A young explorer can start by learning the habitats first, then the animals that depend on them.
What looks like an empty stretch of sand can support animals that burrow, feed and hide below the surface.
Seagrasses are flowering plants, not seaweed. Their underwater meadows provide food and shelter for many organisms.
Corals are animals and important habitat builders. Singapore still has coral communities despite being a busy port city.
A large and distinctive sea star associated with Singapore's intertidal habitats. Observe without lifting or moving it.
A skilled camouflage artist. Slow, careful observation is often more useful than searching by touching rocks or animals.
Hermit crabs use empty shells as portable homes — one reason shells on the beach are better left where they are.
Sea cucumbers live on or in the seabed. Different species can be found in Singapore's coastal habitats.
Interesting to observe, but never provoke wildlife to make it inflate or react.
Living coral is fragile. Avoid stepping on, breaking or collecting it.
Wear covered footwear, watch where you step and do not touch an animal you cannot identify. Some marine animals can sting, bite or pinch.
Photograph animals where you find them. Do not collect wildlife, take shells, poke animals or rearrange the habitat for a better picture.
See Resources for Singapore NParks intertidal guidance.