Going With the Flow: How Tides Define the Lowcountry

There’s something about being able to jump off a dock railing (like this one in the photo) that stays with you forever. The sense of freedom, yes. That’s the main thing. But there’s a sense of responsibility, too—that you need to be aware of your surroundings. What’s the tide doing, and is the water deep enough?

It’s such a simple thing to consider, but it’s vital. Only someone with more guts than sense would jump not knowing how deep the water is first, or whether the tide is running in or out, and how fast the current is going.

I grew up on Johns Island on Bohicket Creek, which is actually more than what the word creek implies. Bohicket is a wide, deep, tidal tributary that empties into the North Edisto River, which connects to the Atlantic Ocean. We get a lot dolphins coming up the creek to feed. It is home to oysters, shrimp, and blue crabs. Pluff mud abounds. And every day, much of Bohicket becomes a strange lunar landscape at low tide—a wide expanse of sludgy gook, dotted with oyster beds and marsh grasses.

And then the high tide changes everything: it brims over the pluff mud, surges around the marsh grass, and makes Bohicket a thing of more recognizable beauty—water reflecting sunlight, breezes rippling across the surface. Boats bobbing, people swimming.

But back to the big picture. We’re so close to the Atlantic here in the Lowcountry, and tides influence everything from local wildlife to the design of our coastline. We need to know our tides. If we don’t, it’s at our own peril. Let’s take a closer look at them.

How the Tides Shape the Lowcountry

We experience two high tides and two low tides each day. These are called semidiurnal tides. However, the timing and size of these tides can vary depending on the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth.

When we get a full moon, watch out! The high tides we get then are called king tides. And we all know what those do to downtown Charleston—the city floods!

This is a very serious problem for Charleston.

Erosion and Sediment Deposits

Tides continually shape our shoreline, eroding cliffs and sandbars while depositing sand and sediment in other areas. This creates the unique marshes and tidal creeks that are so iconic of the Lowcountry. As the tides go in and out, they leave behind a shifting, ever-changing landscape, adding to the area’s natural beauty.

Saltwater Marshes and Ecosystems

The tides are essential for the thriving saltwater marshes that support diverse wildlife, from crabs to shorebirds. The rising tides flood these marshes, bringing in nutrients, while the ebbing tides carry away excess water, leaving behind rich, fertile soil. The ebb and flow are key to sustaining the plants and animals that call these marshes home.

Tidal Flats and Mudflats

The Lowcountry’s mudflats are a direct result of the tides. These flat, muddy areas, exposed during low tide, serve as feeding grounds for a variety of animals. Shorebirds, crabs, and other creatures rely on these exposed flats to forage for food. These areas are often rich in pluff mud, that sticky, silt-laden mud that gives the Lowcountry its distinctive smell.

Boating and Fishing

For those who love the Lowcountry’s coastal activities, the tides also determine when and where you can safely boat or fish. Depending on the tidal schedule, certain areas become more accessible, while others might be too shallow or difficult to navigate. Tides affect fish migration patterns, too. The rise and fall of the water influence where fish congregate, so knowing the tide schedule can make all the difference when it comes to a successful fishing trip.

How to Track Tides

If you’re planning to spend time near the water, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tide schedule. Local marinas, boating clubs, and even weather apps provide tide charts that let you know when high and low tide will occur. These charts can be crucial for planning everything from beach walks to fishing trips.

The Rhythm of Life in the Lowcountry

The tides are more than just a scientific phenomenon—they’re a part of life in the Lowcountry. Whether it’s the best time to hit the beach, catch the perfect fish, or simply take a quiet walk along the marsh, understanding the tides gives you a deeper connection to this region’s coastal beauty. The ebb and flow aren’t just about water; they’re about the rhythm of life here, ever-changing, yet constant in its flow.