Author: VIP Voice

A website for the Volunteers in Parks (VIPs) at Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, CA
A translucent, blue-tinted Portuguese man o’ war floats on water, its balloon-like body above seaweed and small golden-brown algae beneath the surface.
Cabrillo, TPERP

More Weirdness and Warning from El Niño

Last month we reported on weirdness in the tidepools due to effects from El Niño. We have a followup to that post along with a warning for volunteers and visitors. Yesterday (10/26), TPERP Denine spotted something blue in the water at the Zone1/2 boundary. At first she thought it as a Velella Velella, But as she got closer she saw that it wasn’t a Velella … Continue reading More Weirdness and Warning from El Niño

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The image shows a scenic coastal landscape during sunset. The foreground features rugged, reddish-brown cliffs with some vegetation. Below the cliffs, there is a rocky shoreline with scattered boulders and small pools of water. The ocean stretches out to the horizon, with gentle waves rolling in. The sky is a gradient of colors, transitioning from a soft orange near the horizon to a pale blue higher up, indicating the sun is setting. The overall atmosphere is calm and serene, with warm tones from the setting sun illuminating the scene.
Cabrillo, What is in the Tidepools

What’s in the Tidepools? – Summer 2026

(Cabrillo Coastal Area – NPS Photo/Carmen A.) As we prepare to start our tidepool season, here are a few photos from the past few months. You will find some photos of baby gulls that VIP Ben took with his spotting scope. You will see some images that VIP Rick captured (actually his brother), of the Glowing Fireworms at Mission Bay on a tour that VIP … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – Summer 2026

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NPS Archives - Sign Outside the Lighthouse
Cabrillo, Newsletter

Step Back in Time

Thanks to VIP Beth G., we now have online newsletters from Cabrillo from the mid 90’s and early 2000’s. Beth, has kept a hard copy of the newsletters that Cabrillo National Monument and the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation published for staff and volunteers. These have now been scanned and you can enjoy learning about Cabrillo’s recent history (last 30 years), on the VIPVoice. You can … Continue reading Step Back in Time

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a rocky coastline with people standing on a cliff under a clear blue sky.
Cabrillo, Tidepool Tips, TPERP

Kelvin Waves, Sea Turtles and Snakes, Oh My!

Effects from El Niño are starting to feel like events from Jumanji. With the strongest El Niño on record, southern California is starting to have some unusual observations. Kelvin Waves You may not have heard about Kelvin waves, but the thing to know is they will be bringing higher surf and possibly raising sea level by 6-12 inches. These waves and other effects from El … Continue reading Kelvin Waves, Sea Turtles and Snakes, Oh My!

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A bright glowing worm against a black background
Continuing Education

Watch the Glowing Fireworms (Date & Parking Update)

Wrong Date and Time was Previously Announced The date that was previously announced for the Fireworm display should have been for September 16th. We have updated the information below. Parking Update Due to Construction (8/20/2026) The city has fenced-in area in front of pier. It’s some big civic project. Not sure if this fencing will still be there in September. This is what people can … Continue reading Watch the Glowing Fireworms (Date & Parking Update)

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