How to Go Tidepooling at Low Tide
Tidepooling is one of the easiest ways to meet wild marine life up close — no boat, no gear, just good timing. The trick is going when the tide is low enough to expose the pools.
Pick the right tide
The lower the tide, the more shoreline is exposed. Aim for a tide of about 1–2 feet or lower; a 'minus' tide (below zero on the MLLW datum) is ideal.
Use TideTime's Tidepooling preset to list daytime lows under 2 feet for your beach, then sort by the lowest to find the best days.
Read the tide window
A tide chart shows a smooth curve between highs and lows. The water keeps dropping until the low, then turns and comes back in.
Plan to arrive about an hour before the predicted low so you can work your way out as the water retreats, and start heading back as it turns.
Stay safe
Wear shoes with grip, watch for slippery algae, and keep an eye on the incoming tide and waves. Never turn your back on the ocean.
Tread lightly: look but don't pry animals off rocks, put rocks back as you found them, and follow local rules on collecting.