Low-low tides ahead! Here’s when to see them, with and without beach naturalists

(Lincoln Park beach at low-low tide, 2024 photo by Tom Trulin)

Plan your beach visits now – low-low tides are on the way. This Saturday (May 16) at 11:06 am, the tide is out to -3.1 feet; on Sunday, -3.8 feet at 11:50 am; next Monday, the lowest one, -4.1 feet at 12:36 pm; Tuesday (May 19), -3.8 feet at 1:25 pm, and Wednesday (May 20), -3.1 feet at 2:17 pm.

As this prime time for shore exploration approaches, the Seattle Aquarium has announced its beach-naturalist dates for this summer – including three in West Seattle, all at Lincoln Park beach:

May 18, 11 am-2 pm (with the aforementioned -4.1-foot low-low tide)
June 14, 9:30 am-12:30 pm (with a -3.9-foot low-low tide at 10:45 am)
July 13, 9:30 am-noon (with a -3.7-foot low-low tide at 10:30 am)

Some days on the chart have even lower tides – June 15 and 16, for example, both bottom out at -4.3 feet, which we’d call “mega-low.” Whenever and wherever you go exploring, tread lightly!

Samantha May 12, 2026 (1:43 pm)

I never know when to first arrive during low tide! Does anyone have any recommendations to see the most sea creatures? I feel like I always get there too late or too early.

Sea Lemon May 12, 2026 (2:27 pm)

I usually arrive about an hour before low tide. With these super low tides, I imagine you could start seeing cool stuff up to two hours before!
- Lauren May 12, 2026 (3:29 pm)
  
  Agree with this, about an hour beforehand is usually when I aim for!

CarDriver May 12, 2026 (1:57 pm)

If you have the time arrive on the beach @1 hour before the low tide times listed here on the blog.Being there then will ensure you’ll see everything there is to see at the tides lowest point.

Bill May 12, 2026 (8:06 pm)

There will definitely be beach naturalists out there for the low tides this weekend and all summer long. The West Seattle Low Tide All Stars for sure. Look for your favorite former aquarium volunteers and staff, plus plenty of other nerds dropping knowledge on the beach.

WSB May 12, 2026 (9:10 pm)

I would have mentioned them if I had any info. You or anyone else is invited to send us a schedule or even general info!

k May 12, 2026 (9:24 pm)

Which part of the beach at Lincoln Park the naturalists will be at? Is it close to the parking lot, or a ways down the path?

Former Beach Naturalist May 15, 2026 (7:55 am)

They usually start at the end of the beach near the ferry terminal and casually walk around within sight of that part of the beach – you should be able to spot them, they have red hats and tan vests! Also a reminder: no dogs allowed on the beaches, please, to protect the creatures. Not just at low tides, but every day :)