Rewards for Your Efforts
Many divers head to Indonesia, but not too many will make it out to Spice Islands because it is simply too remote. If you get a chance to dive there, you are rewarded for your efforts with amazing sights like this.
Clear Water
Looking up from the reef and seeing the boat and the clouds in the sky through the water. Visibility like this is uncommon in California, but it's what you expect when you go diving in the tropical waters.
Close-Up!
A close-up shot of the underside of a sea star. What looks like a small sea star in the center is the mouth with the reddish orange ambulacral groove extending from it. You can see the five-point radial symmetry without seeing the arms.
Tidepooling Trip with Ocean Safari
As the ocean tides go out, the rocky shores become exposed and trapped sea water form “tidepools.” When the tides rise again, the entire area becomes submerged and the tidepools become hidden. Numerous animals are adapted to live in constantly changing water levels of the intertidal zone, many of which cannot be encountered at depths where divers explore. You will have a guided, tidepooling and beachcombing experience to help you discover numerous organisms that cling, crawl, camouflage, and burrow in the tidepools. We will also discuss beach safety and entry and exit strategies for exploring further into the ocean (if and when you go snorkeling or scuba diving). A light healthy breakfast is also included with this one-of-a-kind outing!
When:
Saturday, August 12
Meet at Ocean Safari 5:15 am (Carpool can be arranged)
Low Tide: 6:46am
Depart Tidepools 10am
Back at Ocean Safari 11am
Objectives:
Identify the marine creatures that become visible at low tide
Discover all the nooks and crannies where organisms hide
Find and discuss edible seaweeds
Learn about the ecological factors that make tidepools unique
Analyze the beach for safe entry and exit
Start the day off fresh! Visit the ocean, gain knowledge, and enjoy healthy breakfast!
We Provide:
A fun, educational trip hosted by the Ocean Safari team
Expert marine biologist to guide the experience
Healthy breakfast and drink
Please Bring Your Own:
Water bottle
Day Pack/Back pack (to carry your food and water)
Sturdy shoes that can get wet (Please no flip flops!)
Sun Hat
Sun Screen
Optional Items to Bring:
Camera
Notebook and pencil
Cost:
$25
Please call Ocean Safari at 626-287-6283 to sign up and to get further details.
If you would like to carpool, 10 spaces are available in Thomas’s van, please call to reserve a spot.
Hooded What?
It has been a while since the last time we saw these guys in our local waters. During warm months, hooded nudibranch (Melibe leonine) can be found in large numbers in the kelp forests. This year, with the giant kelp forest looking more healthy, we are hoping to see them on our dives. It’s quite mesmerizing to watch them sweep the water with their wide open oral hood.
