If you see a tide chart say -1 or lower, that’s the best time to go. However, you’re looking for negative tides or tides close to 0. It will show tides measured in feet relative to the average water level. All you need to do is check the San Diego tide pools chart.
Knowing when to go tide pooling in San Diego or anywhere else is easy. The lower the tides, the more California tide pool animals, including chitons, sea urchins, sea stars, and small fish, you’ll see.
Even in the highest areas here you’ll start to see snails, crabs, and a few anemones. The pools that form here during low tide are what most people are thinking of when they refer to tide pools. The subtidal zone is always covered with water where there are there are bottom-dwelling invertebrates and bigger fish.įor the sake of this article, we’ll focus on the intertidal zone. These animals are nourished by splashes of water and can tolerate salt from evaporated water. The splash zone is where few animals like chitons live because the tides rarely reach them. There are three tide pool depths that are broken down into zones that are each important to the ecosystem: the splash zone, the intertidal zone, and the subtidal zone. Tide pools are pockets of water found in rocky parts of the coast where the ocean meets the sand. Tide pools form when water gets trapped during low tides, creating small pools that provide a habitat for marine life. Learn a little bit more about what they are and why you’ll see. Frequently Asked Questions About Tide Pools in San Diegoįun Facts to Enhance Your San Diego Tide Pool Visit.Things to Know Before You Go Tide Pooling.Fun Facts to Enhance Your San Diego Tide Pool Visit.