Guided tide pooling
Tide pool (n.): a pool of salt water left (as in a rock basin) by an ebbing tide
Tide pooling is the act of exploring tide pools and observing the life within them. Unlike the flashy critters of a tropical reef, life in New England’s tide pools is often discreet. With Turning Tides, you have a guide to teach you all about the world between the tides and beyond them- from critter identification to Maine’s maritime culture.
DISCLAIMER: Tide pooling requires navigating slippery rocks in close proximity to the ocean. Closed-toed shoes MUST be worn. Tide pooling may be an unsuitable activity for folks who experience limited mobility or are at heightened risk of injury in the event of a fall. You assume all risk when participating in tide pooling activities with Turning Tides ME and will be required to sign waivers prior to your tide pool experience. By booking, you acknowledge and agree to our terms.
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Guided tide pooling session
One hour of guided tide pooling in Biddeford Pool, ME. Meet fascinating marine life in a quintessential Maine coast setting.
Groups of 2-8.
Pricing: Groups of 2 to 4 book at $60/person. Groups of 5 to 8 book at $55/person.
*One on one tide pooling sessions ($110/hour), sessions for larger groups, and sessions outside of Biddeford Pool may be requested through the link below.
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Special requests
Turning Tides wants to facilitate your most memorable corporate team outings, transformative school fieldtrips, beachy birthday parties, and other fun events!
Sessions for larger groups and sessions outside of Biddeford Pool can be scheduled by filling out this form. You will receive a response with scheduling information and a quote within 24 hours.
Don’t have a group but still want to explore the tides? One on one tide pooling at a rate of $110/hour may also be requested through the linked form.
FAQs
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Turning Tides utilizes multiple tide pooling sites throughout Biddeford Pool. You will receive detailed directions via email upon booking. The time you book, and the subsequent tidal height you’ve booked at, will dictate the site we visit during your tour.
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Upon booking, you will receive an email with exact details.
Generally, you should expect to meet your tide pool guide, Aubrey, in beautiful Biddeford Pool. From the meeting location, we will take about a 10-minute walk along the coast to our tide pooling site.
We will spend approximately 40 minutes exploring the tide pools. The critters that we find will depend on tidal height and sheer luck, though it is guaranteed that you will see wildlife on your tour.
After tide pooling, you will have the option to head back with your guide or continue tide pooling on your own. The walk to and from the site presents an excellent opportunity to birdwatch and ask your guide any coastal questions you may have.
If you do choose to continue tide pooling, you are encouraged to reach out to Aubrey via email if you find anything you have questions about!
The exact location within Biddeford Pool is subject to change based on environmental conditions.
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You must wear closed-toed shoes.
Light layers, as it can get windy on shore.
Anything you might bring on a hike, including sun protection, bug spray, water, or snacks.
Binoculars, as we often see sea birds at our tide pooling sites.
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We welcome children of all ages but encourage parents to assess the suitability of this activity for their individual children.
You must book a slot for any children who will be joining, and any child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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In a word, no. Most of our tide pooling sites strictly prohibit dogs. This is to protect the wildlife Turning Tides ME wants to grow appreciation for. If you show up to your tour with a (non-service) dog, your guide will leave and no refunds will be issued.
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One of the nice things about Maine is that we have very few marine critters that can seriously harm you. However, crabs do pinch, washed up jellies do sting, and you should always be careful when in close proximity with wildlife.