbars creating hollow waves, while high tide often creates softer, more forgiving waves. Mid-tide transitions typically offer the most consistent conditions.

Where can I check tide charts for Del Mar?

You can check tide charts for Del Mar on Quiver's surf forecast pages, NOAA tide predictions, or various surf forecast apps. Quiver provides real-time tide information integrated with surf conditions for accurate session planning.

Tide conditions for Del Mar surf spots

Del Mar, California

Updated Refreshed hourly · Tide data refreshes every 30 minutes from NOAA stations.

A foot of tide swing can shut down one break and light up another in Del Mar. These 2 spots all respond differently - some need the low to expose the bar, others clean up on a rising mid.

Current Tide

2.5ft

Falling

Next Low

02:00 AM

2.6 ft

NOAA tide data via Cached Tide Data

Tide Chart

7-Day Tide Schedule

7-day tide schedule showing high and low tides
Day	High 1	Low 1	High 2	Low 2
Tomorrow	4:00 AM(4.4 ft)	12:00 AM(3.2 ft)	8:00 PM(3.1 ft)	1:00 PM(0.2 ft)
Thu, Feb 12	5:00 AM(4.7 ft)	1:00 PM(-0.2 ft)	8:00 PM(3.2 ft)	--
Fri, Feb 13	6:00 AM(5.0 ft)	12:00 AM(2.6 ft)	8:00 PM(3.4 ft)	2:00 PM(-0.5 ft)
Sat, Feb 14	7:00 AM(5.4 ft)	1:00 AM(2.2 ft)	9:00 PM(3.6 ft)	2:00 PM(-0.7 ft)
Sun, Feb 15	7:00 AM(5.6 ft)	1:00 AM(1.9 ft)	9:00 PM(3.8 ft)	3:00 PM(-0.8 ft)
Mon, Feb 16	8:00 AM(5.8 ft)	2:00 AM(1.5 ft)	9:00 PM(4.0 ft)	3:00 PM(-0.9 ft)
Tue, Feb 17	9:00 AM(5.7 ft)	2:00 AM(1.3 ft)	10:00 PM(4.3 ft)	3:00 PM(-0.8 ft)

Tomorrow

4:00 AM (4.4 ft)

8:00 PM (3.1 ft)

12:00 AM (3.2 ft)

1:00 PM (0.2 ft)

11:00 PM (2.8 ft)

Thu, Feb 12

5:00 AM (4.7 ft)

8:00 PM (3.2 ft)

1:00 PM (-0.2 ft)

Fri, Feb 13

6:00 AM (5.0 ft)

8:00 PM (3.4 ft)

12:00 AM (2.6 ft)

2:00 PM (-0.5 ft)

Sat, Feb 14

7:00 AM (5.4 ft)

9:00 PM (3.6 ft)

1:00 AM (2.2 ft)

2:00 PM (-0.7 ft)

Sun, Feb 15

7:00 AM (5.6 ft)

9:00 PM (3.8 ft)

1:00 AM (1.9 ft)

3:00 PM (-0.8 ft)

Mon, Feb 16

8:00 AM (5.8 ft)

9:00 PM (4.0 ft)

2:00 AM (1.5 ft)

3:00 PM (-0.9 ft)

Tue, Feb 17

9:00 AM (5.7 ft)

10:00 PM (4.3 ft)

2:00 AM (1.3 ft)

3:00 PM (-0.8 ft)

11:00 PM (3.8 ft)

Beach Tide Preferences

Each beach performs best at a specific tide range and direction. Plan your session around these windows.

Del Mar

beginner-intermediate

0.0–4.0 ftrising

Del Mar Rivermouth

intermediate-advanced

1.5–4.0 ft

Top spot recommendations

Sort your quiver, choose the right tide window, and jot down a backup in case the main peak gets stacked.

Featured Beaches

2 spots

Del Mar

Beginner friendly

Del Mar (15th Street) represents rare reef amid miles of beachbreak, rated 7/10. Left-hand reef break (dominant) with shorter right receives swells 200-320° (center 250°).

Del Mar Rivermouth

Advanced

Beachbreak near 15th Street and the river mouth with peaks that work best on SSW/WNW combo swells. Mid tide provides the best shape. When the river is flowing, peaks can get rippy. The river mouth creates a strong rip that can be turbo on big tide swings. Parking via meters and neighborhood streets.

Loading map...

Featured Beaches(2)

Del Mar

Beginner friendly

Del Mar (15th Street) represents rare reef amid miles of beachbreak, rated 7/10. Left-hand reef break (dominant) with shorter right receives swells 200-320° (center 250°).

Del Mar Rivermouth

Advanced

What to focus on today

Annotated tide windows tied to specific breaks
How lunar cycles reshape sandbars through the season
Safety notes for rip-prone outbound tides
Session planning tips for dawn patrol versus sunset

Ready to Join the Surf Community?

Find your crew, track epic sessions, and discover amazing spots. Free to join — priceless connections.

Join Free Today Learn More

🏄‍♀️ No credit card required • Join 1,200+ surfers already connecting