Tides Rapidly Expand and Shrink Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós Islands Twice Daily
Twice daily tides in the Bijagós Archipelago of Guinea-Bissau flow through sand channels, mudflats and mangroves, causing islands to grow and shrink within hours.
Bi-daily tidal movements sweep through the complex network of sandy passages, mudflats and mangrove forests surrounding the 88 islands of the Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau. At low tide, extensive intertidal zones emerge, temporarily enlarging the islands, then recede as the water returns. Satellite imagery from 28 November 2025 captures the stark contrast between high- and low-tide shorelines, highlighting the region's dynamic coastal environment.
Why it matters
Knowing how tides reshape the Bijagós islands aids in managing coastal resources and protecting vulnerable ecosystems.
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