Shelter Cove Tide Pools
Additional Information
Looking for a fun and educational activity to enjoy with your kids in Shelter Cove? Look no further than the tide pools! These fascinating natural wonders are full of unique creatures just waiting to be discovered. And the best part? Even adults can't resist the excitement of spotting a new species!
To access the tide pools, head to the stairs by the lighthouse and check the tide tables to ensure you're visiting during low tide. Tides change four times per day, so it's important to plan your visit accordingly.
So come on down and explore the tide pools with your family. Who knows what fascinating creatures you'll discover!
Top Tips for Exploring Shelter Cove Tide Pools
Top Tips
- Timing is everything: Check the tide tables before heading out to the tide pools. You'll want to visit during low tide when the pools are exposed and the creatures are easily visible. You can find tide tables online or at the local visitor center.
- Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes with good traction as the rocks in the tide pools can be slippery. It's also a good idea to wear layers and bring sunscreen and a hat as the area can be exposed to sun and wind.
- Respect the creatures: The creatures in the tide pools are living organisms and should be treated with care and respect. Don't touch or disturb them, and never remove anything from the tide pools. It's also important to watch your step and avoid stepping on the creatures or damaging their habitats.
- Bring a guidebook or app: There are many species of plants and animals in the tide pools, and it can be helpful to have a guidebook or app to help identify them. Some popular options include the "Pacific Intertidal Life" app or the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest."
- Explore with a group: Exploring the tide pools with a group can be a fun and educational experience. Kids especially love discovering new creatures and learning about their habitats.
- Stay safe: Be aware of your surroundings and watch for incoming waves. The tide can come in quickly and unexpectedly, so make sure to stay in a safe area and keep an eye on the water.
With these tips in mind, you're sure to have a fun and safe experience exploring the Shelter Cove tide pools. Don't forget to bring your sense of wonder and curiosity as you discover the amazing creatures that call this area home!
Plant and Animal Guide
Sea Urchins
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Sea Urchins
Description – Sea urchins are very unique animals in that their bodies are covered with spines. The spines serve multiple purposes including protection, feeding and making a home. Urchins have a hard outer shell called a teste. Spines are attached to the test along with tube feet. Urchins like sea stars have many tube feet that they use for feeding and moving. The spines are different lengths. Contrary to popular believe, they do not have an venom in the spines.
Sea Star
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Sea Urchins
This is the most common sea star in the tide pool environment. These sea stars appear in a variety of colors including orange, browns and purple. They live in the lower inter tidal zone and almost always found near mussel and barnacle beds. They may appear higher in the tidal zone wedged inside cracks and nooks where they can preserve moisture and stay cool. When the tide is high they will start moving around looking for food. It has been estimated that an adult Ochre sea star will eat about 80 mussels in a year. Adults are usually between 8-12 inches but larger specimens can be found.
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Probably the most common larger snail found in tide pools. The shells are typically about ½ - 1 inch in diameter. The lower part of the shell is black and the top part of the shell is a light brown or white color. They feed primarily on algae and found in the mid inter tidal zone.
Anemones
Anemones
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Solitary Anemones are the most common non-aggregating anemones. The colors range from bright green, to pale green and even grayish and yellow. When under water, the tentacles are exposed and visible. When the anemone is exposed to air or disturbed, they will close up and sometimes have lots of small bits of shell and other objects attached to the body. ( other names: Sunburst Anemone, Starburst Anemone )
Crabs
Anemones
Crabs
These are the most commonly seen crabs in tidepools. They have a dark red and greenish colored shell with legs that have white patches. Shore crabs are very good at detecting predators and are usually seen scurrying away at the first sign of movement. They will hide in small cracks and under rocks. Shore crabs are typically one to two inches wide with larger specimens seen on occasion.
