The image shows a close-up view of a rocky tide pool environment. There is a large, beige-colored sea snail or limpet attached to the underside of a rock, with its spiral shell visible. Below it, on the rocky surface, there is a green sea anemone with its tentacles spread out. The surrounding area is covered with various small rocks, pebbles, and patches of seaweed or algae. The scene is wet, indicating the presence of water, typical of a tide pool habitat.

What’s in the Tidepools? – November 2024

(Brooding Anemone – NPS Photo/M. Rose) Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during this month — 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. This month we had a lot of Sea Hare sightings along with sea stars and Brooding Anemones. We even had dolphin … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – November 2024

What’s in the Tidepools? – October 2024

(Sea Hares with eggs – NPS Photo/D. Orr) Welcome back to tidepool season. We’ve highlighted some tidepool photos from this month along with a few from over the summer. Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during this month — thank you to everyone who contributed. Remember to send in your photos; we truly appreciate sharing them with everyone. Don’t forget to visit … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – October 2024

A sign at the entrance to Cabrillo National Monument. The ocean is in the background.

What’s in the Tidepools? – April 2024

(NPS Photo/P. Geisler) April brought several other happenings at the park beside the tidepools. The new Oceanside Trail opened to the public. A group of volunteers and staff had a rare opportunity to visit the new Point Loma Lighthouse. We had the first Monumental Conference along with participating in the City Nature Challenge. We have images of an Osprey pulling a fish out of the … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – April 2024

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