How to Explore a Tide Pool

Tide pools are the small landscapes of rock and brilliantly colored sea creatures that get exposed by a low tide. Taking time to visit and explore the tide pool is a good way to spend an afternoon that connects you with ocean life.

Instructions

1

Locate a tide pool near you, either by checking seaside local state or national parks to see if they have tide pools or by heading out to explore the coast near you for tide pools.

2

Find out when the negative low tide is for the area where you found your tide pool. You should make a note of the low tide and, even more importantly, when the tide returns so you give yourself plenty of time to explore without getting too wet. Online tide tables can give you the low tide schedule for the coast you're visiting.

3

Wear shoes that have excellent traction so you don't fall on the slippery rocks. A hiking pole is a good thing to bring along to give yourself some extra balance and prevent a potentially injurious fall.

4

Bring along a guide to the animal and plant life in the tide pool so you can identify various crabs, anemones and plant life that you see in the tide pools. The best guides are specific to your region, so check with the public library or a local natural history museum. You can also see an online tide pool field guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium's website.

5

Pay attention to the weather conditions for the day and dress to get a little wet, even on sunny days. The sea spray can be unexpected so a good parka, a hat and a change of clothes for the way back will keep you happy during your tide pool visit.

6

Leave all plant and animals that you see in the tide pools in the place you find them. In fact, unless you're with an official guide, you should not touch any of the creatures that you see in the pools--only explore with your eyes.