Introduction
Planning a trip to Holden Beach, North Carolina? A reliable Holden Beach tide chart is key for beachgoers, fishermen, and boaters alike. Knowing when the tide rises and falls helps you time low-tide beach walks, fishing seasons, and safe water access. In this guide, you’ll find up-to-date tide times, insights into tide patterns, and practical advice to help you make the most of your time on the Brunswick County coastline.
Understanding the Holden Beach Tide Chart
The Holden Beach tide chart reflects a semi-diurnal pattern—meaning two high tides and two low tides each day. Typically, the high tide ranges between 3–4 ft, while low tide can dip below 0 ft, especially during spring tides.
For example, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, low tides occur at approximately 5:09 AM (−0.5 ft) and 5:27 PM (−0.27 ft), while high tides are at 11:20 AM (4.24 ft) and 11:40 PM (4.10 ft). Similarly, on Wednesday, July 30, low tides happen around 5:44 AM (−0.3 ft) and 6:09 PM (0.01 ft), with high tides at 12:12 PM (4.17 ft).
Weekly Tide Forecast Snapshot
Here’s a seven-day summary around late July and early August:
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Tue, 29 Jul – Low: 5:09 AM & 5:27 PM; High: 11:20 AM & 11:40 PM
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Wed, 30 Jul – Low: 5:44 AM & 6:09 PM; High: 12:12 PM
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Thu, 31 Jul – Low: 6:23 AM & 6:59 PM; High: 12:29 AM & 1:02 PM
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Fri, 1 Aug – Low: 7:10 AM & 8:06 PM; High: 1:18 AM & 1:50 PM
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Sat, 2 Aug – Low: 8:12 AM & 9:20 PM; High: 2:06 AM & 2:40 PM
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Sun, 3 Aug – Low: 9:19 AM & 10:20 PM; High: 2:56 AM & 3:34 PM
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Mon, 4 Aug – Low: 10:15 AM & 11:08 PM; High: 3:52 AM & 4:35 PM
Thus, the water levels rise and fall in predictable patterns that you can track for a full week using the tide chart.
Why the Tide Chart Is Important
Fishing & Boating
When fishing, low tides often expose sandbars and tight channels, making it easier to cast near feeding areas. Conversely, high tides bring fish closer to shore. Hence, following the Holden Beach tide chart allows for optimal timing.
For boaters, shallow inlet conditions at low tide may restrict access. On the other hand, scheduling departures or returns around high tide ensures safe navigation.
Beach Access & Safety
Low tide opens up more beach area for walking and exploring tide pools. Additionally, be cautious of strong currents near inlets, which may vary significantly based on tidal flow.
Moreover, high tides can reduce available sand space and bring stronger waves, especially during wind events or storms. Therefore, monitoring the tide chart helps you avoid surprises and stay safe.
Reading & Interpreting the Holden Beach Tide Chart
Key Components of Holden Beach tide chart
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Time & Height: The chart typically lists the time of each tide and its height in feet.
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Units: Heights are given relative to mean lower low water (MLLW), which is the tidal baseline.
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Spring vs. Neap Tides: For example, spring high tides may exceed 5 ft, while neap high tides may stay around 3 ft.
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Sunrise/Sunset Info: Knowing these times helps with tide planning around daylight.
In addition, color-shaded tables help visually illustrate tidal ebb and flow throughout the day.
How to Use the Holden Beach Tide Chart Effectively
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Plan Activities Around Low Tide: Beachcombers and photographers often prefer the exposure of low tide.
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Time Water Activities for High Tide: Paddle boarding or boating is easiest when water depth increases.
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Watch for Spring Tide Peaks: Use the chart to anticipate unusually high or low tides during full and new moons.
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Check Local Notices: On windy days or heavy surf, tide predictions may vary slightly—consult local advisories.
Additional Insights & Tips
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Historical Tide Tables: Local businesses such as Beach Mart have printed tide tables for decades—some collectors still share past years’ charts.
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Nearby Stations Influence: While Holden Beach has its own tide data, nearby stations like Oak Island also influence regional trends—especially useful for comparative insights.
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NOAA Predictions: Official NOAA sources provide raw tide prediction data for nearby inlets like Lockwoods Folly, which may be used cautiously for planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often does the tide change at Holden Beach?
A: There are usually two high tides and two low tides every 24-hour period, given the semi-diurnal cycle.
Q: When can I expect the highest tides?
A: Spring high tides typically occur around early morning and late evening. In early August, tides reached over 5 ft, notably on August 9 (5.41 ft at 8:19 PM).
Q: Are tide times reliable year-round?
A: Predictions are quite accurate, though always check for updates—especially during storms or lunar extremes.
Q: Can I walk to the shipwreck visible at low tide?
A: Yes—when low tide exposes the remains of the CSS Bendigo between Holden Beach and Oak Island, it’s accessible but may be hazardous due to debris.
Conclusion
A well-structured Holden Beach tide chart offers invaluable insight into water levels—and helps you plan better whether you’re fishing, boating, walking the beach, or just staying safe. By tracking low and high tide windows, you can enjoy beach days with confidence and ease.
Next Steps:
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Bookmark a reliable tide site such as Tide-Forecast.com or Tidetime.org for daily updates.
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Check sunrise and sunset times for coordination with tide peaks.
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Use the chart for planning around fishing, boating, and accessing low-tide features.
