It’s getting to the purple sea urchins that requires better conditions.Īs we entered the reef, we encountered our first sea pals: white clams, limpets, turbans and of course, hermit crabs keeping the lowest possible profile. In other words: finding California mussels is a piece of cake. This way, we’d be able to access the deepest tidepools before waters retreated, giving us a rare chance to see species that don’t live in the high or middle intertidal zones. Being a tide-pool enthusiast, I suggested we walk first as far as we could on the beach to get to the level of the farthest walkable reef. We followed the crowds and beyond the outer breakwater, finally got to the right spot: hundreds of people walking on reefs that stretched pretty far. When we got there at 3pm with our friend Michelle, people were pushing crab cages to make space for their cars. When my friend Inga arrived around 1pm, the parking lot was empty. Waters would retreat far away until 3pm and from then on, come back until after 5pm, all was back to normal. The kicker? A narrow time frame: the reef would start to be pedestrian-friendly around 1pm. Come see above water what was under water an hour ago. The previous week, word had got around that anybody who was willing to walk a mile (from the parking lot) would be able to walk on reefs usually submerged by 5 to 15 feet of sea water. But the negative tides during daytime AND on a gorgeous February Saturday? That was a gold mine. Only, this usually happens at night or during the week. When the moon lines up just right, millions of gallons of water flush out to sea and the reef becomes walkable. Last weekend, Half Moon Bay’s Pillar Point Harbor Lot C was literally under siege as hundreds of minivans, station wagons and other big cars converged to observe some of the biggest negative tides of the year. This February, the sea is calm to the lay observer. It’s a popular spot for families to go tidepooling, and the park is home to a monarch butterfly migration preserve.Half Moon Bay is generally not a popular winter destination, unless you are a surf maniac and attend the world-reknowned Maverick’s Surf Contest at Pillar Point, a few miles up the road. Natural Bridges State Beach is a unique spot in Santa Cruz named for a natural rock formation making a huge arch out in the water. It’s common to see whales and seals pass by from the shore, and the historic light house provides a fun backdrop while you explore! 5. This park in Pescadero is home to some great tide pools at the base of the light house, which is 115 feet tall and nearly 150 years old. Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park Pebble Beach is unique for its coarse, colorful pebbles and tafoni rocks, which are a type of sandstone with a honeycomb texture. The two beaches are about a mile apart and easily walkable via a trail along the bluff. This beach in San Mateo County is home to several great tidepooling spots, including Pebble Beach to the north and Arroyo de los Frijoles Beach to the south. Not only will you find plenty of critters in the pools, but you’re likely to see seals, birds, and many other animals at any given time of year. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is located in Moss Beach, and it’s also considered one of California’s best tidepooling spots. A huge part of the reef is exposed at low tide, so there’s no shortage of things to explore. Here you’ll find the enormous Duxbury Reef, which extends out from Agate Beach. Duxbury Reef ReserveĪgate County Park in Bolinas is home to some of the best tide pools in the state, so this is a great place to start if you’re a beginner tidepooler.
Be sure to visit at low tide, and watch out for sneaker waves. Tidepooling is a fun activity for kids and adults alike, but remember: you’re a guest in these critters’ habitat, so try not to disturb whatever you find and always watch your step.
We’ve put together a list of great tide pools to visit around the Bay Area, so put on your best waterproof shoes and get ready to explore. If you’re a California native lucky enough to live on the coast, then you know that tide pooling is an awesome way to enjoy the beach.
0 kommentar(er)
