Tucked away but hardly nondescript, the green sea anemone waits like a lovely flower. Its adhesive foot or pedal disc anchors it to rock or coral while its tentacles spread to welcome its prey. Urchins, fish, crab… any that wander close enough will be stung with a paralyzing neurotoxin and guided into the sea creature’s mouth.
The green sea anemones we spotted in Crystal Cove can be found along North America’s west coast from Alaska to Baja California. They receive their vibrant coloring from a symbiotic relationship with green algae: The anemone provides a safe environment for the algae’s photosynthesis; the anemone in turn makes use of the sugar and oxygen that are byproducts of the process.
Crystal Cove State Park Map and Visitor Information
Crystal Cove State Park; Irvine, California
3 miles of Pacific coastline with underwater park plus 2300 acres of bluffs and wooded canyons!
Hiking, biking (single track mountain & dirt road), fishing, kayaking, surfing, and “tidepooling”!
Directions: Just off of the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy1) between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach. Easy access via I-5, 405 & 73.
Admission: Daily State Park Fee (good at multiple state parks on same day): $10 / Annual Pass: $125
Weather Conditions: 949-494-3539
Historic District Cottage Rentals
Park Website
View Crystal Cove in a larger map
Lovely post on the green sea anemones and green algae, kind of you rub my shoulders and I’ll rub yours.
What great shots! These green sea anemone’s look really pretty but they always give me the creeps in person!
oh! wow! i can not imagine what that things look like!
amazing nature.
Nature is a wonderful thing, and you capture it in a fantastic way.
Superb photos through the water. Bizarre critters too.
Rainfield: The mark of any great relationship: a little mutual appreciation!
Fly Girl: They’re lovely, but I generally keep a safe distance from them when swimming or snorkeling -getting just close enough to watch them fold in all those tentacles! This variety is not supposed to cause much sensation to humans beyond a slight tingling.
Amer: It IS amazing. The ocean world has always fascinated me. It seems like there is something new to see every time I snorkel or spend time along the shore.
Thanks Donald. I love that there are still things for us to discover beneath the sea. *I’m watching for the next installment of your sea stories!
Thank you Mark. The water was exceptionally clear (and I used a polarizing filter). I used to do some underwater photography but don’t have that camera anymore. Some day…!
It is so surprising to watch how creature, which look like plants, behave as animals
Hotels Paphos: It’s fascinating isn’t it? I love to swim close and just watch the plant/animals “be”…
I envy you))))
Hotels Paphos: Wish I could do it more often!