Resource Hub
Tide & Pass Resource Hub
Tides change daily. Click any link below for real-time NOAA tide predictions. This page is a resource hub, not a static table. Pass depths, conditions, and hazards stay accurate year-round. No tide times on this page.
Tides change daily.
Click any link below for real-time NOAA tide predictions. NOAA is the most accurate source for Gulf Coast tides. This page provides depth, conditions, and hazards that stay accurate year after year.
Tide times are NOAA predictions. Actual conditions may vary due to wind, weather, and barometric pressure. For the most precise local reading, use the NOAA station nearest your pass.
Passes & Inlets
Gulf Coast Passes & Inlets
Every pass has its own personality. Know the depth, conditions, and hazards before you go. Tides change daily. Click any chart button for live NOAA tide predictions. This page has no specific tide times. Each card shows depth, conditions, and hazards that stay accurate year after year.
Tides change daily. Click any link below for real-time NOAA tide predictions. This is a resource hub with stable navigation intelligence, not a static page with outdated tide times. Always verify conditions before transiting any pass.
Big Sarasota Pass
Between Lido Key and Siesta Key
Depth & Navigation
Variable 4-8 ft MLW; heavily shoaled. Ebb tidal delta extends across channel. Markers removed in 2018.
Best Conditions
High tide rising, +2 ft or higher. Follow a larger vessel through the channel.
Hazards
Shifting sandbars, submerged shoals on ebb. Markers removed. Navigate with extreme caution at low tide.
Tide data: NOAA station 8726034
Venice Inlet
Between Venice and Casey Key
Depth & Navigation
12-16 ft MLW in main channel; USACE maintained and regularly dredged. Most reliable pass in the area.
Best Conditions
Navigable at all tide stages. Jettied channel provides consistent depth. Ebb tide for outgoing, flood for incoming.
Hazards
Shifting sandbars at inlet mouth outside jetties. Strong tidal currents in narrow channel. Cross-currents on ebb. Large vessel traffic.
Tide data: NOAA station 8725889
New Pass
Between Lido Key and Siesta Key, behind Mote Marine (1700 Ken Thompson Pkwy area)
Depth & Navigation
Historically shoaled and unreliable since channel markers were removed in 2017. Depths vary; check recent local reports and tide level.
Best Conditions
High tide slack only. Avoid entirely within 2 hours of low tide. Small craft with local knowledge only.
Hazards
All channel markers removed since 2017. Shifting sandbars. Strong currents during tide changes. No dedicated NOAA tide station sits at the pass.
Tide Station
Closest NOAA station: Sarasota, Sarasota Bay (8726083). Big Sarasota Pass station 8726034 also applies to the adjacent Gulf side.
Tide data: NOAA station 8726083
Big Carlos Pass
Between Estero Island (Ft Myers Beach) and Lovers Key
Depth & Navigation
5-8 ft MLW; subject to shoaling around inlet mouth. Natural, unstabilized pass.
Best Conditions
Mid-to-high tide. Avoid within 2 hours of low. Small craft and shallow-draft vessels only.
Hazards
Narrow channel, shoaling at inlet mouth. Unmarked shallows on ebb. Shifting sandbars after storms.
Tide data: NOAA station 8725325
Gordon Pass
Between Keewaydin Island and Naples
Depth & Navigation
10-14 ft MLW in main channel; primary Gulf access for Naples. Regularly maintained.
Best Conditions
Navigable mid-to-high tide. Best at slack tide when currents are minimal through the narrow cut.
Hazards
Strong tidal currents in narrow channel. Heavy boat traffic from Naples fleet. Crossing traffic at inlet mouth.
Tide data: NOAA station 8725110
Midnight Pass
Between Siesta Key and Casey Key (south end of Siesta Key, near Turtle Beach)
Depth & Navigation
Reopened by Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024) after being closed since 1983. Variable depths; no jetties and no permanent markers.
Best Conditions
Mid-to-high tide. Avoid within 2 hours of low. Unpredictable depth changes after storms. Sarasota County keeps the pass open and monitors it weekly.
Hazards
Unstabilized natural inlet. No permanent markers. Shifting sandbars. County actively monitoring and studying stabilization options. This is the recognized name for the inlet sometimes informally called "Siesta Pass".
Tide Station
Tide information for Midnight Pass uses the nearby Sarasota tide station data (NOAA 8726083, Sarasota Bay).
Tide data: NOAA station 8726083
Longboat Pass
Between Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island
Depth & Navigation
7-12 ft MLW in central channel. Stabilized inlet with bridge. Most reliable northern pass.
Best Conditions
Slack before ebb or flood is safest. Avoid channel during peak tidal flow when currents run strongest.
Hazards
Strong tidal currents in the channel. Bridge clearance 17 ft closed (opens on request). Shifting shoals at Gulf entrance. Do not wait in channel.
Tide data: NOAA station 8726089
Quick Reference
Boater's Quick Reference
Practical, stable information that does not change with the daily tide. Bookmark this page and check live data before every departure.
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Check tide height at your pass (minimum 2 ft above MLLW for most inlets)
- Check wind speed (under 15 knots for small craft, under 25 for offshore)
- Check NOAA marine forecast for your zone
- Check pass hazards (recent storms can shift channels overnight)
- Check fuel, safety gear, and VHF radio
- File a float plan with someone on shore
Essential Boating Links
NOAA Marine Forecast
Official marine weather for Gulf waters. Wind, seas, offshore conditions by zone.
NWS Tampa Bay Radar
Live radar loop, watches, warnings, and marine statements.
NOAA Nautical Charts
Official NOAA interactive online nautical chart viewer. Select Gulf Coast charts for passes, inlets, and coastal waters.
Sea Temperature
Live Gulf water temperature readings for area beaches.
Pass Navigation Warning
Gulf Coast inlets shift constantly. Always check the latest NOAA chart updates, local notices to mariners, and current tide conditions before crossing any pass. When in doubt, wait for a local guide vessel or ask at a nearby marina. Respect the bar. It changes after every storm.
Waterfront Living
Find Your Dock
Many Gulf Coast homes include boat docks, community marina slips, or direct water access. Let Michael help you find a property that puts you on the water.
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Daily Tide & Boating Report
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