Rockpooling at Kimmeridge:What To Expect
Kimmeridge Bay offers some of the finest rock pooling on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Combine a visit to Clavells with a trip to discover the underwater delights at the nearby seashore.
As a sheltered bay with natural limestone ledges, Kimmeridge Bay is the ideal spot for rock pooling. Adults and children will enjoy exploring marine life in the shallow pools and amongst the rocks at this beautiful spot.
What You Can See
Make sure you include a visit to the Wild Seas Centre located on the slipway close to the Eastern end of Kimmeridge Bay. The centre offers a wealth of information about what you can expect to see as well as interactive displays and even equipment to use on the beach and underwater.
The best thing about rock pooling is that you can see much of the marine life with the naked eye. The water here is clear and shallow and you should easily be able to spot different species of sea anemones, crabs, fish and seaweeds.
For more experienced rock pool enthusiasts, try searching for some of these specific creatures and organisms which are often to be found at Kimmeridge Bay:
Peacock’s Tail Seaweed
Rainbow Wrack
Connemara Clingfish
Montagu’s Blennies
Flat Periwinkles (often hiding in the seaweed)
Limpets, barnacles and small dog whelk
Beadlet anemones (these look like red flowers in the rockpool)
Keep your eyes peeled for larger marine animals such as seals and dolphins which do visit the bay occasionally.
Planning Your Visit
There’s always something special to see at Kimmeridge Bay and you’ll want to make the most out of your visit here. Combining it with a morning coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner at Clavells will ensure you’re fully fuelled for an exciting day of discovering nature.
When you’re planning your visit, make sure that you:
Always comply with the Marine and Coastal Code when interacting with wildlife and any living organisms.
Always check the tide times. Luckily Kimmeridge is a sheltered and safe bay but it’s always good to be aware of what the sea is doing and to respect it. Similarly, make sure there aren’t any strong currents especially when visiting with children.
Always take extra care on slippery surfaces. Rockpooling is a brilliant activity and a fantastic way to spend the day with your loved ones but rocks can get slippery and accidents do happen. Wearing waterproof footwear with good grip can help you to avoid falls.
At Kimmeridge the deepest rock pools are further west around the bay. The best time to visit any of the rockpools is at low tide as they are most exposed and ready to be enjoyed.
Share Your Day
At Clavells we love seeing your photos and videos. Make sure you tag us in all of your adventures - whether it’s at our restaurant, or whilst rockpooling down in the bay. Tag us on Instagram @clavellsrestaurant and we’ll share your snaps with all our lovely followers.