Driftwood Beach tide

Question

We are planning a trip next Saturday (April 12th) to Cumberland Island. I'd love to make a stopover in Jekyll at Driftwood Beach on the way home on Sunday. If I remember correctly, high tide isn't a good time to visit. I could be wrong though. I looked at tide charts and it looks like high tide is around 10 a.m. Can anyone who's familiar with tides there tell me around what time Driftwood Beach would be accessible? Thanks!

Answer

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is a stunning location, but you're correct that timing with the tides is important to fully enjoy the experience. High tide can make the beach less accessible, as it can bring the water level up to the driftwood trees, blocking access to parts of the beach.

High tide for Driftwood Beach typically occurs around 10:00 a.m. on April 12th, based on the tide charts you checked. To maximize your visit, you’ll want to visit either during low tide or around mid-tide, as these times will offer more exposed beach and easier access to the iconic driftwood trees that make the area so unique.

Low Tide: This is the best time to visit Driftwood Beach. During low tide, the water recedes, revealing more of the beach and allowing you to explore the driftwood forest with plenty of space to walk and take photos. Depending on the tide schedule for your trip, this could be in the early morning before you head to Cumberland Island or late afternoon after your visit.
Mid-Tide: If you're unable to make it during low tide, mid-tide is still an option, though less ideal. Some areas of the beach may be a bit more crowded with water, and certain sections of the driftwood might be partially submerged. However, it's still a beautiful sight and worth visiting if your schedule doesn't perfectly align with low tide.
Avoid High Tide: High tide, as you noted, can make parts of the beach inaccessible, especially the areas with the large driftwood trees. It's best to avoid visiting during this time, as it will limit your ability to fully enjoy the area.

Given the tide chart, I’d recommend planning to visit Driftwood Beach either early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) or later in the afternoon when the tide has gone out. This will give you the best chance to enjoy the beach and the stunning driftwood in all its glory. Make sure to check the local tide charts closer to your travel date to confirm times for that day.

Driftwood Beach tide

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