Discover Life Between the Tides

two bat stars and one ochre sea star among algae exposed at low tide

When the tide recedes, a hidden world is revealed. Tidepools are natural windows into the intertidal zone—places where sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, chitons, algae, and other marine life thrive in shallow pools left behind by the ocean. Exploring these areas offers a close-up look at the diversity and resilience of life in your national marine sanctuaries.

The dramatic influence of a l tidal cycle exposes intertidal invertebrates and algae to large fluctuations in temperature, desiccation (drying out), and wave action throughout a single day.

Use NOAA's tides and currents map tool to look up information on local tides from NOAA stations.

Tidepooling Tips

Follow these tips for a safe and responsible tidepooling experience:

foot stepping on the beach icon

Step Carefully

Avoid crushing the animals and algae.

ocean wave icon

Stay Alert

Watch for waves and slippery surfaces.

foot stepping on the beach icon

Look Closely

Quietly observe, you will see more.

foot stepping on the beach icon

Be Gentle

Touch lightly so you don't disturb sea life.

foot stepping on the beach icon

Leave Them Be

Leave the animals, algae, rocks, and shells where you find them. Remember that these animals breathe underwater.

foot stepping on the beach icon

Know Regulations

Know local and federal regulations that protect intertidal species and habitats.

Explore Tidepools in These National Marine Sanctuaries

West Coast Sanctuaries (Prime Tidepooling Sites)

These sites feature some of the richest and most accessible intertidal habitats in the nation:

  1. Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (WA) – Explore Shi Shi Beach, Second Beach, Hole-in-the-Wall (near Rialto), and Kalaloch for colorful tidepools filled with sea stars, anemones, and limpets.
  2. Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (CA) – Visit Duxbury Reef near Bolinas or the rocky shores of Point Reyes to see ochre stars, turban snails, and mussel beds.
  3. Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CA) – Rugged Central California shorelines near Cambria, Morro Bay, and Montaña de Oro reveal colorful tidepools filled with sea stars, anemones, and nudibranchs at low tide.
  4. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (CA) – Natural Bridges State Beach, Point Piños, and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve showcase thriving tidepools teeming with crabs, limpets, nudibranchs, and anemones.
  5. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CA) – Discover pristine intertidal life on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands, where clear waters reveal sea stars, urchins, crabs, and so much more.

Tropical and Subtropical Sanctuaries (Limestone and Lava Tidepools)

Warm-water sanctuaries also offer unique tidepooling experiences shaped by coral, limestone, and volcanic rock:

  1. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FL) – Shallow limestone flats and exposed fossil coral near historic sites, such as near the old Overseas Railroad bridges, reveal chitons, nerites, juvenile fish, and sponges during low tide.
  2. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HI) – Volcanic shorelines on Maui, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island reveal small lava rock tidepools where visitors can spot crabs, urchins, and juvenile reef fish at low tide.