The picture shows two seals on a rocky outcrop by the sea. The water is a vibrant turquoise and is gently lapping against the rocks. The seal in the foreground is lying down, facing the camera, and appears to be resting or sunbathing. The other seal is behind it and seems to be in the process of moving, possibly about to enter the water. The rocks are brown and rugged, with some wet patches indicating the tide level. The sun is shining, creating a sparkling effect on the water's surface.

What’s in the Tidepools? – March 2024

(NPS Photo/P. Geisler) Happy Spring! As the main tidepool season starts winding down, the Spring flowers start to bloom. You can also see some very cool photos that Pauline took of two Moray Eels near the tidepool entrance. There is a video as well on the Tidepools Videos page. She also captured a video of an Osprey catching a fish from the tidepools. Here is … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – March 2024

A small yellow sea slug

What’s in the Tidepools? – February 2024

(NPS Photo/F. Sheikh) Another great month of low tides. More heavy rains caused extensive damage to both the Coastal Trail and the Spur Trail. The entrance to the tidepools however, was quickly repaired (again), but the Spur Trail remains closed, still badly damaged. Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during this month — thank you to everyone who contributed. Remember to send … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – February 2024

The picture shows a close-up of a deep red crab with a glossy, wet surface, nestled among some green, grass-like aquatic plants. The crab's shell and claws have a mottled pattern with shades of maroon and spots of white. Its claws are large and one is partially raised, revealing a hint of white from its underside. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the crab's detailed texture and vibrant color.

What’s in the Tidepools? – January 2024

(NPS Photo/D. Orr) King tides did not disappoint this month. Lots of visitors and lots of tidepool critters! From Keyhole Limpets to Kelp Crabs to Sea Stars, even baby Sea Hares. Unfortunately, the heavy rains that we received on January 22 caused extensive damage to both the Coastal Trail and the Spur Trail. The entrance to the tidepools however, was quickly repaired by the California … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – January 2024

The picture shows a close-up of a textured surface, of an abalone, lying on sandy ground. The shell has a rich, dark brown color with streaks of a lighter brown and patches of red and white. The sand surrounding it is a mix of coarse grains and small pebbles in various shades of beige, brown, and some specks of pink. There are also some thin, dark brown seaweed strands scattered around.

What’s in the Tidepools? – December 2023

(NPS Photo/M. Rose) December was a busy month in the tidepools. King Tides, high surf, holiday visitors, negative tides, jet skis stuck in shallow water and great weather allowed for fantastic viewing in the rocky intertidal. December’s highlights include, octopus, keyhole limpets, sea stars and more. Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during this month — thank you to everyone who contributed. … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – December 2023

A seal sleeping on a rock along a rocky beach

What’s in the Tidepools? – November 2023

(NPS Photo/N. Viliani) As tidepool season is in full swing, November’s highlights included, octopus, sea hares, keyhole limpets, sea stars and more. It was a very busy month with a fee free day on Veteran’s Day, great low tides, a tour with Zoo Volunteers and a special visitor. Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during this month — thank you to everyone … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – November 2023

An orange sea star with 5 arms stuck to a rock.

What’s in the Tidepools? – October 2023

(NPS Photo/D. Hunt) As tidepool season starts up again, October’s highlights included, sea hares, keyhole limpets, brooding anemones, ants and butterflies. Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during this month, and during the summer — thank you to everyone who contributed. Remember to send in your photos; we truly appreciate sharing them with everyone. Don’t forget to visit the Tidepool Videos page. . A … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – October 2023