Tidal Current
We call our inlets “passes” here on the Gulf Coast. Being relatively deep water, Pensacola Pass is fairly tame compared to the two shallow-water passes along the coast on either side of Pensacola: Alabama Point (Perdido) Pass to the West, and East Bay (Destin) Pass to the East. When the Tidal Current is ebbing against a Southerly wind is not a good time to be in either Perdido or Destin passes. Here is a good example why:
If you have to navigate any shallow-water pass, be sure to check the local Tide and/or Tidal Current Tables first. Unfortunately, NOAA does not publish online tidal current information for either Perdido or Destin passes, but you can get a rough estimate of the flood and ebb by checking the Tide Tables’ time for the High and Low Stand at those locations. It takes some practice, and remember that it’s only an estimate!
If you see breaking waves in the pass, you know it’s not a good time to be going in or out!
/fl