Pics: Explore the rocky shores of the North Coast

During September, snap a photo of yourself exploring with the hashtag #ExploreBallito and post to social media, tag The North Coast Courier and Tidal Tao and you could win a gift voucher for 2 people on a Discover Snorkel Safari with Tidal Tao. Valid for 6 months and not exchangeable for cash.

Marine life in the waters of the Dolphin Coast is thriving.

One need look no further than our tidal and rock pools to get a glimpse of the variety that can be found.

To experience the many intertidal rock pools you need only a snorkel, some goggles and a sense of adventure.

Snorkeling tour company Tidal Tao’s Michy Morris said a great many marine species could be spotted with some experience.

“You see less than 10% from the surface, stick your head underwater, look around and you will be astonished at what you can find,” says Morris.

This is an ideal way to get children interested in the ocean, and it is a great activity to get the entire family involved in.

“Rock pools can be a significant gateway drug leading to a lifetime addiction to the ocean,” jokes Morris.

Although most people explore the intertidal zone during the day, an entirely different side to rock pools can be found by those willing to venture out at night.

The beauty of common rock pool sightings like zoanthids, typically brown and dull green in colour, can be unlocked with an ultra violet light which transforms the unassuming animals into fluorescent wonders.

“Experiencing this was always the realm of an exotic trip somewhere, but no, it was right here, easily accessible with just a short after-dark stroll on the rocks.”

The downside to the rich ecosystem of the tidal zone is that it is also one part of the ocean that is most impacted by human activity.

This means bits of trash and discarded fishing line are often found, providing significant obstacles for marine life and birds that live there.

Morris, who developed her passion for the ocean at a young age reiterates the good that all of us can do by educating family and friends on the precious life in our rock pools.

“These may seem like small token gestures in the bigger scheme of things, but every bit of old fishing line that is removed is a constructive difference for our coastline.”

Take only photographs and leave only footprints.