Robert E. Badham State Marine Conservation Area

Robert E. Badham State Marine Conservation Area & Tidepool Exploration Information

Little Corona and the southern coves of the Robert E. Badham State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) are considered a Marine Protected Area. There is ABSOLUTELY NO COLLECTING of animals, shells or rocks from the tidepools or the adjoining sand beach.

Little Corona Marine Life Refuge

Little Corona Marine life Refuge is located in Corona del Mar, just south of Newport Beach. Visitors come from all over the world to experience this delicate ecosystem. We strive to protect the habitat, animals and plants that make the tidepools their home. Little Corona is a protected area and all rocks, shells and marine life must not be disturbed. For more information on Orange County Marine Protected areas visit:

• http://www.ocmarineprotection.org

Tidepool Exploration Programs

Do you have an organized group you want to share the wonders of the tidepools with? We can accommodate small groups (i.e. scout troops or youth groups) and large groups. Book early.

Some of our most popular days fill up 8-9 months ahead of time.

Little Corona Beach   Low Tide		Little Corona Beach    High Tide

Same Beach, Different Tides

Make sure you check the tides before you head out to explore. Conditions vary from day to day. Both of the photos to the left were taken mid afternoon.

Tidepooling in the afternoon of the top photo may lead to some excellent discoveries and very cool creatures. Tidepooling on the afternoon of the bottom photo will most likely lead to a wet (and possible dangerous) trip with very little to see. Check tides in the newspaper or use the tide chart on this website. Remember, the lower the tide, the better!