Bay Area king tides offer dramatic highs and adventurous lows

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- A twice-a-year natural phenomenon has returned to the San Francisco Bay Area and greater Pacific coast. Commonly known as king tides, these major tidal swings offer both a glimpse of the future with rising sea levels during high tide, as well as uncover a vast world of marine life ripe for exploration during low tide.

King tides are usually one to two feet above the average high tide, according to the California Coastal Commission. They are predictable events that occur when both the sun and moon are closest to Earth, causing a stronger than normal gravitational force. The first of this year’s king tides is between Nov. 15 – 17.

High king tides provide a “glimpse into future erosion and flooding as the planet continues to warm and sea level rise accelerates,” according to the California King Tides Project. The project, which started in 2010 in partnership with state and federal agencies, asks the public to safely photograph the impacts of waves and rising water on shorelines and nearby communities.

“The images are used by climate researchers, as well as local and state officials, to validate sea level rise models and assess local vulnerabilities to erosion and flooding,” the California Coastal Commission said. Directions on how to safely take king tide photos and videos and upload them to the project can be found on the CA Coastal Commission website. The project also hosts a webpage to view previous king tide images from counties across California.

On the opposite end of things, king low tides uncover “a world of animals that normally live underwater,” according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s “king tides 101” guide. “Rocky areas often form tide pools at these times — peek into a pool’s waters to see tiny fish darting and crabs crawling into crevices. And remember, look but do not touch! It’s up to us to protect delicate tide pool animals.”

“The best thing to do is consult a tide chart where you are able to see the exact times of the highest and lowest tides,” Visit Santa Cruz County recommends in it king tide guide. “At least an hour before and after the listed low and high tides yield extreme tides worthy of exploration!”

Officials from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary shared several tide pooling tips:

• Never turn your back on the ocean and keep a watch out for waves
• Wear sturdy shoes or rubber boots that can get wet
• Step lightly, as most rocks are covered with living animals and plants.
• Sit quietly in one spot and watch for a few minutes
• Leave everything as you found it since there are strict laws that govern collecting tide pool life

Those missing a chance to catch the king tides this weekend will have another opportunity next month, with the second and final king tide of 2024 occurring between Dec. 13 – 15.