The Magic of Rockpools & Tidal Pools
Rockpools form between the high tide and low tide line along the rocky sections of beaches. Every high tide they are flushed with fresh ocean water, leaving them clean and renewed by the time low tide comes around. Tidal pools are human-made versions of rockpools and are often much larger than most natural rockpools. While I love diving out in the open ocean, there is a unique magic to snorkelling and even diving in rock and tidal pools.
My favourite rockpools and tidal pools to snorkel & dive and where to find them:
St James Tidal Pool
St James tidal pool is an iconic stop along the False Bay coast. From its rainbow beach huts, to the beautiful murals painted on the walls, St James is a little slice of colourful beachy heaven. And the colours don’t end with the huts, the tidal pool is full of life! From charismatic octopuses, cuttlefish, and even shysharks, to sea stars, nudibranchs and spiky sea urchins. St James really has it all! The pool is just less than two metres deep at its deepest point making it the perfect place to introduce children or those who are a bit uncertain in the ocean to the ocean’s wonders. Throughout the summer, local non-profit, I AM WATER, introduces children from low-income communities to the ocean through snorkel workshops that are hosted at St James so it is a hive of activity!
Gouritsmond Rockpools
Hidden in the Garden Route is a secret gem: Gouritsmond. This small town is unique in that it is bordered on one side by the Gourits River, another side by the ocean, and on the other side by beautiful farm and reserve land. Along the coast of this town is a dust road dotted with some of the best rockpools I’ve ever explored! A combination of the town being quite small and hard to get to as well as the dust road being a bit intimidating for smaller cars, has left these rock pools for the most part, untouched. They are teeming with life and it is rare to not have the place to yourself. The rockpools here always make me feel like I could really see anything when I enter them. The view from the rocks is also stunning! Looking out over the Agulhas Current, you see whales, super pods of dolphins and orcas if you’re really lucky.
Dalebrook Tidal Pool
Dalebrook tidal pool in Kalk Bay has become a hotspot for cold water swimmers. Stop by anytime between sunrise and 8am and you will find the pool full of dedicated swimmers getting their cold water fix before work. What many of those cold water swimmers don’t know is that you can see some truly marvellous things in Dalebrook tidal pool! The pool itself has some really interesting rocky structures that provide a perfect place for small animals to live. You’ll find the usual suspects: octopuses, cuttlefish, sea stars, sea urchins, nudibranchs, sea hares and a wide array of algae, but you can also find some more rare and unexpected animals that have been washed in on the high tide. I’ve stumbled upon sea swallows, shy sharks, and even eagle rays that have washed into the pool on the high tide and are patiently waiting for the tide to come back in so they can return to the ocean.
De Hoop Nature Reserve Rockpools
De Hoop Nature Reserve is nestled along the Agulhas Current just three hours away from Cape Town, but it feels like it's in another world entirely! The reserve has long stretches of beach that make you feel like you are the only person in the world and along those long stretches of beach are patches of the most beautiful rockpools. Some deep, some inside caves, some that form networks with neighbouring pools. It really is like entering into a different reality, where things are just a bit more magical. If there is one place you should try to get to on this list, it's De Hoop. There are a few different places you can stay in the reserve. Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is a luxury option, but it sits on a cliff just above the sea and boasts absolutely unmatched views. De Hoop Collection has a range of options from camping, to cottages and suites.
Tips for snorkelling and diving in rockpools and tidal pools:
Watch where you step. There may be sea urchins underfoot and there is nothing worse than a sea urchin spine in your foot!
Take your time. The more time you spend in a certain pool the better you get to know the nooks and crannies and the residential animals of the pool.
Bring warm layers to change into afterwards to warm up quickly… you may get so wrapped up in exploring that you don’t realise how cold you are.
Plan your trip for low tide. Rockpools and tidal pools are at their best for snorkelling and diving when the tide is low and there are no waves coming in.
Bring a buddy. Mostly for safety, it is important to always have a buddy when exploring the ocean, but also to share in the experience with!
Rockpools and tidal pools are such a great way to get into snorkelling. They are a container for safe, exciting ocean adventures that can really change one’s perspective on the smaller things you can find in the ocean. I will always be an advocate for rockpools. They are just the BEST!
