Growing up very near the Atlantic Ocean in New England, my family was tuned into tidal changes mainly on beach days. I’ve moved away, but my sister has a tide clock in her Ipswich, Massachusetts home to consult for boating safety and access to coastal walking paths.
Around the world, there are fascinating places that require careful planning around tide schedules. While moving abroad presents its share of puzzles and challenges, there are also pleasures that are worth a little extra effort. Here are a few:
Curio Bay’s Petrified Forest – New Zealand’s South Island features a rugged coast on the southeastern tip. At low tide, Curio Bay reveals 170-million-year-old tree fossils that date back to the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland. Visitors to the area can also look for rare resident species like the Yellow-eyed Penguin (the hoiho) and Pahu Hector’s dolphins.
Lindisfarne – The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a remote spot in England’s historic Northumbria region. A monastery founded here in 635 AD was home to a monk who would become known as St. Cuthbert. His shrine grew into a pilgrimage destination and today the island also boasts pubs, cafes, restaurants, and B&Bs, in addition to the ancient priory and Lindisfarne Castle.
At high tide the 4.8 km/3 mi causeway approach is covered by the North Sea, so careful timing is required.
Ministers Island – A National Historic Site of Canada, Minsters Island is just off St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Tides in the famous Bay of Fundy can rise up to 5 m/16 ft., completely covering the ocean-floor Bar Road that is accessible at low tide. First inhabited by Passamaquoddy First Nations when it was known as Chamcook Island, Ministers Island later drew William Van Horne, who built and operated the Canadian Pacific Railway. He also built Covenhaven, his summer home which anchored Canada’s seaside resort culture in the late 1800s. Today, the estate draws visitors for its historic value and natural beauty.
Mont Saint-Michel – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a major pilgrimage site, founded in 708 AD. Its stunning Abbey lies about a kilometer from France’s Normandy coast. Pilgrims called it “St. Michael in peril of the sea” and Victor Hugo described the tide rising “as swiftly as a galloping horse.” Since tides in the Bay are among the highest in Europe, drivers, cyclists and walkers must monitor the tidal schedules closely as they take in this wonder.
Bonus destination: Koh Nang Yuan Island – This trio of small islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Nang Yuan technically must be reached by boat at any time – about a 15-minute ride from Kho Tao. The islands themselves are linked by a sandbar that narrows significantly at low tide but does not completely disappear. Still, this beautiful destination is mentioned here for those looking for ocean exploration. Visitors pay a maintenance fee used for keeping the area clean — 30 baht for Thais and 100 baht (about US$3) for foreigners to enjoy the stunning white beaches and diving opportunities, as well as other sightseeing.
When living abroad, sometimes it seems that the tide is with you, other times it feels like the tide is against you. You can ride the rise and fall with greater ease when you are informed and prepared. Whether it’s finding unique places in your host location or knowing the critical basis, Living Abroad’s International Relocation Center can help you chart a successful course in more than 240 global destinations
Written by Ellen Harris, GMS, Product Manager, Content Group
