Cabrillo National Monument tide pools: exposed only at rare low tides

The tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument are located at the monument's western shoreline and are exposed only during very low tides, making opportunities to view intertidal species infrequent and time-sensitive. Access requires descending a steep trail from the monument area and conditions or closures for safety and habitat protection sometimes restrict entry. The pools contain a diversity of marine invertebrates and algae that are not visible at higher tides.