Salish Sea Dive Inc. - Pacific Northwest

The team at Salish Sea Dive Inc. truly gets what cold water diving is all about. They’re based right in the thick of it, in Powell River, and we think they’re a fantastic pick if you’re looking to get properly introduced to the Pacific Northwest’s unique underwater world. This isn't your typical tropical operation, and that's precisely why we rate them. What makes them special? They specialise in the kind of diving that requires a bit more planning and the right gear. Think giant Pacific octopus encounters, wolf eels peering from dens, and forests of Puget Sound king crab moving slowly over the silty bottom. We love their focus on local diving, teaching you how to handle the currents and often green-tinted visibility that characterises these waters. If you’re a diver who’s keen to expand beyond warm, clear oceans and experience something genuinely different, Salish Sea Dive Inc. is a solid choice. We’d suggest going in late summer or early autumn for the best chance at calmer surface conditions, though the marine life here is phenomenal year-round. Don’t forget your drysuit skills – they’ll be invaluable.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
49.836792, -124.530174
Phone
+1 604-344-0594
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.salishseadive.com
Certification Agencies
["PADI"]
Courses
PADI Dive Center [padi:24818]
Address
#101 - 4463 Marine Avenue, Powell River British Columbia V8A 2K3, Canada

Dive Sites Near Salish Sea Dive Inc.

Salish Sea Dive Inc. 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