Natural Pools Salinas del Carmen
A magical tidal pool that emerges from the ocean during low tide, offering a unique and crystal-clear swimming experience.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer people
Natural Pools Salinas del Carmen
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer people
.jpg&w=3840&q=70)
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical tidal pool that emerges from the ocean during low tide, offering a unique and crystal-clear swimming experience.
"Absolutely fantastic and a must see. If you get a day with less wind it is still and perfect at low tide."
🎯 Check Tide Charts Daily
Crucial for seeing the pool! Arrive an hour before low tide for the best experience.
👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes
Wet rocks are slippery. Sturdy footwear is essential for safe access and exit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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The Tidal Pool Itself
Caleta de Fuste
A crystal-clear natural pool that emerges from the ocean during low tide, perfect for a unique swim.

Coastal Path Views
Along the coast from Caleta de Fuste
Enjoy scenic walks along the coastal path leading to the pool, offering beautiful ocean vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Low Tide is Key
Navigating the Rocks and Waves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tide Charts Daily
Crucial for seeing the pool! Arrive an hour before low tide for the best experience.
👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes
Wet rocks are slippery. Sturdy footwear is essential for safe access and exit.
🌊 Be Prepared for Waves
Windy days mean choppier water. Strong swimmers will enjoy it more.
📸 Insta vs. Reality
It's beautiful, but can be less 'fancy' than social media suggests. Manage expectations!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tide Charts Daily
Crucial for seeing the pool! Arrive an hour before low tide for the best experience.
👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes
Wet rocks are slippery. Sturdy footwear is essential for safe access and exit.
🌊 Be Prepared for Waves
Windy days mean choppier water. Strong swimmers will enjoy it more.
📸 Insta vs. Reality
It's beautiful, but can be less 'fancy' than social media suggests. Manage expectations!
🤿 Bring Goggles/Snorkel
The clear water is perfect for exploring underwater.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of the Natural Pools Salinas del Carmen, especially when visited at low tide. The crystal-clear water and unique tidal formation make it a must-see. However, be prepared for slippery rocks and potentially choppy waters on windy days, which can impact the swimming experience and access.
"Absolutely stunning. We went just before low tide but the sea was choppy so the pool was unpredictable! Strong swimmers are ok but weaker ones were rolling around the rocks! Still Absolutely fantastic and a must see. If you get a day with less wind it is still and perfect at low tide."
Suzanne Browning
"Absolutely terrific. If you're anywhere nearby I can't recommend it highly enough. I'd read online that the pool 'disappears' at high tide, so we headed there late morning (low tide on the day we visited was around 12:30pm). After low tide had passed the water level started to rise perceptibly, and the edge of the pool on the ocean side was then under a few inches of water. But if anything this enhanced the experience as the pool was then perhaps 1.8 - 2m deep and it was safe to dive in from the side, whereas previously it was only safe to make shallow dives. Although the path down to the pool is no picnic, I was pleased to see people in their 60s and older got down without too much difficulty, and I visited the pool with my 11 year-old so I would be happy to recommend it to a wide audience on that basis. The only downside is that it's rather spoiled me for the pool at my hotel! Grab your goggles and go!"
Robert Shaw
"Beautiful scenery. If you brave enough to climb down the rocks to swim when low tide. Odd chipmunk/Squirrel can be seen."
Travel Queen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The natural pools are located near Caleta de Fuste. You can walk along the coastal path from the town. Some suggest using What3Words location 'Zombie.Juicing.Sends' for navigation.
It's a short walk along the coastal path from Caleta de Fuste. Keep an eye out for it, as it's only visible at low tide.
There isn't direct car access to the pools themselves. You'll likely need to park in Caleta de Fuste and walk along the coast.
The most common access is via the coastal path from Caleta de Fuste. Be prepared for a walk.
The pools are near Castillo de Caleta de Fuste, making it a good reference point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the natural pools are a natural formation and are free to access.
There are no official opening hours as it's a natural attraction. However, it's only accessible and visible during low tide.
Access to the natural pools is completely free of charge.
The best time to visit is during low tide. Check tide charts to plan your visit accordingly.
While you can visit anytime, it's only truly visible and safe to swim during low tide. Early mornings often have fewer people.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The water is typically crystal clear and can be a beautiful green color. It's a natural sea pool, so expect ocean conditions.
It's generally safe for strong swimmers, especially at low tide. Be cautious of slippery rocks and choppy water on windy days.
Swimwear is obvious, but also wear sturdy, non-slip shoes for navigating the rocks.
Children can swim, but supervision is crucial due to slippery rocks and potentially strong currents. Stronger swimmers will be more comfortable.
You might spot small fish if you snorkel. Some reviews mention seeing chipmunks or squirrels nearby.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. However, the key is visiting during low tide to capture the pool itself.
Experiment with different angles, especially from the rocks surrounding the pool. Capturing the contrast between the rocks and the clear water is effective.
The rocks surrounding the pool offer various vantage points. Consider framing the pool with the ocean in the background.
For clear water shots, a polarizing filter can help reduce glare. Consider a wider lens to capture the scale of the pools and surrounding landscape.
Be honest in your portrayal. While beautiful, acknowledge the conditions like wind and waves that can affect the experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing water shoes for added protection and grip for little feet. The walk along the coastal path is generally manageable for families, offering pleasant views. Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water, as there are no facilities directly at the pools. The novelty of swimming in a natural sea pool can be exciting for kids, but managing expectations about potential wind and waves is important.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Be mindful of the slippery rocks when accessing the pools; wearing appropriate footwear is a must. If you plan on swimming, be aware of the water conditions, especially if it's windy. While many find it a serene experience, always prioritize your safety. Bringing a waterproof phone case or a small dry bag can be useful for keeping your essentials safe while you swim or explore.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Tidal Phenomenon
Social media often showcases the idyllic, calm waters of these pools, leading many visitors to expect a perfectly tranquil experience. However, it's important to remember that these are still connected to the open sea. Factors like wind and the strength of the tide can significantly influence the water's calmness. While some visitors have described them as 'perfect' and 'still,' others have noted that the sea can be 'choppy' and the pools 'unpredictable,' especially on windy days. This variability adds to the raw, natural charm but also necessitates a degree of caution and preparedness.
To truly appreciate the pools, understanding the tidal cycle is key. Many travelers recommend arriving about an hour before the lowest point of the tide. This allows you to witness the pools forming and enjoy them before the tide begins to rise again. It also increases your chances of encountering fewer people, as many visitors are aware of the low tide window. Checking local tide charts online or via weather apps is an essential step in planning your visit to ensure you catch the pools at their most accessible and beautiful.
Navigating Access and Safety
Travelers consistently emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate footwear. Non-slip shoes or sturdy sandals are highly recommended to prevent falls and ensure a safe climb down and back up. While many visitors, including those in their 60s and younger children, have managed the descent without major issues, it's not a path for flip-flops or delicate footwear. The experience is often described as 'no picnic' but ultimately rewarding.
Safety in the water is also a consideration. While the pools can offer a sheltered swimming experience, they are still subject to ocean conditions. On days with strong winds, the water can become choppy, and currents can be more pronounced. Strong swimmers will find it easier to navigate these conditions. It's always wise to assess the water conditions upon arrival and to be mindful of your own swimming abilities. The clear water can sometimes be deceivingly deep, so shallow dives are recommended until you are familiar with the depth.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit