Need a way to entertain kids out of school or family in town for spring break? Here’s a free idea that is typically a hit among locals and visitors alike: tide pooling.
There happens to be mega low tides this week, meaning the water recedes so much areas typically covered by the ocean are exposed. And in these “intertidal” zones, all kinds of critters can be visible in the salt water tidepools that are created, such as colorful sea anemones, quick-moving crabs, octopus and slimy sea slugs.
Get lucky and you might even see a sea star in the shallow pools formed by rocks just at the shoreline.
There are plenty of great places to explore, including Corona del Mar in Newport Beach, several places in Laguna Beach, at the Crystal Cove State Beach near the historic cottages and just next to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.
Low tides hit this week in the afternoon hours, so have a leisurely beach lunch and then mosey down to the sand to explore. Don’t forget to wear tennis shoes, the rocks can be slippery. And, just observe the creatures; try not to disturb their habitats.
Tuesday’s tides will be at their lowest about 1:30 p.m., while Wednesday will be even lower at about 2 p.m., with Thursday’s low tide about the same at about 2:30 p.m. The tides start to creep up into the weekend, but still stay low enough for great tidepool exploring.
Caves along the coast will also be exposed and can be a fun photo op, but stay clear as the tide starts to creep back up in later in the afternoon.
Want a guided walk? State Parks will be holding tidepool explorations from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, along Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area. The half-mile walk will include learning how tidepool organisms use adaptations to survive. Meet at the Los Trancos Parking Lot at the trailer with the ramp.
The following day, there will be a Beach Wrack and Tidepool Walk at Crystal Cove, meet at Reef Point at 2 p.m. toward the Historic District. Closed-toed shoes or sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
While the programs are free, parking is $15.
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