Explore La Jolla’s Tidepools: Wildlife Adventure with a Marine Biologist
Step into a living aquarium beneath your feet on this 90-minute, marine biologist-led tidepool tour along the scenic La Jolla coast. As the ocean's edge recedes, you’ll explore rocky pools teeming with life — sea slugs, crabs, anemones, lobsters, and, if you’re lucky, an octopus hiding amongst the waterweeds.
Learn how these resilient creatures adapt to life where ocean meets land, and gain a deeper understanding of the delicate ecosystems that make La Jolla world-famous.
‣ Perfect for: families, photographers, animal lovers, and ocean enthusiasts
‣ Duration: ~90 minutes
‣ Location: La Jolla (tide-dependent schedule)
‣ Difficulty: easy to moderate; wet rock surfaces expected
‣ Required gear: closed-toe shoes (no sandals or Crocs)
‣ Private tours available on request
A must-do coastal adventure for anyone who loves the ocean — equal parts science, wonder, and discovery.
In all my years in San Diego, I had only HEARD about the nudibranchs that live in the tide pools; never had I actually SEEN them. Well, thanks to Cypress, I got to see quite a variety of them, and even learned to spot them on my own! I've been on several eco tours in the US and abroad, and Cypress is hands down the most passionate and knowledgeable of the guides I've had. She effortlessly fielded every question we threw her way. - Dan. A
My dad and I enjoyed our tidepool tour with Cypress this past week! We were given the option of having a private or public tour, and both rates were very reasonable. I learned a lot on this tour and would have missed so much wildlife if I'd gone out on my own. Cypress was passionate about the wildlife and educating us on the habitats we were exploring, and I highly recommend her tour! I hope to go on a tour with her again when visiting San Diego in the future. - Brianna B.
Read how North Star Naturalist practices responsible ecotourism in the tidepools:
Responsible Tidepooling in California: How to Explore the Intertidal Zone with Care and Integrity
