$20 members | $25 general public
Explore a local tide pool alongside a Birch Aquarium educator and learn about the fascinating animals that call this ever-changing environment home. Discover why tide pools are vital to our coastal ecosystems and learn ways you can help protect these unique habitats and the animals that depend on them. Advanced reservations are required. Participants must be at least 6 years old, and all ticketed minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
We also encourage you to download the iNaturalist app and create an account before your Tidepooling Adventure! With this app, you can help document and identify the wildlife you encounter in our tidepools. Every observation you make contributes to a crowdsourced species identification system, helping to build a valuable database that advances scientific research and supports conservation efforts.
Tidepooling Tips
Tidepooling is an incredible way to explore the outdoors. However, it’s important that we do so respectfully to protect our local species. We love the excitement of discovering marine life, but we also have a responsibility to care for the creatures that call these habitats home.
If you’re planning to check out the amazing critters of the intertidal zone, please explore with care. Review our Tidepooling Tips and share them with others to help spread the word about responsible tidepooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What experiences await on a Tidepooling Adventure?
During this 90-minute experience, Birch Aquarium naturalists will lead you to some of our favorite tidepooling locations where you’ll discover local wildlife, learn the skills of responsible tidepoolers and explore the unique features of the California coast.
Participants of Tidepooling Adventures are encouraged to download and sign-up for iNaturalist to help identify organisms during the program.
- What wildlife might we see?
While wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, guests might spot sea stars, hermit crabs, sea anemones, limpets and snails hiding among the rocks. Look closely for small fish, sea hares or even an octopus! Each tide brings something new, so every visit is a chance for a fresh discovery.
- What is iNaturalist and why is it suggested?
iNaturalist is a free platform that can be used to record observations of plants and animals in natural habitats to contribute to a global dataset of biodiversity information used for both science and conservation. Based on the photos you take and upload, the iNaturalist Artificial Intelligence will suggest possible identifications that are then confirmed by the iNaturalist community.
Here's how to get started before your Tidepooling Adventure:
- Download the free iNaturalist app from the Apple or Google Play store
- Create an account using an email address, username, and password
Birch Aquarium educators will guide you through "making an observation" during your program.
For additional information please visit iNaturalist.org
- Meeting Location and Parking Information
Scripps Beach Information
Meeting Location
- You will meet our educators at the entrance gate to the Scripps Pier on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The official address of the pier is 8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Parking
- Street parking is available between 8591–8611 La Jolla Shores Drive, but be sure to check for time restrictions to avoid a ticket.
- On weekends and holidays, paid public parking is also available on the Scripps Campus in Lots P002 and P003 (8600 Kennel Way). Parking permits can be purchased in Lot P003.
False Point Information
Meeting Location
- You will meet our educators at the top of the stairs that lead down to the tidepools. The street address of the meeting location is 398 Sea Ridge Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Parking
- Street parking is available near the meeting location. Please remember to be courteous to the residents of this neighborhood.
- Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies
Per our policy, cancellations or rescheduling must be made at least one week in advance. No refunds are provided for changes or no-shows within one week. To cancel/reschedule your program place, contact birchaquariumprogram@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-7336.
- What should I wear?
Dress in layers appropriate for weather, wear clothing that can get wet, and wear shoes with good tread. Water shoes are highly encouraged.
- What do I need to bring?
Birch Aquarium educators will check in participant groups using the ticket emailed at booking, which includes the order number, program details, ticket holder, purchaser and group size. Please submit the digital waiver at least 24 hours in advance and be prepared to show your confirmation email at check-in.
- What is the minimum age to participate?
All participants must be at least 6 years old on the day of the program. Minors (ages 6–17) require a ticket and must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Children under 6, including infants and toddlers, will not be able to participate in the guided tidepooling experience.
- Tidepool Accessibility
Tidepooling Adventures take place on uneven, rocky terrain that can be slippery and challenging to navigate. Participants should be comfortable walking on natural surfaces and navigating small inclines. While the tidepools themselves are not wheelchair accessible, Birch Aquarium staff can help guests determine if this experience is a good fit and suggest other accessible ways to explore local marine life.
- Weather Cancellation Policy
Tidepooling Adventures take place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, our scheduling team will contact you to reschedule or offer a refund. If you're unsure whether your program is canceled, please email birchaquariumprogram@ucsd.edu or call (858) 534-7336.