Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tides
W
ith the Atlantic waters ebbing and flowing twice every 24 hours,
tides are a force to be reckoned with in Maine. The gravitational
pull of the moon and the sun produce dramatic changes in scenery along
the coast. What was sparkling blue water one minute can be gray, aro-
matic mud flats just a few hours later. The process creates great places to
explore as the falling water strands numerous sea creatures in tidal pools
perfect for wading, soaking and exploring.
Beating the Tide
When planning excursions along the coast be sure to check a reliable tide
chart. Most visitor guides and newspapers have them. The time shifts by
roughly 45 minutes each day. Many places, such as sea caves, small is-
lands, etc., can be accessed only at certain times. An error in calculating
the tide can mean a wet trip back or even death. Sometimes a hike along
cliffs and ledges can be cut short by rising water.
Several people have died in sea caves in Acadia when the tide caught
them. A visit to Bar Island off Bar Harbor is a great trip, but each sum-
mer dozens of visitors fail to heed signs warning of the tides and become
trapped on the island until the next ebb tide - a wait of at least six hours.
Some who drive across try to race back and frequently get stuck in mud.
All they can do is swim for it as their vehicle, and pride, slowly sub-
merges.
Many factors affect the tide, including wind direction, barometric pres-
sure, and seasonal fluctuations that can bring surprisingly higher water
levels.
The change in water level can vary widely. While there may be a differ-
ence of eight to 10 feet in Southern Maine tides in the Acadia Region av-
erage 12 feet of change. As you work your way Down East the shift is even
more dramatic. Cobscook Bay, near Lubec and Eastport, have typical Bay
of Fundy tidal shifts of as much as 30 feet.
Some places even experience a tidal “bore,” which is a wave created when
water rushing out of a cove or estuary meets fast tidal water coming back
in. Other hazards, particularly in the Quoddy area, are whirlpools and
reversing falls, where water pours over restrictive underwater ledges go-
ing in both directions.
