Safe Tidepooling

When the tide is extra low, like during a King Tide afternoon, it's an opportunity to explore a world that's usually hidden from our view. California has many accessible tide pools, from the far north to far south of our state. Here's how you can care for the colorful and fascinating tide pool animals when you visit their home.

• Watch where you step. Step only on bare rock or sand.
• Don’t touch tide pool animals. Most of them are protected by a coating of slime. Touching them with dry hands can damage them.
• Don’t poke or prod tide pool animals with a stick. Don’t attempt to pry animals off of rocks.
• Leave everything as you found it (or cleaner by picking up any garbage you come across). Collecting organisms will kill them and is illegal in most tide pools.

Keep YOURSELF safe when tidepooling:

• Wear shoes that give you a good grip on slippery rocks.
• Check the tide chart so that you start your adventure as the tide is on its way out.
• Be aware of the ocean. Don't be surprised by a wave or the incoming tide.

Learn more about tidepooling from the staff at Asilomar State Beach.

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