Exploring an Aquatic Ecosystems

Of all the many ecosystems you can explore, very few let you spy on their natural state as the tide pools along the shore.  Formed when water is trapped in depressions on rocky shorelines, and fully exposed at low tide, these mini-worlds are filled with fascinating tiny creatures and beautiful flowering plants.  November to March is the optimal time to explore the many tide pools of San Diego, and here are just a few that we love to visit.

Flat Rock, at Torrey Pines State reserve, is named for the horizontal slab of rock that look like it's emerging from the ocean during high tide.  During low tide it is a captivating tide pool filled with sea anemones, mussels, hermit crabs, and sea stars.  A visit here requires a bit of a hike, but one that’s lined with tall pine trees and a cool ocean breeze.  

For those wanting to explore a smaller rocky intertidal zone (a fancy word for an area that is under water during high tide and above water in low tide), than check out Shell Beach in La Jolla.  Located at the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps park, this tide pool gets big crowds during the weekend because of the occasional seal which suns itself atop the reef so we recommend visiting during the week.  

We love the tide pools under the Ocean Beach Pier (at the foot of Newport Avenue) because they are so accessible.  They’re a close drive from Mission Bay and do not require a hike, so it's easy to explore with little ones.  If they look too crowded or the tide isn’t low enough, you can always grab a bite on the pier or at some of the great eateries in Ocean Beach and wait for better conditions.  

At the north end of Pacific Beach, you’ll find Tourmaline Surfing Park's tide pools,  which are carved into the sandstone.  This is not your typical pool, as it does not see as much flowing sea water over the rocks, so you’ll find different marine life here than at a traditional tide pool.  

One of the more famous tide pools in San Diego is at the base of Point Loma, below the lighthouse of Cabrillo National Monument.  Like Flat Rock, this reef also requires a hike, but the vast area and unique formations are well worth a visit.  Ideally, you’ll get there as soon as the park opens at 9:00 a.m. to avoid excessive waiting, as the parking lot will close temporarily when the tide pools get too crowded.   Stop by the park’s visitor center for an educational slide show about the pools before you make the trek.  There are also rangers wandering around who can offer tips and interesting facts about the area.  

Birch Aquarium in La Jolla offers two ways to explore these under water communities.  The first is at their Preuss Tide-Pool Plaza on site, where they have recreated the ecosystem in three different pools.  There are glass windows that look into the complex intertidal worlds and docents are also averrable for any questions you might have.  The Plaza sits above La Jolla and also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego.

The Aquarium also offers ‘San Diego Tidepooling Adventures,’ where you can visit Dike Rock, just north of the Scripps Pier, and learn about this amazing environment.  A trained naturalist will explain exactly how all these creatures can survive in such contradictory climates (wet and dry in both salt water and fresh, depending on the rainfall).  You must be at least 2 years old for this tour and pre-purchased tickets are required ($12 for Aquarium members and $15 for non-member). 

All visits should be planned during low tide, and you can track the tide schedule HERE.  Tide pools are known for being slippery and the rocks can have very jagged edges, so non-slip shoes that you won’t mind getting wet are ideal.  Always face the ocean when walking and examining so you are aware of unexpected and approaching waves.  

Remember, tide pools are a very fragile eco-system, and while they provide fascinating entertainment for us, we must be careful not to get too close to the animals living there.  These areas are protected so no poking or picking up sea creatures, or taking ‘souvenirs’ (this includes  shells, which are where hermits crabs call ‘home’) with you.  You can truly observe these eco-systems in their most pure state when observing and not touching.  We want these pools to last forever so we need to make sure we tread lightly when visiting.

Looking closely into the clear waters on these rocky reefs is like spying on life forms on another planet.  The San Diego coastline is brimming with these pools that can captivate both adults and children.  Spend a fews days with us, at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, exploring these dazzling and delicate ecosystems.