Tide conditions for Santa Barbara surf spots
Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara. These 3 spots all respond differently - some need the low to expose the bar, others clean up on a rising mid.
Current Tide
Next High
04:00 AM
2.7 ft
NOAA tide data via Cached Tide Data
Tide Chart
7-Day Tide Schedule
| Day | High 1 | Low 1 | High 2 | Low 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomorrow | 5:00 AM(4.6 ft) | 12:00 AM(3.0 ft) | 8:00 PM(2.9 ft) | 1:00 PM(0.0 ft) |
| Thu, Feb 12 | 6:00 AM(4.8 ft) | 2:00 PM(-0.3 ft) | -- | -- |
| Fri, Feb 13 | 7:00 AM(5.1 ft) | 12:00 AM(2.5 ft) | 9:00 PM(3.3 ft) | 2:00 PM(-0.6 ft) |
| Sat, Feb 14 | 7:00 AM(5.3 ft) | 1:00 AM(2.2 ft) | 9:00 PM(3.5 ft) | 3:00 PM(-0.8 ft) |
| Sun, Feb 15 | 8:00 AM(5.5 ft) | 2:00 AM(2.0 ft) | -- | 3:00 PM(-0.9 ft) |
| Mon, Feb 16 | 8:00 AM(5.5 ft) | 2:00 AM(1.7 ft) | 10:00 PM(3.9 ft) | 3:00 PM(-0.8 ft) |
| Tue, Feb 17 | 9:00 AM(5.5 ft) | 3:00 AM(1.4 ft) | 10:00 PM(4.1 ft) | 4:00 PM(-0.7 ft) |
Tomorrow
Thu, Feb 12
Fri, Feb 13
Sat, Feb 14
Sun, Feb 15
Mon, Feb 16
Tue, Feb 17
Beach Tide Preferences
Each beach performs best at a specific tide range and direction. Plan your session around these windows.
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
3 spots
El Capitan
AdvancedWhen a strong west swell wraps into this secluded point, El Capitan can produce 300-yard right-handers with barrel sections, but it's fickle and often flat. The take-off is steep over boulders and reef, making it best for experienced surfers.
Leadbetter
Beginner friendlySoft point/inside reef near the harbor with longboard-friendly lines.
Mesa Lane
IntermediateA rarely surfed reef break accessed via 240 steep steps, Mesa Lane offers both lefts and rights over a rocky bottom and works best on a rising tide with a west swell. Local surfers favour this spot after work and school.
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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
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