Exotic Aquatics Ltd. - Pacific Northwest

The team at Exotic Aquatics Ltd. are the real deal, no frills, just solid diving in the PNW. For anyone looking to get properly comfortable in cold water, or just exploring the Puget Sound, they’re a great choice. We love their no-nonsense approach to training, a definite plus when you’re dealing with the conditions here. They’re a PADI 5 Star outfit, which means good structure for courses, but it’s their local knowledge that sets them apart. We’ve had some of our clearest Puget Sound dives with their crew, spotting giant Pacific octopuses tucked into rock crevices and schools of perch drifting through kelp forests. One memorable dive involved navigating a current so mild it felt like flying past walls of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently. Our favourite thing about diving with them is their commitment to making sure you’re truly ready for the conditions, not just ticking boxes. Expect thorough briefings on currents and entry points, which you’ll appreciate when the thermocline hits. They’re perfect for divers who value competence and local expertise over resort-style amenities.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
47.626880, -122.520454
Phone
+1 206-842-1980
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.exoticaquaticsscuba.com
Certification Agencies
["PADI"]
Courses
PADI 5 Star Dive Center [padi:2478]
Address
328 Madison Avenue North, Suite B, Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110, United States

Dive Sites Near Exotic Aquatics Ltd.

Exotic Aquatics Ltd. provides access to 15 dive sites in Pacific Northwest.

Other Dive Centres in Pacific Northwest

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)

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 Marine Life

Recommended Packing List for Pacific Northwest

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