The Tide Pool Animals of Malibu, California in Photos
I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a beach person. Don’t get me wrong, I love the ocean, but laying on the beach all day has never really interested me. I much prefer exploration to relaxation on any of my travels. But I don’t let that keep me from visiting beach destinations. In my past travels, I have learned that there are often many other diversions besides sleeping in the sun at beaches.
When researching Malibu, California, one theme kept coming up – go to the beach. Sun, sand, and the added bonus of potential celebrity sitings seem to be the lure for these beaches. But while Malibu may be known more for its glamorous beaches, it is also home to some of the best tide pools in Southern California, harboring all kinds of animals and begging to be explored.
When I visited Malibu, I skipped the high-class beaches and headed straight for Matador, a public beach interspersed with large rocky outcroppings, creating excellent habitats for tide pools and the animals that live in them. In this photo essay, I’ve selected some of my favorite animal shots from my tide pool exploration.
Mussels clinging tenuously to the wave-smoothed rocks.
A cormorant soaks up some sun after a dive in the Pacific Ocean.
A starfish hugs some of the only available real estate on a mussel-encrusted rock.
The same starfish, up close.
Mussels compete for space on the rocks in the tidal zone.
A hermit crab dashes across a shallow, sandy basin in a rock.
A shallow tide pool teeming with animals who all hide when I approach with my camera.
A harbor seal watches the action on the beach from just offshore, in and amongst the kelp.
To me, exploring the tide pools and seeking out the animals that inhabit them is one of my ideal ways to spend a day along the coast. I’m fascinated by the animals and plant life that call these areas home, and the rocks that form tide pools often contribute to some of the most beautiful and dramatic stretches of coastline – creating a perfect day at the beach for me.
Have you ever explored tide pools? What kinds of animals did you see?
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16 Responses to The Tide Pool Animals of Malibu, California in Photos
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Congratulation Great shoot!!! Confirm in full, the beach of Malibu is one of the most beautiful in the world you can see many species of animals and plants. A advice, if you have someone dear go there at sunset, will be beautiful.
Gail recently posted..What you should know about Cuba
Have you seen it at sunset?
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10101635777929794&set=a.10100636688532954.3265152.8306465&type=3&theater
have not been at sunset – I can only imagine how beautiful it could be.
Mmmm…the things I could do with those mussels at my restaurant…
Annette | Bucket List Journey recently posted..A Proper British Afternoon Tea in London
And these are only the small ones! I saw mussels bigger than any I’ve ever seen before – the size of nerf footballs. I’m not well versed in culinary matters – do you know why you never see mussels that big at restaurants? I’m presuming they’re protected here, but I imagine they could grow them that large elsewhere.
I am not a beach person but could easily spend a morning here. Like you though, with the camera. Sometimes we find ideal photo subjects in the most unusual places.
Natalie recently posted..The Basilica Cistern of Istanbul and the Heads of Medusa
Agreed. It was a great new light to see the beach in.
I never really thought to examine tidal pools for wildlife. Great shots.
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Quirky Attraction: Ocean Beach Pier Cafe in San Diego
Thanks Scott. As a landlocked Coloradoan, I’m fascinated by places like this.
Exploring tide pools is on my bucket list, and I can’t believe I was in LA and didn’t know Malibu had tide pools. Beautiful photos.
Ayelet – All Colores recently posted..On the Way to Jerusalem’s Ice Festival: A Slight Error in Direction
There are plenty of places in California to explore tide pools, so if you ever get back make sure to check them out. Some of my favorites are actually in San Diego county.
Love the photo of the mussels across the rock, and also the close up of the starfish. Have to say.. the thought of Moules Marinere sprang rather too quickly to mind
Laurence recently posted..In photos: Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
I’m sure these mussels are protected, but it’s hard not to think about the delicious critters inside and how easy it would be to collect them for an amazing meal.
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what is the best time to go. My daughter loves to explore and i need to walk asi am tranning for the Avon 2 Day Breast Caner Walk. so maybe we can do both.
I was there in the late morning and there was plenty to see then. Obviously you want to avoid high tide when the ocean will be in. Check the latest tide charts for that info.