Three Essential Tips for Visiting Tidepools

I have a confession. I’m a tidepool addict. Growing up in Florida, I didn’t know these colorful, mesmerizing little worlds existed until I visited a rocky Oregon beach. Now I look forward to a visit every time we get the chance.

John Steinbeck described tidepools as “a fabulous place…where the sea is very clear and the bottom becomes fantastic with hurrying, fighting, feeding, breeding animals.”

If a trip to that fabulous place is in your near future, be sure to remember these three essential tips for visiting tidepools.

Tips to Visit the Tidepools: Choose Your Time and Place Wisely

First of all, the most important factor in planning a memorable trip to the tidepools is that you check the local tides to make sure the intertidal life will be visible when you’re at the beach. Check NOAA’s tide predictions or tides.net and make sure you’re there an hour before low tide.

Tidepools don’t exist at just any beach. Here’s a link to Oregon’s most popular tidepools.

Easy options are Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area just north of Newport. If you go to Newport, don’t miss the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which has a fun touch-and-learn tidepool exhibit of its own.

Tips to Visit the Tidepools: Come Prepared 

Make sure you’re properly outfitted to have a great trip to the tidepools. Because the water will be cold, and you may have to walk on rocks to get the best views. Your feet need to be covered for protection and warmth.

Depending on your tolerance for cold, old sneakers can be a great option, or you may need to go with tall rainboots for the ultimate protection.

I even wear wool socks inside my rainboots for extra warmth. Just make sure your boots aren’t too big-they need to fit well, especially if you need to climb over rocks.

Tips to Visit the Tidepools: Follow Safety and Environmental Guidelines

This may be our most important tip. We don’t want anyone getting hurt on this viewing-you OR the delicate wildlife you’re going to see.

Most importantly, NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves are real and harm people frequently.

But even the steady rising of tides can catch visitors off guard. Pay attention to where you are and don’t get trapped by waves between far-off rocks and the open ocean.

And what about the protection of the creatures and plant life you are viewing? Know your tidepool etiquette and never take any shell or creature home. Touch but don’t remove, be gentle and try to walk on the sand as much as possible.

Heed the old adages: leave no trace and take only photos.

Follow these guidelines for a safe and enjoyable visit to the tidepools. Observing this secret world that gets exposed for just a few hours a day can be magical. And if your trip to the tidepools involves some air travel, be sure to read my post on 10 Things You NEED to Do Before Flying with Kids. I hope you create and share some priceless memories of your own at the tidepools.