Charlotte Wreckeck - Pacific Northwest

The Charlotte Wreckeck might not be the deepest dive, topping out at a beginner-friendly 16m, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it's not a proper exploration. This wooden schooner, which found its final resting place over a century ago, is a personal favourite of ours for its character. We love how the wreck’s timbers are now completely encrusted, a fuzzy blanket of anemones and sponges in shades of orange, purple, and green. You’ll find lingcod peering out from under collapsed decking and rockfish darting into crevices. We’d suggest taking your time to really look closely; the smaller details, like nudibranchs grazing on the hydroids, are what make this dive special. The visibility can be typical PNW green, but on a good day, with sunlight filtering down, the colours really pop. It’s an accessible wreck that feels much older than its depth suggests, offering a real sense of history for new wreck divers and a relaxed critter hunt for experienced eyes. Our pick for a calm afternoon dive.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.676400, -122.270400
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Chuckanut Island

Best Time to Dive in Pacific Northwest

The warmest water temperatures in Pacific Northwest occur in August, averaging 16.5°C (up to 15.6°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 6.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 7.1°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • February: 6.9°C (air: 4.5°C)
  • March: 7.7°C (air: 6.6°C)
  • April: 9.5°C (air: 8.7°C)
  • May: 12.0°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 14.0°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • July: 15.7°C (air: 14.9°C)
  • August: 16.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 14.3°C (air: 14.0°C)
  • October: 11.4°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 7.4°C)
  • December: 7.7°C (air: 5.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Pacific Northwest

Nearest Dive Centres to Charlotte Wreckeck

Marine Life in Pacific Northwest

Home to 38 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 7 crabs & lobsters, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Charlotte Wreckeck

Based on average water temperature of 11.0°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 11°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories