How to: tide pool

No biome is as extensive and unexplored as our ocean.

Covering over 70% of the Earth, a mere 5% of the salty seas have been explored. Talk about mystery!

Tidepools, unique ecosystems formed by the ebb and flow of the current, are one of the few places that bring the ocean's secrets to light. These tiny pockets of seawater showcase a collection of marine life, from the humble hermit crab to the bashful octopus. For curious explorers, tide-pooling provides a first-hand experience of the ocean's intrigues (all without getting super wet!) Read on for the best tips and tricks for happy tidepool times.

Step 1: Check the Tide Report

Nothing ruins a tidepool outing faster than a high tide. This happens twice a day when the sharp pull of the moon causes Earth's water levels to rise, submerging the beach and most of its critters with it. Only when the Earth faces away from the moon does the ocean recede and leave its glittering tidepools behind. These few hours of exposure are go-time.

Luckily, checking the tide report in your area is as easy as plugging in your zip code and Googling away. Ensure you know when the next high tide is coming so you have plenty of time to exit the beach!

Step 2: Dress for Success

While you certainly don't need to get dolled up in swimwear, every good tidepooler brings an essential piece of equipment: shoes! While it may seem obvious, I've seen many elementary explorers amble among the pools in flimsy flip-flops or the horror! Nothing on their feet at all. Sturdy footwear is essential when exploring the slippery, rock-addled seashore.

I like to tidepool in my Xtratuf rainboots but I have friends who prefer the open-air nature of a good pair of sandals. Whatever your preference, ensure your shoes have excellent grip and the endurance to get wet!

Other Helpful Tidepool Equipment:

• Wide-brimmed hat

• Sunglasses

• Tidepool ID Guide

• Light Jacket

• Dry socks and shoes

Step 3: Be Kind to the Locals

Imagine if a giant pair of hands suddenly picked you up and dropped you off a couple of blocks from your house. Getting home could take hours! This is what happens when animals are relocated from one tidepool to another. While there's a myriad of marine critters that can be safely handled, returning them to their original tidepool is part of proper tidepool etiquette. To be as kind as possible to the locals, you also want to consider:

Tidepooling Etiquette:

• Wet your hands with seawater before picking up critters

• Always return a critter to the tidepool you found it in

• Walk slowly and step lightly

• Don't turn your back on the sea

• Be wary of sneaker waves

• Leave no trace

Step Four: Know the Zones

The shoreline is divided into three zones: the subtidal zone, the intertidal zone, and everyone's favorite, the splash zone. These areas are named based on the frequency and depth they're submerged. Tidepool critters settle in the zone that best helps them meet their needs. By recognizing the zones, you can keep a watchful eye for the creatures below!

Subtidal Zone: The part of the shore that is usually submerged and is only exposed when the tide is low. The creatures who live here spend most of their time underwater.

• Sponges

• Fish

• Octopuses

• Algae

  
  

Intertidal Zone: The part of the shore that is exposed in between high tides and where tide pooling primarily occurs. The creatures who live here can tolerate short periods of drought.

• Barnacles

• Limpets

• Anemones

• Nudibranchs

Splash Zone: The part of the shore that is exposed the majority of the time, occasionally splashed by waves.

• Lichen

• Shorebirds

• Seals

Happy Tidepooling!