King tide season will arrive along the Pacific Coast soon. The California Coastal Commission recently announced December 4-5, 2025 and January 2-3, 2026 as dates to watch for the highest tides of the year within the Pacific Beach Coalition’s range (Daly City to Half Moon Bay). We’ll also see the lowest tides, which make for the perfect conditions to view marine life exposed by the receding swell.

The intertidal zone is an area where land and sea meet and is exposed and submerged during different parts of the tidal cycle. This zone contains a sensitive habitat and supports many different lifeforms not typically seen. Tide pools are an incredible habitat to explore, but we must visit with kindness and caution in order to prevent negative impacts on the marine life that call this zone home.

What’s a tide pool?

NOAA defines a tide pool as “an isolated pocket of seawater found in the ocean’s intertidal zone.” The pockets range from a few inches to a few feet deep.

What can you see in tide pools?

While tide pooling, you might see a variety of sea creatures such as sea stars, sea anemones, snails, crabs, urchins, mussels, and small fish. Some sea stars historically found in our area are highly threatened species and were nearly wiped out by a deadly disease. They’re slowly starting to make a comeback.

Tide pools are full of wonder, so we put together some tips for making your trip to the shoreline safe for both you and the sea creatures.

Before you go tide pooling:

1. Check a tide chart and plan accordingly. Each day there are two low tides and two high tides. WillyWeather Tides is a great resource. Look for values below one foot, but the best low tides are below zero (“minus tides”).
2. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes and clothes that can get wet. Rubber boots are preferred by many people.
3. Layer up and bring sunscreen. Coastal weather can be unpredictable so it’s better to be prepared for cold and warm temperatures and windy conditions.
4. Bring a change of socks and shoes. And maybe even a change of clothes for the drive home.

At the tide pools:

1. Walk, don’t run. Rocks can be slippery and unstable. Walking also applies less pressure on the plants and animals under your feet.
2. Watch where you’re walking and step on exposed rock or sand instead of a plant or animal when possible.
3. Keep your eye on the ocean. Never turn your back on the ocean as sneaker waves can be dangerous.
4. Observe the tide pool from its edge instead of getting inside the pool.
5. If you turn over rocks, do so gently. Always place the rock back where you found it. Many creatures live underneath and on top of the rocks, so be gentle and slow when handling.
6. The intertidal zone is a marine habitat, so get your hands wet with seawater before handling any creatures (to avoid transferring chemicals/oils on our hands). Some intertidal animals are very delicate, so always touch them gently.

Take only memories and photos. Do not remove, collect, or harvest any animals or plant life from the tide pools.

Many marine areas are protected, so taking anything from them is illegal. Always check local rules and regulations. Practice good leave-no-trace principles. If you want to collect something, consider collecting trash instead to protect the precious marine life you just viewed and then properly disposing of it when you get home. Thank you for being a responsible Earth Hero!