In order to become an official volunteer for the Laguna Ocean Foundation, you need to be 18 years or older. In addition, we ask that you commit to volunteering at least twice a month. Don’t worry, our shifts are usually 3 hours each so that’s only 6 hours a month! If you’re still interested in volunteering but are under 18, then keep an eye out for our beach clean-ups. There’s no age restriction for helping to keep our beaches clean!

The majority of our volunteer opportunities will be in Laguna Beach. However, we cover all of Orange County. Tidepool education is typically provided at one of the following locations: Crescent Bay, Shaws Cove, Treasure Island, Woods Cove, Heisler Park or Goff Island.

We sure do! Volunteers receive free training that introduces them to intertidal life and the Marine Protected Area system in California. We offer a volunteer orientation every three months. New volunteers must attend the in-person or virtual orientation, followed by two field trainings, and a short online MPA course before becoming a Tidewater Docent and providing education in the tidepools.

Additional trainings and materials are provided throughout the year for continued education and reference.

If you’re interested in volunteering at the tidepools and becoming a Tidewater Docent, please note that you may be subject to extreme conditions. You’ll have the choice of which tidepool location you volunteer at, but some locations are easier to access than others. All locations are accessed from the beach and are on a rocky terrain. Please note that we’ll never ask you to volunteer in conditions where you feel unsafe.