HMS Express - Pacific Northwest

Diving a U-boat in Norway is a different kind of thrill, and U-64 in the Lofoten Islands is a prime example. This isn't your vibrant coral reef dive, this is a plunge into history, cold and dark and utterly compelling. We love the sheer scale of the Type IXB submarine; it’s a big boat, sitting upright on the seabed, surprisingly intact given its violent end. You’ll spend most of your time exploring the conning tower and the deck gun, which is always our favourite part, bristling with history. Visibility here can swing wildly, but when it’s good, the water has that crisp, Arctic clarity, giving the wreck a stark, almost monochrome beauty. We’d suggest a strong torch is essential, not just for peering into the open hatches, but for picking out the small anemones and sponges that have colonised the metalwork. Don't expect tropical fish, but the site often has small schooling fish darting around the structure, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a harbour porpoise patrolling the deeper water nearby. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the solemnity and history of a wartime relic, prepared for the chill and the deep. It’s a powerful experience, a true journey back in time.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
49.653960, -124.948260
Type
wreck

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 HMS Express

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 HMS Express

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