how to use this resource

<aside> ⭐ If you run into any access issues or if there’s something specific you want to see here, feel free to let me know at [email protected] — I’d love to hear from you!

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ARYA’S TIDEPOOLING SITE RECS

Note from Dec. 2023: This will continue to be updated, but I wanted to launch this resource hub with a couple of my go-to spots. Please let me know if you know/learn things about any of these places that’d be helpful to add here ([email protected])!

arya’s tidepooling site recs

GENERAL TIPS

Note from Dec. 2023: I’ll continue to update these, as well!

what to know beforehand

• Look out for rocky vs. sandy areas — both are intertidal, you’ll just see different nature in each kind of environment.
• There’s usually a walk to get rocky tide pools — but it’s always worth it!
• Go at low-tide times (which change throughout the year) — I use this site for tide predictions.
• When you get there, bare rocks and scruffy seaweeds are gonna be your new best friends in helping you not fall on your butt. Shiny seaweeds and mossy-looking green algae are not.

<aside> 🌀 Want more detailed planning tips and/or live in the LA area? Check out this post!

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download free tide pool trading cards!

Tide Pool Trading Cards: Cal Coast Classics

Tide Pool Trading Cards: Sea Star Search

what to bring

The Necessities, IMO:

• Shoes with good grip that you don’t mind getting wet — I have a pair of rubber boots from a local hardware store that have served me very well, though if you’re stronger against cold water than me, you could also totally go with hiking sandals or even crocs.
• Water bottle! Stay hydrated out there!!!
• Plenty of layers! It can get pretty windy, so I typically bring at least one jacket and a beanie to protect my ears.
• A smartphone with the iNaturalist app — it’s free, it’s useful, & it makes you feel like a Pokémon trainer. Seriously.

The Optionals:

• A towel to dry off/keep your transportation dry (especially if you’re like me and tend to accidentally fall in the ocean).
• Snacks! I’m never not ravenous after a tidepooling trip.
• A headlamp — this can come in handy if you’re tidepooling in the winter when it gets dark fast, and/or if you just want to get a better look at things under rocky overhangs.
• Walking stick and/or padding for kneeling down
• A small, clear container to TEMPORARILY AND GENTLY look closer at critters before putting them back where you found them (!!!)

Tide pool adventure kit (Final) (1).mov