Rock Pool Rambles for Children in Jersey

Join us on our Rockpool Ramble to discover the hidden life of rockpools. Accompanied by expert local guides, discover shellfish, shore crabs, tiny spider crabs, colourful anemones, beautiful starfish and more!

The 1½-hour walk takes place in the World Wetlands site on the southeast coast of Jersey, where exciting marine discoveries await.

Read about our Rockpool Explorations here. Contact us to arrange your marine safari!

Jersey has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world. The landscape continuously changes with the ebb and flow of the tide, almost doubling in size twice a day. The tidal range is an astonishing twelve metres on the biggest tides of the year. The huge rise and fall create a marine wilderness for children and families to explore. It’s a natural treasure trove full of many sea creatures waiting to be discovered. Head out and see what you can spot under the seaweed, among the rocks and rock pools.

Be quiet around rock pools, as you will have more chances of spotting small sea creatures. Children will be delighted to find crabs, limpets, sea snails, and anemones. See how many different sea creatures you can collect in your bucket. Be careful; gently move seaweed to look underneath, and move your net carefully in any pool. Gently put any sea creatures back where you found them.

Avoid using a net to catch marine life because the net might injure the creatures.

Always be vigilant when exploring at low tide. Our tides can come back in quickly, so always check the tide times before you go exploring down the beach.

We organise regular guided walks which are suitable for families with children.

How to go rock pooling

Wrap up warm if it is cold, or wear a sun hat and sunscreen if it is hot and sunny.

Check the tide tables for the time of low water and allow plenty of time to explore before the tide comes back in.

Some of Jersey’s beaches are only fully revealed when the tide falls, leaving smooth sand and shallow water ready to be explored. Plémont Bay is one such beach where hidden caves and waterfalls are all waiting to be discovered. On many beaches, you will find rock pools full of life. Look out for tiny crabs, anemones and small fish.

Remember your Wellington boots or beach shoes to climb over the slippery rocks.

Low tide at Greve de Lecq and Green Island provides easy access to rock pools and natural paddling pools for splashing. These beaches also have cafes and toilets.

Visit Elizabeth Castle. It is an easy walk out to the castle at low tide, but make sure you have checked the time of low tide because the causeway can cover very quickly. At high tide, you can travel on the Castle Ferry. The ferry is an amphibious vehicle fondly known as the ‘Duck’, and it’s a fun experience.

Visit La Corbière Lighthouse at low tide. It is a super walk with large rock pools on either side of the causeway. Once there, you have expansive views out to sea; if you are lucky, you might even see dolphins.

Join us on a low-tide trek to Seymour Tower, one mile off the island’s southeast coast, for a real adventure. Look out for the deep rock pools and watch out for the tide. As this walk is a bit of a trek, it’s worth taking snacks and water. Our Family Walks to Seymour Tower are suitable for young children who want to spend lots of time discovering the “mini-beasts” in the rock pools.

What you will need to explore rockpools

You might want coats, wellington boots, a sun hat, and sunscreen, depending on the weather. Exploring beaches at low tide often feels cooler, so an extra layer is useful. Take water to drink and some healthy snacks to keep you going. Buckets help you to look closely at any sea creatures you might catch on your rockpool ramble.

Look after the sea creatures.

Do not trample through rock pools on your rockpool ramble. Take care where you step, as you may not see creatures attached to the rocks and hiding under seaweed or on the sand. If you turn over rocks, return them to their original position to preserve the environment beneath. Studies show that if stones are left upturned, recovery can take 5-10 years.

Avoid using a net to catch marine life because the net might injure the creatures.

Where & when to go rock pooling in Jersey?

All beaches in Jersey provide low tide opportunities, but some offer more rock pooling and natural paddling pools than others. Check out Green Island, Le Hocq, La Rocque Harbour, Plémont and Le Portelet Bay.

Check the tide tables for the time of low water. The tide comes in quickly, so you need to be aware of this. Dry, bright days are better. Wrap up warm if it is cold, and make sure you have sun hats and sunscreen if it is hot.

Why should you go rock pooling?

Children love the opportunity to be curious and excited about discovering sea creatures in the low-water pools.

Children will love being outdoors, splashing in natural puddles and finding shells and seaweed to collect into a bucket or net. Being outside has a positive impact on our mental health and well-being. Plus, children can talk about what they can see, which helps develop their understanding of the natural world.

Seeing sea creatures in their natural habitats gives children the opportunity to expand their knowledge of their environment, develop their language and conversational skills, and engage in exciting searches of rock pools and beaches at low tide.

Best of all, rock pooling is tremendous fun for everyone!