Dyer Rocks - Pacific Northwest

Dyer Rocks isn't your average Pacific Northwest dive. It's a proper pinnacle, rising from the depths, and the current can really rip here, so pick your slack tide window carefully. When it's calm though, it's one of our favourite spots for a reason. The walls are just covered in life; think massive colonies of sunflower stars crawling over every surface, and the most vibrant green sea urchins tucked into crevices. We’ve seen California spot prawns hiding in the cracks, their eyes glinting in the torchlight, and the roughpatch and horned shrimp are everywhere if you slow down and look closely. We love the feeling of being out in the open, even if it's only a boat ride from shore. Keep an eye out into the blue; we’ve had dogfish cruise past us here, and while rare, Orca have been sighted on occasion. This is a dive for those who appreciate the robust, unapologetic beauty of cold-water ecosystems and don't mind a bit of a current for the reward. It’s a site that feels wild and untamed, offering a glimpse into the raw power of the Pacific.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.623333, -123.483330
Type
pinnacle

Marine Protected Area: Kellett Bluff Voluntary No-take

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 Dyer Rocks

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 Dyer Rocks

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