There are numerous Bay Area tide pools along the coast of Half Moon Bay and the surrounding area. Tide pools are rocky pools of salt water that are often created only at low tide, where you can view thousands of species of exotic marine life, wildlife, fauna, and flora.
Northern California tide pools are exceptionally abundant due to the rocky nature of the shoreline. They are an opportunity to see some majestic creatures in the wild that are often only available in large scale aquariums.
Tidepooling
Tidepooling is visiting a rocky inter-tidal zone along a coastline where the ocean meets the land during high tides so that the area is covered in sea water. During low tides, the water recedes revealing fascinating sea creatures and seaweed which have specifically adapted themselves to the inter-tidal zone. These tide pools form a microcosm of life, hosting an incredible diversity of sea creatures such as limpets, mussels, young crustaceans like crabs, sea anemones, starfish, barnacles, urchins, sea cucumbers, and chitons.Other Marine Life
You’ll find a wealth of other marine life around Half Moon Bay and Coastside tidepools . There are a variety of sea birds, many of whom travel up and down the coast, some nesting on the Farallon Islands 26 miles off of San Francisco. Keep your eye out for seals, whales, and dolphins; it’s a favorite spot in Northern California to see these beautiful creatures up close.Tidepooling Etiquette
When visiting tide pools, the first thing to remember is to make sure that the whole family protects the animals in the tide pools.- Many of these organisms will die if exposed to prolonged sunlight, so always put them back where you found them.
- Never try to pry organisms off the rocks, this can hurt or kill them.
- Please don’t collect sea life, even sea shells, from these Half Moon Bay Coastside tide pools.
- Finally, watch your step to avoid crushing the animals that call these tide pools their home.
These Bay Area tide pools also offer magnificent views and natural sandy beaches to compliment your visit. Most California tide pools are protected to ensure future preservation, take only pictures, leave only footprints. Please do not collect sea life, even sea shells, from these Bay Area tide pools.
