One of our favorite outdoor activities is rockpooling! If you’ve never heard of it, it’s possibly because you may not live by the coast as it is a coastal activity, even then, not every beach has rockpools. Exploring rockpools to look for fascinating marine life is a great adventure for the young and young-at-heart. Each rockpool is a microcosm of life, filled with tiny dramas and vibrant creatures. You’ll be amazed at the variety of life that can be found living in these glorified puddles.
To help you on your rockpooling explorations, grab our free rockpool guide at the bottom of the page.
Age range:
Outdoor activities are great for every age, however rockpools/rocks are very uneven and slippery terrain. Our sure footed 3 year old manages fine but our 18 month old does not, however very much enjoys rockpooling in her baby carrier (worn by a sure footed adult) getting to come out of the carrier when we find a particularly good rockpool.
Rockpools come in all depths and sizes, so it is important to always be vigilant around rockpools where the bottom is not visible. Continual water erosion on rocks over time can make very deep pools in some cases, however most are usually quite shallow.
Where and when to go:
Rockpools are dotted about on the coast line, pools of seawater left behind among the rocks when the tide goes out, leaving behind miniature ecosystems teeming with life. To find rockpools, it is best to ask around as some coastlines are sand only and therefore will not have any rockpools, whereas some coastlines may have rockpools but may be inaccessible. Hotspots for rockpools are usually well known so it shouldn’t take too long to find somewhere once you start asking around.
Once you find a rockpooling location, you then need to check the tides, do this by asking google, there are various websites that track tides. You can’t go rockpooling at high tide because all the rocks will be submerged so it is best to go either at low tide or as the tide is on its’ way out.
Once you are there, be mindful of the tide as the water can come in quickly. Make sure you can always see your route off the beach and be mindful that it does not become submerged under water as the tide comes in.
What to take:
Outdoor activities require appropriate clothing to match the weather, in addition to this, the following is recommended:
Sturdy footwear – rocks can be slippery and covered in seaweed. Wellies or waterproof sandals for little ones are ideal as they may want to (or accidentally) dip their toes into pools.
Container and Net – can be useful for catching creatures gently for closer observation before returning them to their habitat.
Guidebook – a marine life identification guide can help you recognize the creatures you find and give you hints on what to look for. Download our free rockpool guide here (for use on UK coastlines).
Stick – we find that having a stick to move seaweed out of the way comes in handy.
Waterproof jacket – coastline weather is changeable and can often be a lot more windy than inland.
Snacks and Drinks – Exploring rockpools can be surprisingly absorbing, so pack some refreshments to keep your energy up.
What to look out for:
Crabs of all shapes and sizes.
Starfish
Sea Anemones, open and closed.
Small fish
Shellfish
Shrimp
Seaweed
Rockpooling Etiquette
- While rockpooling is a fun activity, it is important to practice good etiquette to protect these fragile ecosystems.
- Be mindful of where you step, stepping on delicate creatures or plants can cause harm.
- If you pick up creatures for a closer look, be gentle, avoid removing them from the water for too long and always return them to the same spot.
- Take any litter home with you.
- Always check the tide times and make sure you don’t get caught out by the rising tide.
For families, rockpooling is an excellent way to introduce children to the wonders of marine biology. It fosters a sense of curiosity and respect for the natural world that can last a lifetime. Moreover, it’s an activity that requires no screens, no special skills, just a sense of adventure and a willingness to explore. Happy rockpooling!
