# The Buoy — Real-time swell updates

> Real-time ocean swell data and surf forecasts for planning. (iPhone/iPad app by Thomas Cailhol.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-buoy/id6476977153 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Thomas Cailhol](https://appshunter.io/developer/1724362544)
- Category: Weather, Sports
- Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $2.99)
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 28 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 68 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), European Spanish
- Released: 2024-03-04
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-buoy/id6476977153/reviews.md

## What is The Buoy?

The Buoy is the simplest way to take the pulse of the ocean. Thanks to data provided by services like the NOAA in the US, Cerema (Candhis) in France, Channel Coastal Observatory in the UK/Ireland, Portus in Spain and Hidrografico in Portugal, the buoy allows you to know in real-time the swell conditions around you: size, period, and direction. But The Buoy goes even further. We cross-reference this data with surf forecasts so you can easily plan your sessions. You can also save your favorite conditions to know exactly when a spot is working according to YOUR criteria. Our widget, very easy to use, allows you to have the conditions at your favourite buoy in real-time on your iPhone's locked screen.
Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

## Key features

- Real-time swell data
- Swell size, period, and direction
- Surf forecast integration
- Save favorite conditions
- Lock screen widget

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly wax supply | $2.99 | per month |
| Monthly wax supply | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly wax supply | $8.99 | per month |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wax supply | $2.99 | one-time |
| Wax supply | $3.99 | one-time |
| Wax supply | $8.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 28)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-buoy/id6476977153/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Bravo

*2026-07-10*

Trop bien franchement l’ergonomie est top et ça évite d’aller sur le navigateur toutes les 30 mins pour Check les relevés ! Juste pour savoir comment vous faites les précisons par contre ? Super boulot en tout cas encore bravo

### 5/5 — Best app so far !

*2026-06-28*

enfin, une application qui permet de regrouper tout ce que l’on veut savoir, non seulement sur les bouées, mais également sur le vent et les marées, une vraie application intuitive pour comparer les prévisions au réel simple et facile à utiliser, merci. Thomas!!

### 5/5 — Smart et utile

*2026-06-02*

Excellente compilation des bouées du globe

### 5/5 — Tellement commode

*2026-06-02*

Enfin une façon simple de checker les bouées et surtout comparer les relevés aux prévs !

### 5/5 — Super app de météo

*2026-06-02*

Une app complète et en amélioration constante. Utile pour voile, surf, et autre activités nautiques

### 5/5 — App utile et quali

*2026-05-28*

Merci de nous mettre à disposition une application gratuite aussi jolie, intuitive et utile !! 🔥🔥

**Developer response:** Merci à toi Damien de lui avoir donner une chance ! N’hésite pas à faire tourner à tes potes et à me tenir au courant si tu as des idées d’évolutions ou des problèmes avec l’app 🙏🙏

### 5/5 — Simple et très efficace

*2026-05-27*

Merci, la bouée ne me quitte plus !

### 5/5 — Données réelles.

*2026-05-26*

Juste les données réelles à l’instant T. Cet app est parfaite pour avoir une vue réelle des conditions. C’est excellent !

### 4/5 — Avis

*2026-05-10*

Accès rapide aux infos

### 4/5 — Très bien mais pas de widget

*2026-02-20*

Le design et les données sont géniaux. Par contre, dans l’application on nous propose un widget pour l’écran d’accueil mais ça ne fonctionne pas.

## Frequently asked questions about The Buoy

### What data sources does The Buoy use?

The Buoy utilizes data from reputable services such as NOAA in the US, Cerema (Candhis) in France, Channel Coastal Observatory in the UK/Ireland, Portus in Spain, and Hidrografico in Portugal to provide real-time swell information.

### Can I use The Buoy offline?

The Buoy requires an internet connection to fetch real-time swell data and forecasts. Offline functionality is not supported as it relies on live data feeds.

### What devices is The Buoy compatible with?

The Buoy is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, indicated by its support for these platforms.

### How often is The Buoy updated?

The app was last updated on January 4, 2026, with version 1.0.11. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, this indicates ongoing development and maintenance.

### Is The Buoy suitable for children?

The Buoy has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for younger users. Its content is focused on weather and ocean data, which is generally appropriate for this age group.

### Does The Buoy have ads?

No, The Buoy does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use without any ad interruptions.

### What are the key features of The Buoy?

Key features include real-time swell size, period, and direction, integration with surf forecasts, the ability to save favorite conditions, and a lock screen widget for quick access to buoy data.

### How does The Buoy compare to other weather apps?

The Buoy specializes in detailed, real-time ocean swell data and surf forecasts, going beyond general weather information. Its focus on specific oceanographic metrics and surf planning makes it a niche tool for water sports enthusiasts.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.0.13 — 2026-05-25

New virtual buoys powered by satellite observations
4 new map styles
Improved tide display with more daily details (France only for now)
You can now support the development of the app
Find the closest buoys around you with geolocation
Redesigned buoy readings to make important data easier to read
Switch between light and dark mode from settings

### 1.0.12 — 2026-05-02

Compare readings
- You can now compare two readings from the same buoy.
- Useful to compare the latest live reading with a past or historical reading.
- Quickly understand how today’s conditions differ from a previous session, storm, swell, or calm period.

Wave energy on the map
- Wave energy is now available as a map layer.
- Previously, you could switch between wave height and wave period.
- This helps show where the swell has the most actual power, not just size.

Share readings
- You can now share readings more easily.
- Choose from different templates to add real-time conditions to videos or send them to friends.
- Useful for surf clips, forecast discussions, or quick condition updates.

Bug fixes
- Various fixes and small improvements to make the app more reliable.

### 1.0.11 — 2026-01-04

• Waveback Machine
Share a photo or video with the app and automatically retrieve the closest buoy readings based on the exact date and time, from the nearest buoy or one you choose.

• Extended chart ranges
Charts can now be displayed over 6h, 12h, 24h, 48h, or 7 days.
The 7-day view combines historical data and forecast, with 3.5 days in the past and 3.5 days ahead.

• Improved reading sharing
Easily share a reading as a clean, well-designed image to send to friends or use as a photo or video overlay on social media.

### 1.0.10 — 2025-12-13

We fixed several issues affecting map markers and navigation buttons and improved overall map stability. The map is now smoother and faster, markers are clearer as you zoom, and your favorite buoys stand out more clearly.

### 1.0.9 — 2025-12-10

The map is now the home screen. Switch between wave height and wave period to quickly understand what is happening in the ocean.

## Apps similar to The Buoy

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surfline-wave-and-surf-reports/id393782096) | 4.7 (30,407) | Free | Weather |
| [NOAA Marine Weather & Forecast](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noaa-marine-weather-and-forecast/id1246091778) | 4.5 (5,040) | Free | Weather |
| [Surf Report Buoys by Buoywatch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surf-report-buoys-by-buoywatch/id1479691525) | 4.8 (30) | Free | Weather |
| [BuoyPro: NOAA Buoy Weather](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buoypro-noaa-buoy-weather/id1641960260) | 4.6 (45) | Free | Weather |
| [PredictWind — Marine Forecasts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/predictwind-marine-forecasts/id477048487) | 4.8 (32,627) | Free | Weather |
| [Wavemaps: Wave Forecasts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wavemaps-wave-forecasts/id6749452038) | 4.9 (170) | Free | Weather |

## More apps by Thomas Cailhol

- [PanoPano - Panoramas for Insta](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/panopano-panoramas-for-insta/id1216351063)
- [Top 1](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/top-1/id6475587357)

All apps by Thomas Cailhol: https://appshunter.io/developer/1724362544

## Related topics

[along the waves](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/along-the-waves) · [buoy zone](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/buoy-zone) · [buoy cast](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/buoy-cast) · [eaves](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/eaves)

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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 2026-08-29.*