Salt Pond Beach on the west side of Kauai is just the place discover the wonders of the tide pools, but you must look closely or you just might miss the creatures that blend into their environment. What looks like an outcropping of rocks on the far east end of the beach, is actually an old reef that hides an abundance of live treasures, especially for kids that are interested in marine life. Those who wait for a low tide, will be greatly rewarded.
What kind of curious treasures can you find in a tide pool? Under the rocks amongst the rubble, the sea life will begin to reveal itself. Familiar creatures like crabs and urchins can be found here, but even a marine biologist may discover something new, simply by looking under a rock. Rock boring urchins have carved the landscape to provide holes and crevices for all sorts of colorful marine life to hide and thrive and what hides here might amaze you. Brilliant crimson Spanish dancers, sand-covered sea cumbers, spaghetti worms with their tentacles extended nearly a meter, brittle stars, rock crabs and sea hares are only some of the creatures you may encounter. It is easy to spend hours in the tide pools with kids, so be sure to bring water and sunscreen!
To get to the reef, follow the fence line of the airport to the beach and do not be deterred by the Keep Out signs (they are only meant to keep you off the airfield behind the fence). Once at the beach, take a left and continue only on the hard packed surface. The reef is easy to spot. It looks like a large outcropping of rocks extending seaward. At low tide, it is easy to explore, but your feet may thank you if you wear shoes or reef walkers. A note of caution: as with any ocean exploration, please pay attention to ocean conditions before you head out. The sea life here, as anywhere is fragile, so please handle minimally, replace the rocks, take only pictures and leave the animals in their homes.
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