For landlubbers like us gawking with open mouths at the colourful life in a rock pool at the sea shore is one of the highlights of a beach holiday. Many of the life forms are so unique and different from what we’re used to as to seem utterly alien. We were fortunate in that, during our time in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, we had a chance to visit Mission Rocks at low tide in the cool of the afternoon, allowing us to clamber over the rocks from one pool to the next to our heart’s content.
Mission Rocks
Mission Rocks
Mission Rocks
Mission Rocks
Rock pools at Mission Rocks
Mission Rocks
Heart-shaped rock pool at Mission Rocks
Convict Surgeonfish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Crab moving between rock pools at Mission Rocks
Convict Surgeonfish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Barred Flagtail in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Crab next to a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Crab at Mission Rocks
Convict Surgeonfish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Convict Surgeonfish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Convict Surgeonfish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Natal Rock Crab at Mission Rocks
Hermit Crab at Mission Rocks
Crab and little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Crabs and little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Crabs on the rocks at Mission Rocks
Crab in a pool at Mission Rocks
Barred Flagtail in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Convict Surgeonfish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Little Butterflyfish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Convict Surgeonfish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Natal Rock Crab at Mission Rocks
Crab in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Little fish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Crab on its way to a rock pool at Mission Rocks
Convict Surgeonfish in a rock pool at Mission Rocks
de Wets Wild 
I find these rock pools so fascinating…little microcosms that pull you in and focus your attention. Lovely!
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Absolutely, Lori! Focusing the attention to the point of getting splashed by a freak wave every so often! 😀
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These are beautifully vibrant tide pools! The perfect place for the nature-trained eyes of you and your family. Isn’t it magically mesmerizing once you’re focused in on this unique niche in Nature?!
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I couldn’t agree more, Jane, and we were really thankful to be able to visit iSimangaliso at long last, having had to postpone our visit by several months due to the pandemic.
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I’m happy to hear you can travel again. We are looking forward to that kind of freedom… sadly, I think we will be counting the delay in years not months. Stay well ❤
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Rock pools are fascinating mini-worlds to explore!
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That’s very true, Anne. Each one of them a treasure chest!
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What a pleasure to spend some time along the shore and to see so much water. 🙂 I always enjoy the lakes at the Preserve and in the desert, water is (or should be) cherished and enjoyed. Thanks for a delightful and refreshing break. One of these days I’ll get to southern California for a visit and I’ll have some beach shots to share as well. 🙂
janet
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I’m really looking forward to those California beach photos, Janet!
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Visiting that area would be a good way to spend a day… or a week!
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We spent a week at Cape Vidal on this trip and all put together over the years we’ve spent at least two months over different seasons at iSimangaliso, and still we don’t feel like we’ve seen everything the “place of miracles and wonders” has to offer!
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Rock pools are cool! I don’t get to see many of these. What a neat way to explore a rocky shoreline. Thanks for sharing!
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I find it mesmerizing, John. I am often caught unawares by that odd wave pushing far above the low water mark because my attention is so fixed on the pool in front of my nose! 😀
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I love the ocean, the sound of the waves, the peculiar smell of salt water. Very nice! Thanks, D. 🙂
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It does hold a special allure, H.J. I hope these photos helped stir those happy memories for you.
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I love visiting these rock pools at the shore, even though we don’t have that many in actuality, and I could easily spend hours doing that. However, it is still winter here, so your photos are the next best alternative. Thank you, Dries!
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It’s quite astounding how the life in one pool might differ from what is to be seen in the next one, Hien. I suppose it has a lot to do with how much water the pool holds, thus how quickly the temperature of the water rises and the oxygen depletes, and whether it is regularly replenished by wave action or not.
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