Tidepooling can be a great experience for anyone if the time is right. A common error when tidepooling is not checking the actual tide levels before arrival. This can lead to a very disappointing trip as there will probably not be much available to see. When visiting the tidepools remember that they are full of life just waiting to be explored and in order to see animals we must protect them from injury or death. The best way to see a tidepool animal is to stay out of the water. Most animals will get frightened and will leave the area. Especially the more popular sights like the two spot octopus or the sculpin.

Did you know when you disturb the water that simple lotion and sunblock can disrupt the breathing space of the animals and can cause harm to their health? It's best to use a touch free observation technique when visiting a tidepool, even if there are no signs posted. This will maximize your experience when looking for things. Standing on tall rock that are out of water will allow you to look in and observe the pools without disturbing or scaring the animals away. When signs are posted keep in mind they are there for a purpose to benefit both you and the marine life. Please read all the Rules of the Pools before visiting any tidepool region around the world. Many tidepools are protected marine life refuges or conservation and you can actually be fined several thousands of dollars if caught in violation. This can be avoided by simply taking time to read the signs on your way down. Also the more you want to see when you visit the more you should not disturb.

Tidepools are losing much of their natural habitat such as plants, algea, sea hares, sea stars, from theft and simple carelessness of stepping on eggs and animals under the water. Even on top of the rocks animals can be damaged as well as plants, so please be careful where you step. Stepping on a plant is stepping on a meal which means an animal can and will starve to death. Tidepools can also be dangerous so be very careful when walking in the tidepool areas and remember what may look like a good surfaced rock it may be surrounded by a four to five foot drop off (ie tidepool). Many rocks are very slick from lichens or algea and can cause many people to fall and in rocky interdal zones it's best not to fall at all as many people have hit their heads and become unconscious from the sharp rocks.

If you are looking for a Tidepooling adventure you can go to tidelines.com and they have the current tide conditions for your area. All you need to do is check the time and place where you would like to visit. Also don't forget to check and verify if it is a protected area or not. Second you may want to look up how tides are formed and where to find certain animals. Did you know that sea stars eat muscles? So look for large muscle beds when looking for sea stars. Octopi often hide under cliffs and rocks and can be difficult to find as they also can change colors to blend with their environment. Hermit crabs and shore crabs are most commonly seen around the outer rocks roaming around but they run fast so be on the lookout. Sea Hares are herbivores so if you want to see one look for a pool with lots of plant life in it. Last of all have fun and do not forget to appreciate these magnificent creatures. The more you respect them the more you will see. Have fun.