The Best Scuba Diving Destinations in the Pacific Northwest
Hey there fellow adventurers! Are you ready to take the plunge and explore the underwater wonders of the Pacific Northwest? Well grab your wetsuits and dive gear because I’m about to share with you the BEST scuba diving destinations in the PNW!
H2: Hood Canal
Let’s start with Hood Canal, a beautiful fjord located in western Washington state. This spot is perfect for all experience levels, from newbie divers to more seasoned pros. The water is crystal clear and teeming with life, including octopus, shrimp, rockfish, and even giant Pacific octopuses (they’re pretty massive and super cool to see up close!). Make sure to also check out the wreckage of the USS Gambier Bay, a WWII escort carrier that now serves as an artificial reef for all sorts of marine life.
H2: San Juan Islands
Next up, we have the San Juan Islands, a group of islands located off the coast of Washington and British Columbia. With over 400 islands and reefs to explore, there’s no shortage of underwater adventures waiting for you. Keep an eye out for sea otters, seals, and even majestic orca whales! One of my favorite dives here was at the Cattle Point Wall, a stunning wall dive with a wide variety of colorful marine life.
H2: Monterey Bay
Alright, I know what you’re thinking – “Wait, Monterey Bay isn’t in the Pacific Northwest!” And technically, you’re right. But trust me, this iconic California dive spot is absolutely worth the extra drive. With a depth range of 20-100 feet, there’s something for every type of diver here. Keep your eyes peeled for playful sea lions and vast fields of jewel-like anemones. In fact, Monterey Bay is home to over 300 species of fish and invertebrates – not too shabby, huh?
H2: Puget Sound
Last but definitely not least, we have Puget Sound – a massive estuary system that stretches across western Washington state. The diving here is truly special and has some of the most fascinating creatures you’ll see in the PNW. Make sure to check out the massive six-gill sharks, playful harbor seals, and schools of colorful rockfish. And if you’re feeling particularly brave, you can even dive with the massive Pacific octopuses that inhabit these waters.
So there you have it folks, the best scuba diving destinations in the Pacific Northwest (and a little bonus spot in California). Now all that’s left to do is grab your gear and start exploring these wondrous, underwater worlds!
