Visit us at the Tidepools

Visit us at the Tidepools

The Laguna Ocean Foundation provides education at 8 different tidepool locations across Laguna Beach. We encourage you to learn more about the tidepools, Marine Protected Area rules, and how to safely.

What is a Tidepool?
Tidepools are technically pools of water left behind in the rocks when the water recedes during low tide. However, tidepools typically refer to the entire rocky area in the intertidal zone which are submerged during high tide and exposed during low tide. Tidepools are home to many species of animals, seaweeds, and plants. The organisms that live in this habitat are very resilient because of the stress they have to go through on a daily basis due to tidal change and the threat of desiccation (drying out), but humans can cause irreversible harm if we are not careful where we step and how we act in the area.
See it
Each visit to the tidepools is different. You never know what the tides will bring in or wash away. Come see for yourself!
Explore it
Take a walk around the tidepools and find your favorite spot. Sit still for a few minutes and watch the tidepool come to life. You may be surprised by what was hiding from you!
Learn it
Talk with one of our Biologists or Tidewater Docents to learn about the different species you may see. They’ll tell you all about the “good tidepooler” rules and how to safely explore.

Tidepool locations

Information about each tidepool location where Laguna Ocean Foundation provides free education is listed below. GPS coordinates are provided for the exact tidepool location, but we’ve also provided an interactive map showcasing all locations.

A tidepool accessibility level is also listed to provide a general guideline for what to expect.

Beginner

Relatively flat surface with limited balance and coordination needed to access tidepools.

Moderate
Flat surfaces, but may need to walk, balance, or stand on uneven surfaces to access tidepools.

Advanced

Uneven surfaces with limited flat spaces to stand; may need to jump over crevasse to access tidepools.
The conditions at the tidepools are always changing. Therefore, we recommend checking in with a lifeguard upon your arrival to make sure the tidepools and rocks are open for exploration. Each site and each experience is different than the last. Please use your best judgement when accessing the tidepools. The above accessibility levels are general guidelines, but you know your own comfort level and what you’re capable of. Please do not put yourself in a dangerous, uncomfortable, or harmful situation when exploring the tidepools.

Crescent Bay (North and South)

Crescent Bay is known for its abundant marine life, including bat, ochre, and brittle stars, anemones, shore and hermit crabs, chitons, limpets, mussels, and barnacles. Occasionally, octopuses or spiny lobsters may be spotted. The area is also frequented by osprey, with occasional sightings of dolphins, seals, and sea lions.

Access Point: Stairs at corner of Circle Way or ramp at Cliff Dr. & Circle Way intersection

Tide Level: North 2’ or lower / South 2.5’ or lower
Tidepool Accessibility: North: Advanced / South: Moderate

Goff Island

Goff Island is known for great snorkeling and scuba diving thanks to the protection from the rocks. While the tidepools may not be as abundant with life like it’s partnering tidepool location, Treasure Island, you may still see anemones, urchins, sea stars, opaleye, and sculpin. If you’re extra lucky, one of the resident harbor seals may be sunbathing nearby. If so, please remember to stay back at least 150ft.

Access Point: From ramp at the end of Treasure Island Park trail

Tide Level: 2.5’ or lower
Tidepool Accessibility: Moderate

Heisler Park

Heisler Park is a popular spot for nudibranch hunting and is known for its diverse marine life, including chitons, Christmas tree worms, anemones, California sea hares (seasonally), hermit crabs, and shore crabs. Spiny lobsters and octopuses are occasionally seen, as well as nudibranchs and navanax. The nearby Bird Rock attracts many gulls, cormorants, and other shorebirds. Seals, sea lions, dolphins, and occasionally whales are also spotted in the area.

Access Point: Stairs in front of Las Brisas or walk along Main Beach

Tide Level: 2.5’ or lower
Tidepool Accessibility: Beginner

Shaws Cove (North and South)

Shaws Cove is known for some great rocky structures and deep crevices for octopus hiding spots. Shaws south is an easy to access, flat mussel bed that can be a good place to find sea stars during low tide and watch various shore birds as they feed in the mussel beds. There are also many species of anemones that can be found at both north and south locations.

Access Point: Stairs at Fairview St. & Cliff Dr.

Tide Level: 2.5’ or lower
Tidepool Accessibility: North: Moderate to Advanced / South: Beginner to Moderate

Treasure Island

Treasure Island is home to a variety of marine life, including garibaldi, ochre sea stars, purple urchins, octopuses, shore and hermit crabs, wavy turban snails, and Norris’ top snails. Large mussel beds support various barnacles, as well. Seals are commonly visible from the island, and leopard sharks are frequently seen at the nearby beach.

Access Point: Stairs or ramp along Treasure Island Park trail

Tide Level: 2.5’ or lower
Tidepool Accessibility: Beginner

Wood’s Cove

Woods Cove has easy beach access via stairs and is a popular spot for swimmers, snorkelers, and SCUBA divers. The rocky tidepools aren’t as accessible and they occupy a smaller area, but you may find some urchins and anemones during a low tide.

Access Point: Diamond St. or Pearl St.

Tide Level: 2’ or lower
Tidepool Accessibility: North: Advanced

Navigate to another tidepool section

How To Tidepool
What to See
Marine Protected Areas