About Our Data
We provide real-time snorkeling conditions by combining data from multiple sources and applying calculations to give you accurate, beach-specific information.
How We Get Our Data
We gather real-time ocean and weather data from multiple trusted sources including:
- Ocean monitoring stations that track tides, water levels, currents, and water temperature
- Offshore buoys that measure wave height, wave period, wave direction, and swell conditions
- Weather services that provide current conditions and forecasts for wind, temperature, cloud cover, and precipitation
This data is collected and updated regularly throughout the day to ensure you have the most current information available.
How We Calculate Conditions
Our system processes raw data through several steps to provide accurate, beach-specific conditions:
Location Adjustments
When monitoring stations or buoys are located at a distance from a beach, we apply adjustments to account for local variations. Ocean conditions can vary based on local geography and coastal effects, so we use models to estimate conditions at each beach location while maintaining confidence levels for the data.
Alternative Data Sources
When direct ocean measurements aren't available for a beach, we estimate wave conditions from available weather data. While less accurate than direct measurements, this provides reasonable estimates when real-time ocean data isn't available.
Snorkel Condition Scoring
We analyze multiple factors to determine snorkeling conditions, including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and current speed. Our scoring system evaluates both visibility potential and safety conditions. Safety always takes precedence in our recommendations—even if visibility is excellent, unsafe conditions will result in a "Poor" or "Unsafe" recommendation.
The overall snorkel score combines these factors to determine our recommendation: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, or Unsafe.
Tide Analysis
We analyze tide predictions to identify high and low tides, as well as slack tide windows (periods of minimal water movement). Slack tide typically offers the best visibility conditions for snorkeling.
Forecasts
For future conditions, we combine weather forecasts with current ocean data:
Hourly & Daily Forecasts
Weather forecasts provide expected wind speeds, temperatures, and conditions for upcoming hours and days. We use these forecasts to estimate future ocean conditions based on predicted weather patterns.
Best Time Windows
Our system identifies optimal snorkeling windows by analyzing forecasted conditions and tide schedules. We look for periods with calm waves, light winds, and slack tide conditions to recommend the best times for your snorkeling adventure.
Data Quality & Availability
Not all beaches have nearby monitoring stations or buoys. When data is unavailable or comes from distant sources, we:
- Clearly indicate when data is estimated or unavailable
- Provide confidence levels based on data source proximity and quality
- Use the best available data sources and apply estimation methods when needed
Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate information possible, while being transparent about data limitations. Always use your best judgment and check local conditions before entering the water.