# BayCurrents — SF Bay forecasted currents

> San Francisco Bay surface current maps with 48-hour forecast. (iPhone/iPad app by Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/baycurrents/id1591997070 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute](https://appshunter.io/developer/997448509)
- Category: Weather, Navigation
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 1 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2021-12-02
- Data updated: 2026-07-07
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/baycurrents/id1591997070/reviews.md

## What is BayCurrents?

BayCurrents is a mobile app for displaying maps of high resolution surface currents within the San Francisco Bay. The app is intended to support a wide range of maritime activities, from recreational fishing and sailing to the operation of professional transport vessels. The source for the surface current data is a numerical model operated by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The model benefits from oceanographic high-frequency radar (HFR) measurements from the Central & Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) HFR Network, along with other observations such as tides and wind. The resulting dataset contains current vector fields for hourly timestamps ranging from the recent past, to the present and up to 48 hours into the future. The complete vector dataset is downloaded by the app to allow autonomous offline operation.

This app contains experimental data and is NOT for navigational purposes.

## Key features

- High-resolution surface current maps
- 48-hour future forecasting
- Offline autonomous operation
- NOAA numerical model data
- Supports recreational and professional maritime activities


## Frequently asked questions about BayCurrents

### What is BayCurrents?

BayCurrents displays high-resolution surface current maps for the San Francisco Bay. It uses data from NOAA's numerical model, enhanced by radar and tidal observations, to provide forecasts up to 48 hours in advance.

### Is BayCurrents free to use?

Yes, BayCurrents is completely free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements, allowing for an uninterrupted experience.

### Can I use BayCurrents offline?

Yes, the app downloads the complete vector dataset, enabling autonomous offline operation. This means you can access current data even without an internet connection.

### What kind of data does BayCurrents use?

BayCurrents utilizes data from a numerical model operated by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This data is further refined by oceanographic high-frequency radar (HFR) measurements and other observations like tides and wind.

### Is BayCurrents suitable for navigation?

No, BayCurrents contains experimental data and is explicitly NOT for navigational purposes. It is intended as a supplementary tool for understanding current conditions.

### How often is BayCurrents updated?

The app was last updated on August 8, 2023, to version 1.1.1. While specific update frequency for data isn't detailed, the app provides forecasts up to 48 hours into the future.

### What devices support BayCurrents?

BayCurrents is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It has an age rating of 4+.

### What do users like about BayCurrents?

Users appreciate the app's high rating of 5.0 stars from 3 ratings, indicating strong satisfaction. The detailed current mapping and offline capabilities are likely key factors contributing to this positive reception.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.1.1 — 2023-08-08

Minor bug fixes.

### 1.1 — 2023-06-13

This version adds iPad support.

### 1.0.1 — 2023-05-17

This version adds support for a new data format and fixes some display bugs.

### 1.0 — 2021-12-02

No release notes.

## Apps similar to BayCurrents

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Tide Alert (NOAA) - Tide Chart](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tide-alert-noaa-tide-chart/id1352211125) | 4.8 (43,559) | Free | Weather |
| [Tides and Currents-USA](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tides-and-currents-usa/id6464309360) | 4.0 (20) | Free | Weather |
| [Tides Near Me - No Ads](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tides-near-me-no-ads/id579300320) | 4.8 (2,729) | $2.99 | Weather |
| [Karl Weather](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/karl-weather/id926601710) | 4.6 (347) | Free | Weather |
| [Buoy Finder NOAA NDBC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buoy-finder-noaa-ndbc/id710433569) | 4.3 (183) | Free | Weather |
| [WeatherTrack GRIB](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/weathertrack-grib/id417401887) | 4.8 (147) | $9.99 | Weather |

## More apps by Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

- [Jellywatch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jellywatch/id545501733)
- [FathomVerse](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fathomverse/id6469854247)

All apps by Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute: https://appshunter.io/developer/997448509

## Related topics

[monterey bay aquarium research institute](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/monterey-bay-aquarium-research-institute) · [cabana bay](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cabana-bay)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-07.*