The rocky shoreline at low tide on the North Cornwall coast
Your experience

Family Rockpool Adventures

Discover the hidden worlds revealed by the tide
Overview

Fun, hands-on adventures for all the family

Family Rockpool Adventures are fun, hands-on experiences designed for curious children and adults alike. Together we'll explore the shoreline at low tide, searching for fascinating creatures such as crabs, sea anemones, blennies, prawns, starfish and colourful seaweeds, while learning how these amazing animals survive in an ever-changing environment.

Whether you're visiting Cornwall on holiday or live locally, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, spend quality time together and discover the wildlife that makes our coastline so special.

Not only will you have fun and discover an array of exciting marine life, but you will go away with new knowledge to get the most out of rockpooling the next time you visit the beach as a family.

At a glance

Duration
Approximately 2 hours
Price
£20 per child, adults join for free!
Group size
Up to 6 children
Location
South Fistral, Newquay
Minimum age
3 years
Private session
£100

Other beautiful rockpooling locations across North Cornwall are available upon request, dependent upon tides and conditions. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during school holidays.

Book Your Adventure
Exploring the shoreline at low tide on a North Cornwall beach
On the day

What to expect

Each guided adventure lasts approximately 2 hours and takes place around low tide at one of North Cornwall's beautiful beaches.

Your guide will help you:

  • Discover and identify a variety of rockpool wildlife
  • Learn fascinating facts about the animals and plants you find
  • Understand how tides shape our coastline
  • Explore safely and responsibly
  • Develop confidence in observing wildlife without disturbing it

Children are encouraged to ask questions, investigate, and become little wildlife detectives along the way.

Rockpool wildlife

What you might discover

Depending on the season and location, you may encounter:

  • Shore Crabs
  • Edible Brown Crabs
  • Spider Crabs
  • Sea Anemones
  • Common Blennies
  • Gobies
  • Prawns and Sandhoppers
  • Limpets and Periwinkles
  • Starfish
  • Colourful Seaweeds
  • Tiny fish, eggs and other hidden treasures
Marine life in clear Cornish water
Who this is for

Who is it for?

Family Rockpool Adventures are suitable for:

  • Families with children aged 3 years and over
  • Visitors wanting to experience Cornwall's wildlife
  • Budding marine biologists and nature lovers
  • Anyone curious about life beneath the tide

No previous experience is needed, just a sense of curiosity and adventure!

What to bring

Kit list

To make the most of your adventure, please bring:

  • Footwear with good grip (old trainers, wellies or beach shoes are ideal)
  • Clothing you don't mind getting wet
  • Waterproof jacket, if needed
  • Sun hat and sunscreen in warm weather
  • Drinking water
  • A small towel and spare clothes for younger children if you'd like

All rockpooling equipment is provided.

Conservation at heart

Exploring responsibly

At Selkie Adventures, we believe the best way to protect nature is to inspire people to care about it.

We'll show you how to explore rockpools responsibly by following our simple Rockpool Code:

Respect wildlife

Respect wildlife and leave it where you found it.

Handle with care

Handle marine life only when appropriate and with care.

Return rocks gently

Return rocks gently to their original position.

Leave only footprints

Leave only footprints and take only happy memories.

Together, we can help protect Cornwall's remarkable coastal habitats for future generations.

Ready to explore?

Book your Family Rockpool Adventure today and uncover the magic of Cornwall's rockpools.

Book Your Adventure