What is the best tide source for Maine coast?

• A. Local tide charts from a shop
• B. NOAA tide tables, Eldridge Tide Almanac
• C. Wind charts
• D. Satellite tide data

Answer: (B)

Accurate tide planning is essential for safe paddling along the Maine coast because current strength and water depth change with the tides, affecting where you can launch, how you’ll travel, and what hazards you might encounter. NOAA tide tables provide official, up-to-date predictions for many harbors, listing high and low tide times and heights and updated through the nautical community. The Eldridge Tide Almanac complements this with harbor-specific, easy-to-use predictions that are handy for quick checks on the water or when you’re away from the computer. Local shop charts can be outdated or incomplete, wind charts don’t give tide information, and satellite tide data isn’t as precise for small inlets and shoreline spots. Together, NOAA tide tables with Eldridge Tide Almanac give the most reliable, practical tide information for the Maine coast.