
Navigating Winter Tide Swings on the Gulf Coast
Winter on the Gulf Coast offers some of the year’s best boating: calmer waters, fewer crowds and excellent fishing. But seasonal conditions create a hidden challenge that catches even experienced captains off guard: extreme tidal variations. When cold fronts, low-pressure systems and the moon’s natural cycles align, water levels can drop significantly below normal, turning familiar routes into obstacle courses. Here’s what you need to know to navigate safely this winter.




