Henderson Point - Pacific Northwest

Henderson Point is a sleeper hit for us. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliably fascinating and we often find ourselves lingering longer than planned. The site drops off gently, making it really accessible for newer divers, though experienced eyes will pick out plenty of intrigue. We love the sheer variety of life here. You’ll weave through eelgrass beds, feeling the cool water shift around you, eyes peeled for those camouflaged Slender Sole flattened against the sandy bottom. Keep an eye out for Red Rock Crabs scuttling between rocks, and we've had some memorable encounters with giant octopuses tucked into crevices – always a thrill. Dive this during a slack tide, if you can. The currents here can push you around a bit, especially when the deeper water starts moving. You’ll want time to really slow down and appreciate the smaller stuff, like the delicate Star ascidians clinging to the rocks or the way the Pacific Glass Shrimp almost disappear against the silty bottom. This is a site for the patient observer, someone who enjoys finding the beauty in the subtle rather than the spectacular.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.597890, -123.480740

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 Henderson Point

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 Henderson Point

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