Tidepooling- what to see at low tide

Question

I recently have seen photos on Facebook of a lot of sea stars at Homer but it was during a massive negative tide. What can we expect when we are there? (the lowest tide will be -.83ft). Is it necessary to wear waterproof footwear? Best places to go? TIA

Answer

Tidepooling in Homer can be a fantastic experience, especially when the tides are low. While the extreme negative tides of around -2 to -3 feet often reveal the most abundant sea life, a tide of -0.83 ft will still allow you to see some intertidal creatures, though perhaps not in as great numbers as during a massive negative tide.

Here’s what you can generally expect and how to prepare:

During a low tide like -0.83 ft, you may see sea stars, anemones, barnacles, mussels, and small crabs in the exposed rocky areas, though larger tidepools may still hold water and some sea life.
The best tidepooling is usually in the morning hours when the tide is lowest.
Waterproof or water-resistant footwear is strongly recommended. Some tidepools can be slippery, and there may be shallow pools that will get your feet wet if not wearing protective shoes.
Bring a small bucket or container if you want to observe small critters temporarily (always return them to their pools).

Some of the best areas to explore in Homer include:

Bishop’s Beach: Known for its sandy and rocky intertidal zones where tidepools are easily accessible.
Homer Spit: The western side of the spit has rocky areas where marine life concentrates.
Beluga Slough area: Less crowded and provides opportunities for spotting a variety of tidepool creatures.

Safety tips:

Watch your step—rocks can be slippery and covered in algae.
Check tide charts in advance to ensure you arrive at the lowest tide.
Bring a light jacket or layers, as coastal winds can make it chilly even in summer.

Even with a moderate low tide of -0.83 ft, you should have a rewarding tidepooling experience, and Homer offers some of the most accessible and scenic intertidal zones in Alaska.

Tidepooling- what to see at low tide

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