The Most Dramatic Tides in the World, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the tides you think is the most dramatic!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:15
Tides, the regular rise and fall of sea levels, are not only essential for marine ecosystems but also captivate the interests of travelers and nature enthusiasts. By ranking the most dramatic tides, we provide insights and share unique tidal phenomena across the globe. These rankings help educate and intrigue those fascinated by nature's rhythmic dance between the moon, the Earth, and the ocean.
Voting on these tides encourages engagement and allows users to share their experiences or preferences about different tidal locations. This interactive approach helps to highlight lesser-known sites alongside famous ones, giving a broader perspective on the scale and beauty of tides worldwide. Voting also continuously updates the rankings, keeping the information fresh and reflective of current opinions.
What Are the Most Dramatic Tides in the World?
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172votesThe Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, with a vertical range of up to 16 meters (53 feet). The tides are caused by the bay's funnel shape, which amplifies the tidal range.The Bay of Fundy, located in Canada, is known for having some of the most dramatic tides in the world. It is a large bay situated between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and is primarily famous for its remarkable tidal range.
- Tidal Range: The Bay of Fundy experiences the highest tidal range in the world, with an average range of 16.3 meters (53.5 feet).
- Tidal Bore: It is well-known for the tidal bore phenomenon, where the incoming tide forces a wave of water up rivers, resulting in a reversing current.
- Whirlpools: The extreme tidal currents create numerous whirlpools and rapid tidal flows throughout the bay.
- Ecosystem: The bay supports a rich marine ecosystem, with various species of whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds.
- World Heritage Site: A portion of the bay and its surrounding area, known as the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bay of Fundy, Canada in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful bay in the world
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238votes
P199 · CC BY-SA 3.0Ungava Bay has the second-highest tides in the world, with a vertical range of up to 15 meters (50 feet). The tides are caused by the bay's funnel shape and the fact that it is connected to the Atlantic Ocean.Ungava Bay is a large body of water located in northeastern Canada. It is a bay in the Labrador Sea and is surrounded by Quebec on the western coast. The bay is known for its exceptionally dramatic tides caused by the convergence of strong ocean currents and the unique shape of its coastline.- Location: Northeastern Canada
- Type: Bay
- Surrounding Region: Quebec, Canada
- Water Body: Labrador Sea
- Tide Type: Dramatic
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313votesSkookumchuck Narrows has some of the fastest tidal currents in the world, with speeds of up to 17 knots (20 mph). The tides are caused by the narrow channel between the Sechelt Peninsula and the mainland.The Skookumchuck Narrows, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a natural phenomenon characterized by extremely powerful tides and turbulent waters. It is an important site for tidal energy research and offers a mesmerizing spectacle for both locals and tourists alike.
- Location: British Columbia, Canada
- Tidal Range: Up to 9 meters
- Tidal Current Speed: Up to 30 kilometers per hour
- Tide Changes: Four times a day
- Narrowest Point: Only 75 meters wide
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423votes
Qiantang River, China
Natural phenomenonThe Qiantang River has the largest tidal bore in the world, with waves up to 9 meters (30 feet) high. The tides are caused by the shape of the river mouth and the gravitational pull of the moon.The Qiantang River, also known as the Qiantangjiang River, is a river located in eastern China. It is well-known for having one of the most dramatic tidal bores in the world. A tidal bore is a large wave that occurs when the incoming tide forms a wave that travels up a river or narrow bay against the direction of the river's current.- Location: Eastern China
- Length: 459 kilometers (285 miles)
- Tidal Bore Height: Up to 9.8 meters (32.2 feet)
- Wave Speed: 40-45 km/h (25-28 mph)
- Wave Distance: 40-60 kilometers (25-37 miles)
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517votes
Cass Gilbert · Public domainThe tides at Mont Saint-Michel can rise up to 15 meters (50 feet) in just a few hours. The tides are caused by the funnel shape of the bay and the fact that it is connected to the English Channel.Mont Saint-Michel is a small rocky island located in Normandy, France, with one of the most dramatic tides in the world. It is characterized by its stunning medieval abbey perched atop the rocky peak, surrounded by narrow winding streets and superb views of the surrounding bay.- Location: Normandy, France
- Type: Rocky island
- Abbey: Medieval abbey on the peak
- Tides: Experiences some of the most dramatic tides in the world
- Surroundings: Narrow winding streets and the bay
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615votesCook Inlet has some of the largest tidal ranges in the world, with a vertical range of up to 12 meters (40 feet). The tides are caused by the inlet's funnel shape and the gravitational pull of the moon.Cook Inlet, Alaska is a large body of water located in southern Alaska, extending 180 miles from the Gulf of Alaska to Anchorage. It is known for having some of the most dramatic tidal swings in the world.
- Size: 180 miles long
- Location: Southern Alaska
- Connects: Gulf of Alaska to Anchorage
- Tidal Range: Up to 40 feet
- Tidal Currents: Strong and fast
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710votes
Severn Estuary, UK
Natural formationThe Severn Estuary has the second-highest tidal range in the world, with a vertical range of up to 14 meters (46 feet). The tides are caused by the estuary's funnel shape and the gravitational pull of the moon.The Severn Estuary is a large estuary located in the southwestern part of the United Kingdom. It is formed by the tidal range of the River Severn, which flows into the Bristol Channel. The estuary is known for its dramatic tides, which are among the highest in the world.- Location: Southwestern United Kingdom
- River: River Severn
- Adjacent Water Body: Bristol Channel
- Tidal Range: Among the highest in the world
- Tidal Bore: Present
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812votes
Gulf of Saint-Malo, France
Natural geological processesThe Gulf of Saint-Malo has some of the highest tides in Europe, with a vertical range of up to 13 meters (43 feet). The tides are caused by the funnel shape of the gulf and the gravitational pull of the moon.The Gulf of Saint-Malo, located on the north coast of Brittany, France, is known for its extreme tidal range and some of the most dramatic tides in the world. It is characterized by the exceptionally strong tidal currents and significant variations in water level between low and high tides.- Location: North coast of Brittany, France
- Tidal Range: Up to 14 meters (46 feet)
- Tidal Currents: Strong, reaching speeds up to 8 knots
- Tide Timing: Approximately 6 hours and 12 minutes between successive high and low tides
- Tidal Bore: Occurs during spring tides, creating a wave traveling upstream on the Rance River
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99votesSan Francisco Bay has some of the largest tidal ranges in the world, with a vertical range of up to 7 meters (23 feet). The tides are caused by the bay's funnel shape and the gravitational pull of the moon.The San Francisco Bay is a large natural harbor located in Northern California, United States. Spanning nearly 400 square miles, it is surrounded by diverse landscapes, including the dynamic city of San Francisco, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged hills of Marin County.
- Tidal range: On average, the tidal range in the San Francisco Bay is between 5.5 to 7.5 feet (1.7 to 2.3 meters).
- Tidal currents: The bay experiences strong tidal currents reaching speeds of up to 6 knots (11 km/h).
- Semi-diurnal tides: The tides in the bay follow a semi-diurnal pattern, meaning there are generally two high tides and two low tides each day.
- Spring tides: During spring tides, which occur during a new or full moon, the tidal range can reach up to 9.5 feet (2.9 meters).
- Storm surge potential: The bay's large tidal range and shape make it susceptible to storm surges, especially during winter storms.
San Francisco Bay, USA in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful harbor in the world
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful bay in the world
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106votesThe Bristol Channel has some of the highest tides in Europe, with a vertical range of up to 15 meters (50 feet). The tides are caused by the channel's funnel shape and the gravitational pull of the moon.The Bristol Channel is a major tidal inlet located between South West England and South Wales. It is known for its dramatic and powerful tidal range, which is one of the highest in the world.
- Location: Between South West England and South Wales
- Tidal Range: One of the highest in the world
- Average Tidal Range: 8-9 meters (26-30 feet)
- Spring Tides: Can reach up to 14 meters (46 feet) in some areas
- Funnel-Shaped: Geographical shape that amplifies the tides
Missing your favorite tides?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for dramatic tides
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Topography and coastline shapeThe shape and depth of the coastline can significantly affect the size and strength of tides in a particular area. For example, a funnel-shaped coastline or an area with underwater seamounts can experience more massive tides due to the way water moves and is channeled.
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Location and proximity to the polesTides are generally more dramatic in areas closer to the poles, as the gravitational pull from the Earth and the moon is stronger.
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Local bathymetryThe depth and shape of the ocean floor near the coastline can influence the height of tides. Deep underwater trenches or shallow shelves can cause water to pile up, creating higher tides.
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Tidal currents and resonanceResonance occurs when the natural frequency of a tidal system matches the frequency of the tidal forces. If a bay or inlet is the right size and shape, it can effectively “catch” the tides, amplifying their height and power.
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Lunar and solar forcesThe gravitational pull of the moon and the sun affect the tides. The position of the moon and the sun concerning the Earth can cause extreme high and low tides, such as spring tides and neap tides.
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Local weather conditionsWeather, such as storms or changes in atmospheric pressure, can also influence the size and strength of the tide.
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Seasonal variationsTides can also vary seasonally due to changes in water temperature, ocean depth, and currents.
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Human interventionHuman activities such as dredging, constructing dams, or changing the course of rivers can impact tidal patterns locally.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most dramatic tides in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Tide is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1950 views
- 216 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Tide once every 24 hours. The rank of each Tide is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most dramatic tides in the world
Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun. While tides occur in every body of water, some places experience more dramatic tides than others. The most dramatic tides in the world can be found in places where there are large tidal ranges, which is the difference between high and low tide. The Bay of Fundy in Canada has the highest tidal range in the world, with tides that can reach up to 50 feet. Other places with dramatic tides include the Severn Estuary in the United Kingdom, the Gulf of Saint-Malo in France, and the Cook Inlet in Alaska. These areas not only offer stunning views of the changing tides, but they also have unique ecosystems that are adapted to the extreme tidal conditions.
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