See Stars and Sea Stars: Night Tidepooling (Winter Only!)
When the sun sets, San Diego’s shoreline reveals a secret world. Join North Star Naturalist for a 90-minute guided night tidepool tour under the glow of flashlights, blacklights, and moonlight. Among glistening rocks and seaweed, you’ll discover crabs, snails, lobsters, brittle stars, shrimp, and anemones—each adapted to life at the edge of land and sea.
This small-group, curiosity-driven experience invites you to slow down and look closer as the intertidal zone comes alive. With luck, you might spot nudibranchs, sea stars, or even an octopus!
‣ Perfect for: families, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and marine life lovers
‣ Duration: ~90 minutes
‣ Difficulty: moderate; requires steady footing and balance
‣ Time: after sunset (scheduled around low tides)
‣ Ages: 8 and up
‣ Required Gear: Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or Crocs) / Bring warm layers!
‣ Equipment Provided: flashlights / blacklights
A rare chance to explore San Diego’s coast after dark — intimate, educational, and unforgettable.
I live near these tide pools, walk along the beach often and I have looked at tide pools before. But Cypress opened a whole new window to this amazing area and all its "layers". I have never had a guide be so knowledgeable about so many areas of our natural world. Cypress did not just quote her knowledge to us. She got as involved and excited at seeing what the tide pools held as we did. She was so very prepared with "flash cards", first aid kit, an amazing camera, her knowledge and a strong hand to help us maneuver the sometimes slippery area. Not only was she prepared, she gave us the information ahead of time so I felt also prepared. Cypress was incredibly generous with her time, knowledge, interest, kindness and humor. - Annie J.
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
