If you’re heading to the beach today in Santos, keep an eye on the clock because the water is going to pull way back around mid-morning. The first low tide drops to just 0.2 metres at 09:36, so you’ll have plenty of exposed sand for a long walk or to dig for shells, but by early afternoon the sea will be creeping back in. The second high tide, peaking at 1.6 metres around 15:31, is the bigger one of the day, so swimmers and small boat operators should be aware that the current will pick up noticeably as the water rises through the early afternoon.
The tidal range today is decent, about a metre and a half between the morning low and that afternoon high, which gives the shoreline a real rhythm of retreat and return. For anyone fishing, the best bet is probably during the incoming tide from late morning onward, when fish tend to move in with the rising water; the low at 09:36 will leave some tide pools and shallow spots exposed, so you can scout for bait or just explore. If you’re launching a small boat, aim for the slack water around 15:31 or just after, when the current is weakest, and be cautious near the 21:57 low tide later tonight, as that drop to 0.4 metres could leave channels shallow.
Beachgoers will find the morning low tide perfect for spreading out a towel far from the waterline, but keep in mind that by late afternoon the high tide at 15:31 will push right up the sand, so you might need to move your gear. Swimmers should be extra careful between about 14:00 and 16:00, when the rising tide around that 1.6 metre peak can create stronger rip currents near the jetties. For anyone planning a sunset stroll, the tide will be falling again after 15:31, so the shoreline will be widening as the light fades.
Sunrise today is at 06:41 and sunset at 17:41, so you’ve got a solid window of daylight to make the most of the tides. The practical takeaway is simple: get your beach time in early if you want the widest sand, and save any serious swimming or boat handling for the late morning or early evening when the water is moving more gently. Whether you’re casting a line or just watching the waves, that afternoon high tide is the main event today.
