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3 Popular Dive Sites of Washington State

3 Popular Dive Sites of Washington State

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on April 9, 2015

You may think the frigid waters of the Pacific Northwest are inhospitable to SCUBA divers, but there are actually a number of dive sites in the region with beautiful sights to behold, many of which are located in Washington state. Let’s take a look at just three of the most popular dive sites located here.

Alki – Cove 2

Just outside of Seattle at Seacrest Park, there’s a great complex of diving sites near a major water taxi and ferry docking point. While you’ll want to stay outside the buoy line to avoid interacting with water traffic in this busy spot, Cove 2 has attractions for divers of all skill levels. These include a small wreck, debris, and underwater structures, all of which attract a host of interesting aquatic life. For those seeking a greater challenge, there is deeper water nearby with more complex currents and I-beams.

Agate Pass – Bainbridge Island

This is one of the most challenging dive sites of Washington state. Located on Bainbridge Island in a protected state park, the location is not for the newly certified diver. This is what is known as a high speed drift dive, stretching from Agate Pass Bridge down to the state park. Its primary features are boulders and shelves and diverse marine life, with intense currents at any time of day or year. There is no shore access to the starting point of the dive, and only the most advanced divers should visit this site.

Clear Lake

While most dive sites are saltwater in nature, Clear Lake is a part of the Foster Willamette State Park, and offers something unique among the dive sites of Washington state. This freshwater dive is an excellent place for beginners to gain experience, but still challenging enough for those with more experience. It offers divers views of breathtaking volcanic rock formations, submerged petrified trees over a thousand years old, volcanic vents, and a wall and canyon descending to 200 feet.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro