Experience “King Tide” Tidepooling Adventures With Birch Aquarium

From octopuses to sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea anemones, there is no shortage of life in San Diego’s tide pools.

This fall, King Tides return to California, and Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego offers two unique ways to experience this annual phenomenon. Join a Birch Aquarium Educator for a guided Tidepooling Adventure to learn about the interplay of high and low tides on the coastal ecosystem or view the dramatic changes from the aquarium’s overlooks. 

During the 90-minute outing, discover incredible animals that live in the intertidal zone, the rocky area that is exposed during low tide. You’ll learn to safely navigate slippery rocks and spot the most elusive creatures in this rugged environment.

“Winter is the ideal time for exploring tide pools,” said Cari Paulenich, who leads outdoor programming for Birch Aquarium. “Tidepooling is a great outdoor activity that allows us to observe amazing animals in their homes.”

Our local tide pools are home to an amazing variety of animals, including snails, mussels, urchins, sea stars, small fish, and octopus.

What is a “King Tide”?

The term “King Tide” is a phrase that refers to the highest tides and lowest tides of the year. Though not a scientific term, it’s a common way to describe these tidal events, which are usually one-to-two feet above average than the rest of the year.

King Tides happen when both the sun and moon are at their closest to the Earth so the stronger gravitational pull produces exceptionally high and low tides. The change can be dramatic, with seawater reaching areas it normally doesn’t and flooding places that are otherwise above the waterline.

Birch Aquarium’s Tide Pool Plaza and Blue Beach both offer excellent vantage points to view the King Tide at its peaks! 

During the low period of King Tides, water levels also drop more dramatically than average. Usually-hidden habitats are revealed along with all of the native species who call these dynamic habitats home. Southern California tide pools are home to a wide variety of species from anemones and urchins to fish, crabs and lobsters, to sea slugs and even octopuses! 

“Tidepooling during King Tides allows humans to explore typically inaccessible habitats that are teeming with life and are critical to our coastal ecosystems,” said Matthew Arrollado, Public Programs Coordinator. “It’s important to be a conscientious explorer when tidepooling and to take only pictures and leave only footprints!”

See you there!

Join a Birch Aquarium Educator for Tidepooling Adventures to explore our local tide pools. During a 90-minute outing, guests will responsibly explore this sensitive habitat while learning how to safely navigate slippery rocks and spot the most elusive creatures. Discover the incredible species that live in the intertidal zone as well as the adaptations that make them uniquely fit for this rugged environment. 

Tickets for Tidepooling Adventures are on sale now.

Participants must be at least 3 years old and minors must be accompanied by a paid adult. Tidepooling Adventures are $17 for aquarium members, $20 for non-members as part of an Outdoor Adventure Bundle or $25 for standalone tickets. 

See you there, San Diego!