About four years ago, my family discovered tide pooling. A friend describes tide pooling as “a gymnastic rock hopping scientific exploration.” I could not have said it better myself!
Tidepooling in the Monterey Bay is easy, and with just a few essential tips to ensure safety for your kiddos, yourself, and our marine friends, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery that will leave lasting memories for the whole family.
WHERE TO GO
We have miles of rocky shoreline. When the tide goes out, you’ll find the intertidal zone with its rock depressions and holes that trap water and sea animals. There are different zones and each holds different wonders. The zone farthest from the water is perfect for toddlers and those with unsure footing. The lower zones, closer to the water, are great for older kids and adults, as they have slippery and sharp rocks.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to go tidepooling is when the tide is at its lowest, but many do not even know what that means. The tide level is measured in numbers; the bigger the negative number, the better. You can find out when the daily low tides are by checking online. I use National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tide predictions at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov. Pro tip: The magic hour for exploring is one hour before a negative tide. Here, you’ll witness the wonders of the pools as they are uncovered.
WHAT TO BRING
The best part about tidepooling is that you don’t need anything other than a good pair of shoes! Wear closed-toe, gripping athletic shoes or hiking boots. Waterproofing is helpful but optional. Stay away from open-toe water shoes like Crocs or water sandals.
WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND
HERMIT CRABS. Despite their name, hermit crabs are found in groups of a hundred or more and cover the bottom of the high pools. If you watch these quirky creatures, you will see all kinds of interesting personalities and behaviors. The best part? Unlike most sea creatures, these small wonders are safe to pick up. Their pint-sized pincers pose no threat, making them the perfect tide pool find for toddlers.
MONKEYFACE EELS. When you hear shouts of excitement, it is because someone has discovered a monkeyface eel. They love to hide between rocks, adding an element of surprise to your exploration. The thought of an eel makes me squirm, but despite their eel-like appearance, they are a type of fish called a prickleback. When kept moist, these fascinating fish can breathe air and survive out of water for up to 35 hours.
SCULPINS. Look closely, and you’ll notice small fish darting around the pools. These are sculpin fish. We have many types in Monterey Bay. These speedy swimmers can camouflage themselves, a fascinating trait to evade predators.
SEA STARS. The star of the tide pool is the sea star! Little and big kids delight in these beloved inhabitants in different sizes and colors. My daughter’s favorite is the ochre sea star. They are usually large, purple or orange, and have five arms. Because there are so many different types of stars, our treasure hunt includes finding sea stars with different numbers of arms. Be forewarned, there are even sea stars with up to forty. Fun fact: sea stars can regrow their arms if they lose one. But here’s a crucial tip—never take them out of the water. Sea stars need water to breathe; even a moment out of their home can be harmful to them.
ANEMONES. If you get to the lower pools, you will find anemones. These gorgeous creatures are called the flowers of the sea, and for good reason. There are so many types and colors. If you see them when sunny and submerged in water, they can appear big, bright, colorful, and almost glowing. They can even live out of water, so watch your step! Out of the water, the big ones appear dark green and drooping, but the small ones look like small, dark green circles. Now, here is the tricky question: Can we touch them? Anemones sting fish to catch their dinner, but most anemones are not large enough to sting us. If you gently touch a few tentacles, you will feel a sea flower hug as they wrap around your finger.
There are many more amazing plants and animals in our Monterey Bay pools. Please remember, as you set out on your marine adventure, that we are the protectors of the ocean. Embrace this magical place while instilling the importance of the ocean and how to protect our friends in it. Tidepooling isn’t just for kids. Unleash your inner child as you clamber over rocks, feeling the ocean breeze and sea salt on your face. Always prioritize safety, but get out there and have FUN!
DAWN ALVA is a dedicated community member, small business owner, passionate mom, and ardent outdoors enthusiast. She thrives most when fostering connections with her kids and nature in order to make a meaningful impact in her community.
To learn more about tidepooling in Monterey Bay, check out this story and video from our Adventures With Archie blogger, Beau Jackson.