Night Tide Pooling Made Easy with These 3 Tips

Night tide Pooling can open our eyes to new sea creatures and connect us more with the ocean. Many venture to tide pools during the day, preferably during a low tide. However, there is a whole other world to explore once the sun sets. To plan for the best evening tide pooling trip, continue reading for 3 useful tips.

1. Be safe. Safety should be a top priority when night tide pooling. When tide pooling, safety applies to both the participants and the animals.
   • Wear practical non-slip, waterproof shoes. Tide pools can get slippery, and at night, visibility can be particularly difficult. To avoid any falls and mishaps, wear something comfortable and functional.
   • Always bring a friend or a group. In the event of an emergency, having others with you will be a powerful safety tool. And, to top it off, you’ll have a companion(s) to share a fun trip together.
   • Make sure the beach you choose is open at night. Always check ahead of time if the location has any specific hours or regulations.
   • Only use 1 or 2 fingers when touching marine life. If you are ever unsure whether an animal is toxic or dangerous, do your research. And, always be gentle when interacting with marine life. Bringing a local field guide can be useful when researching species.
   • Bring a waterproof flashlight. Use this light responsibly, and make sure to be respectful of all marine life, especially those who may be sensitive to light. This flashlight should primarily be for navigating safely. And, try to bring a waterproof light just in case it gets wet.
2. Look closely. Tide pools radiate with life. No matter the time of day. If a tide pool ever looks quiet, there is likely a lot going on under the surface undetected. Take a few moments to just observe, and you may find surprising discoveries. If you do need to get a better look, please avoid moving rocks and seaweed or seagrasses. Some common nocturnal species include lobsters, octopuses, and eels. For additional creatures you may encounter night tide pooling, read over this resource.
3. Leave everything as you found it. To ensure others can enjoy these natural spaces, please leave the tide pools just as you found them. This ecosystem is home to numerous species, and it is our responsibility to treat them all with respect and care. If possible, please pick up trash, such as plastics, you may find. Bringing along a trash bag, gloves, and some sanitizer may be helpful if you do intend to do any beach cleaning.

Regardless of the time of day you go, always prepare ahead and have fun. For even more night tide pooling tips, read this article as well.