G.B. Church - Pacific Northwest

G.B. Church. Now, this is one of those spots in the Pacific Northwest where we’ve found ourselves lingering, sometimes just floating, watching the world go by. It’s not about dramatic drop-offs or massive pelagics here, though we have seen the occasional orca pass through on a good day. For us, G.B. Church is a macro lover’s dream. We often drop in, the current usually a gentle nudge, and settle in for a slow drift. Keep your eyes peeled on the substrate. You’ll find Plainfin Midshipmen hunkered down, their bioluminescent organs sometimes giving a subtle glow. We’ve spent whole dives just combing through the anemones and hydroids, finding Roughpatch Shrimp and those tiny Four-Spined Squat Lobsters clinging on. The sweet potato sea cucumbers are everywhere, their tube feet working overtime. It’s a site that rewards patience, a slow pace, and a keen eye. Bring a good dive light to pick out the colours and textures, especially those vibrant green sea urchins. We love G.B. Church for its quiet beauty, for the intricate lives playing out in miniature right in front of you. It’s a perfect dive for photographers or anyone who appreciates the smaller wonders of the cold water.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.670000, -123.286670
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-30m

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 G.B. Church

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 G.B. Church

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