Tides regularly uncover and recover the edge of the ocean bottom, tempting us land-animals down to explore.

With the water drawn back, we can visit the ocean bottom to be dazzled by jewel-toned animals and plants, and we can marvel at their stories.

Begin your adventure here.

What would happen to you if you were glued to the rocks at low tide...when the tide came back in?

The reverse is the situation for these marine organisms: they are attached to the rocks or trapped in pools when the tide goes out. Deprived of the water that carries the oxygen and food they need, and that keeps them at the right temperature and salinity, these organisms face huge challenges.

Further, the edge of the shore is where the waves crash, pounding water at terrific force on the rocks and their residents.

Those challenges are generally met by a variety of ways: shape, structure, mechanics, chemistry, behavior, and partnerships can play roles in tidepool survival. The remarkable adaptations tidepool inhabitants use to survive are highlighted in the species pages of this website, along with other fascinating information.

Tidepool inhabitants’ remarkable adaptations don’t necessarily protect them from us, however, and our following good tidepool etiquette when we visit will help protect them.