12 of the Best Surf Tide Watches (Explained)

The best surf tide watches include the Apple Watch with its surf apps, Rip Curl’s Search GPS 2, Nixon’s Base Tide Pro, Casio G-Shock G-Lide, and the Freestyle Mariner. These watches offer precise tide tracking, sunrise/sunset times, and other features tailored for surfers, ensuring they catch waves at optimal times.

At present, many surfers enjoy this watch amongst the best surf tide watches. What sets it apart is its versatility – not only does it provide accurate tide predictions, but it also offers a myriad of other functionalities, making it a multifaceted device beyond just surfing.

Considering a Gift for Surfers?

If you’re pondering over the perfect gift for surfers, a surf tide watch could be an impeccable choice. It’s more than just a stylish accessory; it’s a functional gadget that offers real-time data essential for surfers.

Features of the Best Surf Tide Watches:

  1. Tide Forecasting: The best surf tide watches have the capability to measure and forecast tides for thousands of surf spots globally. This feature ensures that surfers are always in the know, helping them decide the best time to catch waves.
  2. Durability: Surfing exposes watches to harsh saltwater and intense sun. Thus, the best surf tide watches are designed to be water-resistant, UV protected, and robust enough to withstand the rigors of the ocean.
  3. Versatility: Beyond just tide information, these watches often come equipped with other useful features such as sunrise/sunset times, moon phases, and weather alerts, catering to the diverse needs of surfers.
  4. User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive design and interface make it easier for users to access and understand the plethora of data provided by these watches.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of some of the leading surf tide watches in the industry. By emphasizing their key features and benefits, we hope to assist you in making a well-informed decision, ensuring that the watch you choose aligns perfectly with your requirements.

(The Ultimate Surf Gear Guide)

12 of the Best Surf Tide Watches

1. Apple Watch

Apple 5 Series Surf Watch

Our top pick is the Apple Watch.

Our foremost recommendation among the best surf tide watches is the Apple Watch.

Regarded globally as an unparalleled option in the surf watch category, the Apple Watch boasts of a water resistance up to 50 meters, making it swim-proof and highly durable for aquatic activities.

For those seeking a more budget-conscious choice, we have curated a list of cost-effective surf tide watches available in the market.

2. Casio GLX5600 Surf Tide Watch

casio glx5600 surf watch

Casio makes a surf watch that has tide and moon graphs, as well as a moon age data chart.

Casio, a name synonymous with innovation in timekeeping, offers the GLX5600 Surf Tide Watch, a blend of functionality and precision. This particular model stands out for its comprehensive set of features tailored for surf enthusiasts. It not only provides tide graphs but also incorporates detailed moon phase charts and intricate moon age data.

A distinctive characteristic of the Casio GLX5600 is the design of its watch face. Thoughtfully crafted, it is optimized to ensure the utmost accuracy. This results in highly precise recordings of tide levels and surf swells, making it an invaluable tool for both amateur and seasoned surfers. In essence, this watch is not just a timepiece but a companion for those who seek to understand and harness the rhythms of the ocean.

3. Casio G-Shock Frogman GF1000 Surf Tide Watch

Casio G Shock Frogman Surf Watch

Looking for the best surf watch in the G-Shock series?

In search of the premier surf watch within the G-Shock lineup?

Look no further than the Frogman GF1000.

This solar-driven device seamlessly combines functionality and technology, providing essential details such as direction, altitude/barometric pressure, temperature, tide graphs, and moon phases.

Regardless of whether you’re just starting out in surfing or are a seasoned pro, the Frogman GF1000 promises to be a treasured addition to your gear.

4. Casio G-Shock G-Lide GAX100B-1A Surf Tide Watch

The Casio G-Shock G-Lide GAX100B-1A Surf Tide Watch is a robust pick choice for those looking for a watch with analog and digital tide times as well as a temperature sensor.

For those in search of a watch that seamlessly integrates both analog and digital tide times, along with a temperature sensor, the Casio G-Shock G-Lide GAX100B-1A stands out among the best surf tide watches. Its durability and multifunctional features make it a favored option for enthusiasts seeking the best surf tide watches in the market.

5. Rip Curl Search GPS 2 Surf Tide Watch

Rip Curl GPS Search GPS 2 Surf Watch

The Rip Curl Search GPS 2 Surf Tide Watch is a great option, allowing you to track your surf, register your top speed and distance, and rack up your wave count.

In search of a reliable surf watch?

Consider the Rip Curl Search GPS 2 Surf Tide Watch, a leading choice in the market. This watch enables you to meticulously monitor your surf sessions, log your peak speeds, measure distances, and tally your wave count.

Complementing its features, the accompanying mobile app for waves allows you to share detailed location maps, vivid images, and comprehensive graphic charts of your surfing experiences with your circle of friends.

6. Rip Curl Rifles Surf Tide Watch

Searching for a top-tier, lightweight, and user-friendly surf tide watch?

The Rip Curl Rifles Tide Surf Watch is a great choice. stands out as an excellent option in this category.

Equipped with 500 pre-loaded tide locations, this watch boasts a water resistance of up to 100 meters, ensuring durability and functionality for avid surfers.

7. Nixon Base Tide Pro Surf Tide Watch

The Nixon Base Tide Pro Surf Tide Watch is perfect for surfers and beach-goers who want to have an easy time knowing the tide times for their favorite beaches.

For those who cherish their time at the beach, whether they’re seasoned surfers or simply enjoy the tranquility of the waves, having a reliable tool to track tide times can be invaluable. In this context, the Nixon Base Tide Pro Surf Tide Watch emerges as a distinguished option.

Designed with precision and user convenience in mind, this watch is more than just a timepiece. It boasts 550 pre-set tide locations, ensuring that users are well-informed about the tidal movements of their favorite beaches. Beyond its primary function, the Nixon Base Tide Pro also provides additional information, like the sunrise and sunset timings, a feature that enhances beach-going experiences. Whether planning a surf session or just a relaxing day by the shore, this watch ensures that users are always in sync with nature’s rhythms.

8. Nixon Siren Surf Tide Watch

Nixon Siren Surf Watch

For individuals keen on merging style with functionality, the Nixon Siren Surf Watch is an outstanding choice.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this watch offers fundamental tide-tracking capabilities, ensuring you’re always informed about the optimal time to hit the waves. Complementing its features, its silicone band provides a comfortable, tactile experience while promising durability to withstand rigorous activities.

9. Nixon Rival Surf Tide Watch

For those aiming to dominate the waves, the Nixon Rival Surf Tide Watch stands as an indispensable accessory.

Flaunting a chic design coupled with an impressive 550 pre-set tide locations, it positions itself ahead of other surf watches in the market. No matter your expertise level, from novices to seasoned surfers, the Nixon Rival Surf Watch is designed to elevate your experience.

Nixon holds a distinguished reputation as one of the global frontrunners in the watch industry. With a core philosophy centering on design elegance, pioneering features, and unmatched quality, Nixon caters to a wide spectrum of tastes.

The Rival Surf Watch is a testament to Nixon’s commitment to excellence, ensuring that every moment spent in the water is optimized and memorable.

10. Vestal Brig Tide and Train Surf Tide Watch

Vestal Brig Surf Watch

For surf enthusiasts seeking a reliable tool to monitor tidal activities, the Vestal Brig Surf Tide Watch emerges as an ideal choice.

Equipped with a digital tide graph, it not only displays the current tide height but also offers tracking capabilities for tides across more than 200 global beaches.

With the Vestal Brig Surf Tide Watch on your wrist, you’re always in the loop, ensuring you seize the waves at just the right moment!

11. Freestyle Shark Classic Surf Tide Watch

For individuals in search of a straightforward tide watch, the Freestyle Shark Classic Surf Tide Watch stands out as a commendable choice.

This watch encompasses features such as sunrise and sunset timings, and comes equipped with data for over 150 beaches pre-loaded for user convenience.

12. Freestyle Mariner Surf Tide Watch

For maritime enthusiasts and avid seafarers, the Freestyle Mariner Surf Tide Watch is an indispensable companion.

This watch offers detailed tide height and timing data, complemented by sunrise and sunset timings.

Equipped with the Freestyle Mariner Surf Tide Watch, you’ll always remain attuned to the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tides.

What are the features of a great surf watch?

The features of a great surf watch vary depending on your needs and budget.

However, all of the best surf tide watches should give you information about the tide times for your local surf break.

This will help you know when the best time to go surfing is.

In addition, some of the best surf tide watches also include information about wave counters, dawn and sunset times, and moon phases.

More recently, some surf watches have even begun to include GPS and WiFi capabilities.

This allows you to check the ocean conditions in any spot in real-time.

The most important factors to consider are:

  • wave height
  • wave period
  • water temperature
  • wind speed
  • wind direction.

The best tide watches come from trusted manufacturers like Apple, Casio, Rip Curl, Nixon, Vestal, and Freestyle.

When you’re ready to buy, consult our helpful buying guide for the best surf watch for your needs.

Best Surf Tide Watches Under $100

There are a number of great watches available for surfers that track tides and currents.

These tide watches are also easy gifts for surfers.

What are the best surf tide watches under 100 USD?

Short answer: The Casio Tide Graph Moon Phase and the G-Shock GLX5600RT-4 Limited GLX5600RT Tide Series are both great options, as they both track tides and currents as well as GPS coordinates.

If you’re looking for something less expensive, consider the Outer Mountain Tide Clock.

No matter which watch you choose, you can be sure that you’ll be able to keep track of the tides and stay safe while surfing.

Luckily, you don’t have to fork out a paycheck for the newest Apple watch for surfing.

1. Casio Tide Graph Moon Phase

best surf tide watches

First on our list of best surf tide watches under 100 is the Casio Tide Graph Moon Phase.

This watch is designed specifically for surfers, and it can track both tides and currents.

It also has a number of other features that make it perfect for surfing, including a stopwatch, countdown timer, and alarm clock.

Plus, it is water-resistant up to 200 meters.

2. G-Shock GLX5600RT-4 Limited GLX5600RT Tide Series

best surf tide watches

Second on our list of best surf tide watches under 100 the G-Shock GLX5600RT-4 Limited GLX5600RT Tide Series.

This watch not only tracks tides and currents, but also GPS coordinates so you can always find your way back to shore.

It also has a number of other features, including a temperature gauge, an automatic time zone adjustment feature, and even a moon phase indicator.

And like the Casio Tide Graph Moon Phase, it is water-resistant up to 200 meters.

BONUS: Outer Mountain Tide Clock

outer mountain tide clock under 100

Third on our list of best surf tide watches under 100 is the Outer Mountain Tide Clock.

If you’re looking for something less expensive than either of those watches, consider the Outer Mountain Tide Clock.

This clock may not have all the bells and whistles of the other two, but it is still a great option for tracking tides.

No matter which watch you choose, you can be sure that you’ll be able to keep track of the tides and stay safe while surfing.

Which tide watch is best for surfing?

There is no one “best” surf tide watch, as each watch has its own unique set of features. However, the Casio Tide Graph Moon Phase and the G-Shock GLX5600RT-4 Limited GLX5600RT Tide Series are both great options, as they both track tides and currents as well as GPS coordinates.

Why do surfers wear watches?

Watches can be important tools for surfers, as they allow them to keep track of the tides and currents and stay safe while surfing.

Are tide watches accurate?

Tide watches can be accurate if they are properly calibrated, but there can also be some variation depending on the specific location and time of year. Some watches, like the G-Shock GLX5600RT-4 Limited GLX5600RT Tide Series, include GPS coordinates so you can always find your way back to shore, which can help to ensure accuracy.

Can you surf with a 100m water resistant watch?

The answer to this question is yes – you can surf with a 100m water resistant watch.

Can I wear Apple Watch to surf?

Yes, you can surf with an Apple Watch. While it’s not recommended to go too deep under water with your watch on, it will be fine for light surfing.

What is the best surf tide watch under 100?

The best surf tide watch under 100 is the Casio Tide Graph Moon Phase.

What are the different types of surf watches?

There are several different types of surf watches on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. The most basic type of surf watch simply tells you the current tide height and time. More advanced models may also include functions such as a digital tidegraph, tide predictions, and sunrise/sunset times.

What are the benefits of using a surf watch?

The benefits of using a surf watch depend on the features that are important to you. For example, if you’re a beginner surfer, a watch with tide information can be very helpful in knowing when it’s the best time to catch a wave.

What is the best surf watch?

The best surf watch for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a basic tide watch, the Freestyle Shark Classic Tide Watch is a great option. For something with more features, the Nixon Base Tide Pro Surf Watch is a good choice.