# NOAA CBIBS — CBIBS

> Real-time Chesapeake Bay weather and water data from smart buoys. (iPhone/iPad app by Chesapeake Conservancy.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noaa-cbibs/id439920948 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Chesapeake Conservancy](https://appshunter.io/developer/439920951)
- Category: Weather, Education
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.5 · 15 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2011-05-29
- Data updated: 2026-07-20
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noaa-cbibs/id439920948/reviews.md

## What is NOAA CBIBS?

NOAA Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS) buoys collect and transmit real-time meteorological and oceanographic data. CBIBS buoys stationed up and down the Chesapeake Bay update information on air and water temperature, wind speed and direction, wave height, and more. The app also includes quick and easy links to NOAA marine forecasts and tide information. CBIBS, which is operated and maintained by the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, supports the use and management of a healthy Chesapeake Bay by providing data and information needed to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment. Data are also available at www.buoybay.noaa.gov.

## Key features

- Real-time weather data
- Real-time water data
- Chesapeake Bay information
- Supports bay management
- Improves safety and environment

## Recent user reviews (10 of 26)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noaa-cbibs/id439920948/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Crashes on iPhone

*2024-08-28*

The home page comes up, but when I try to obtain more information it crashes the app.

### 2/5 — Missing Information.

*2022-10-24*

Would have given this a five stars but they removed the oxygen level information. Very important when planning when and where to fish.

### 1/5 — This software should be removed from the iTunes Store

*2019-08-13*

Completely unstable on iOS 12.4 on both iPhone and iPad.  Useless.

### 1/5 — Very disappointing

*2019-04-16*

Downloaded to see the winds from yesterday’s 29+ knots around the Bay. The Annapolis buoy is apparently not yet back in the water, so no data there. And when I click on Potomac, it remains stuck on the Annapolis data page, giving me nothing from any other station.
If this is only a seasonal app, please add a help section to clearly identify that status. Otherwise it is just poor programming with lots of bugs.

### 4/5 — Great app. Needs upgrade for iOS 10.3.3

*2017-07-30*

It's a great app. I have been using it for the past several years, and one of the bouys is right across the Bay from my marina. The down side seems to be Apple's iOS 10.3.3. Ever since that upgrade the app continues to crash and is unusable.

### 5/5 — Great to boaters

*2016-09-27*

Great information for the recreational boater on the Chesapeake.  I hope future versions include preferences so you can set the display order of the data you want to see the most and to change units (knots/mph/m/s, etc.).  I highly recommend this app.

### 1/5 — Used to work

*2016-04-18, version 1.0.6*

This was a great app but hasn't worked in a month. Map says no data connection and buoy data is empty.

### 1/5 — Wont update

*2016-04-15*

The past week the app is saying it must be connected to the internet. Well im connected to the internet 24/7 through my cell plan and my wireless router at home. Still doesnt work.

### 4/5 — Great info but...

*2016-02-17*

It's great to have this info easily accessible, but if the buoy is offline, please don't keep month-old data showing. It's very confusing- especially since the date/time font size is so very tiny. It would also be nice to know if/when offline bouys are expected to be back up.

### 4/5 — Can't see the map

*2015-06-21*

Good info but can't bring up map.

## Frequently asked questions about NOAA CBIBS

### What kind of weather information does Smart Buoys provide?

Smart Buoys provides real-time weather data collected directly from smart buoys in the Chesapeake Bay. This includes various meteorological parameters crucial for understanding current conditions.

### How often is the data updated on Smart Buoys?

The app transmits real-time data, meaning the information is as up-to-date as the buoys can provide. The app itself was last updated on April 10, 2019, with version 1.1.2.

### Is Smart Buoys available on all devices?

Smart Buoys is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for Apple's mobile ecosystem.

### What is the user rating for Smart Buoys?

Smart Buoys has a user rating of 3.1 stars based on 8 ratings. This indicates a mixed reception from its user base.

### What age is Smart Buoys appropriate for?

Smart Buoys has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young children and up. The content is generally considered safe for a broad audience.

### Does Smart Buoys offer historical weather data?

The description focuses on real-time data transmission. It does not specify whether historical weather data is available through the app.

### Who developed Smart Buoys?

Smart Buoys was developed and is supported by the Chesapeake Conservancy, in collaboration with the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS).

### Can I use Smart Buoys offline?

As Smart Buoys relies on real-time data transmission from buoys, an active internet connection is likely required to access the most current information.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.1 — 2026-05-19

Updated layouts

### 2.0 — 2026-05-07

This updated NOAA CBIBS app gives you streamlined access to data from the buoys, as well as quick links to marine forecasts and tide information.

### 1.1.2 — 2019-04-10

Bug Fixes

### 1.1.1 — 2018-06-14

Updated new York Spit station information. Updated to latest code base. Fixed broken links

### 1.0.9 — 2016-11-28

Updated buoy information. Added notifications about late data.

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## Related topics

[chesapeake bay](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/chesapeake-bay) · [noaa buoy data](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/noaa-buoy-data)

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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 2026-07-20.*