Underwater Sports Inc. - Pacific Northwest
The team at Underwater Sports Inc. in Federal Way are our go-to for diving the Pacific Northwest. They really understand what it takes to dive these often chilly, current-swept waters, and it shows in their approach. We love their deep local knowledge; these folks don’t just teach PADI courses, they practically live in the Puget Sound. If you’re keen to master drysuit diving, navigating currents, or just getting comfortable with lower visibility and colder temperatures, this is your place. We've found their instructors incredibly patient and thorough, essential for getting new divers comfortable in these unique conditions. Our favourite part? They regularly organise local dives, so you’re not just getting certified, you’re instantly part of a community exploring sites like Edmonds Underwater Park or Three Tree Point. Forget exotic reefs for a moment, the rich, often surprising macro life and kelp forests here are incredible once you know where to look. We’d suggest chatting with them about gear choices, as having the right exposure protection is key to enjoying your time under the often green surface.
- Location
- Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
- Coordinates
- 47.322323, -122.312620
- Phone
- +1 253-874-9387
- [email protected]
- Website
- http://www.underwatersports.com
- Certification Agencies
- ["PADI"]
- Courses
- PADI 5 Star Dive Center [padi:1232]
- Address
- 34428 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way, Washington 98003, United States
Dive Sites Near Underwater Sports Inc.
Underwater Sports Inc. provides access to 15 dive sites in Pacific Northwest.
- 100 Foot Rock
- Alki Beach Park
- Alki beach Seattle ferry north
- Am/Pm Beach - 13m (shore)
- Ansell Point Dive Site - 5-20m (shore)
- Arachne Reef - 5-20m (reef)
- Arachne Reef (reef)
- Arbutus Island - 10-30m (shore)
- Arbutus Point - 23m
- Atkins Reef (reef)
- Atrevida Reef (reef)
- Barnard Castle - 15-35m (pinnacle)
- Bell Island
- Blake Island Reef (reef)
- Blind Reef (reef)
Other Dive Centres in Pacific Northwest
- Adventure Scuba
- Aqua Dive And Water Sports
- Aquatic Sports - SSI
- Blueback Tyee Cove Dive site
- Central Oregon Diving - PADI
- Cottam Point Dive site
- Discount Divers
- Dive and Sea Sports - PADI, Emergency First Response
- Diving Sports Canada - PADI, TDI, PFI, SDI
- Edmonds Underwater Sports
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
- Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) - Reef Fish
- coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) - Reef Fish
- Spiny Dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) - Sharks & Rays
- Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) - Reef Fish
- Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Common shore crab (Carcinus maenas) - Crabs & Lobsters
- red salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) - Reef Fish
- California Spot Prawn (Pandalus platyceros) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Slender Crab (Metacarcinus gracilis) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) - Reef Fish
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